The Battle of Stars: golfing for a cause in Mallorca

Pula Golf Resort, in collaboration with the Golf Club Son Servera, is preparing for the next edition of The Battle of Stars, which will kick off on Thursday, June 13, in Mallorca, in a remarkable display of sportsmanship and solidarity. During two rounds, this charity tournament aims to raise funds and attention for ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and multiple sclerosis. The participation of renowned athletes and celebrities such as Rafa Nadal, Marcos Alonso, Pep Guardiola, Feliciano López, Pepe Reina, Gabriel Batistuta, and Antonio Orozco not only turns this event into a high-profile occasion but also inspires and motivates to contribute to this noble cause. This second edition, initiated by Pula Golf Resort and supported by Mallorca, promises a memorable experience.

The Battle of Stars offers amateur golfers a unique and exciting opportunity to play alongside world-class figures over two days filled with purpose and social impact. Among the notable participants will be Juan Carlos Unzué, a former footballer and coach who has become a symbol of the fight against ALS. This rare chance to share the course with these stars is a privilege that should not be missed.

The Battle of Stars support

The tournament is bolstered by the support of Golf East Mallorca, Fundación Mallorca Turismo, Cap Vermell Grand Hotel, Inmobiliaria Sa Coma, and Banco Santander, ensuring its resounding success. The picturesque Pula Golf Resort and the scenic Golf Club Son Servera will showcase their world-class facilities and beautiful landscapes. They are famous among the most sought-after destinations for Spain golf holidays.

Pula Golf Resort, a unique venue that hosted the Mallorca Classic on the DP World Tour for seven years, was redesigned by two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal between 2004 and 2006. Established in 1995, Pula Golf was transformed into a premier golf course, a par-72 spanning 6,246 meters, with 14 of its 18 holes offering views of the green from the tee. Pula Golf is known for hosting significant events like the PGA European Tour Championships Mallorca and the Olazábal and Nadal Invitational.

On the other hand, Golf Club Son Servera, designed by John Harris and Francisco López Segales, opened in 1967 and expanded from 9 to 18 holes in 2012. Situated on the northeastern coast of Mallorca, Son Servera offers a typical parkland course running through pine trees with stunning sea views of Cala Millor bay.

Together, Pula Golf and Club and Son Servera provide the perfect backdrop for The Battle of Stars, blending the beauty of Mallorca with the spirit of solidarity and sportsmanship.

Photo by: Planeta Golf.

Golf Torrequebrada: A gem in the heart of the Costa del Sol

Discover the unique charm of Golf Torrequebrada, a hidden jewel in the heart of the Costa del Sol. Just a short 20-minute drive from Málaga Airport, this prestigious course, founded in 1976 and designed by the renowned José Gancedo, offers a golfing experience like no other. Known as the ‘Picasso of Golf,’ Gancedo’s design is a testament to his artistry, with each hole presenting a unique challenge. The course’s stunning beauty and diverse layout make it a must-visit for players of all skill levels.

Convenience meets beauty at Golf Torrequebrada. Located in the charming town of Benalmádena, the course is a stone’s throw away from major tourist destinations like Torremolinos, Fuengirola, and Marbella. The nearby beach, marina, and a wide range of hotels and tourist activities make it an excellent destination for golf lovers and their families. The course’s vibrant vegetation and perfect climate create an inviting atmosphere for golfers, adding to the allure of this golfing paradise.

Golf Torrequebrada design

The course’s exquisite design ensures an enjoyable experience throughout. Each hole presents a unique test, featuring large, undulating greens and fairways lined with lush trees, including palms, pines, and olive trees. Elevated tees provide panoramic views, enhancing the strategic play on each hole. Strategically placed bunkers and lakes add to the challenge. At the same time, the gentle terrain offers spectacular vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains, making Golf Torrequebrada a truly unique course.

The diverse fairways, expansive greens, numerous lakes, and well-positioned bunkers ensure that Golf Torrequebrada is both a challenge and a pleasure for all golfers. The course’s lush vegetation, featuring over a hundred species of trees, evokes a subtropical jungle feel, enhancing the overall golfing experience.

Golf Torrequebrada offers a 300-meter-long driving range with 15 tee positions, a putting green, a bunker, and a short game area for those seeking a well-maintained practice area. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

The Clubhouse

With its panoramic views of the course and the Mediterranean, the clubhouse is a haven for golfers. It offers various services, including a pro shop, locker rooms, a terrace, a bar restaurant, and meeting rooms. After a golf round, players can relax on the terrace with a refreshing drink, enjoying the dazzling views of the sea and the 18th hole. The clubhouse is the perfect place to de-stress and socialise, adding to the overall golfing experience. The clubhouse restaurant is open daily from 8:00 AM, serving breakfast, snacks, and international cuisine.

In the heart of the Costa del Sol, Golf Torrequebrada is one of the top destinations offered by Tee Times Golf Agency, making it a prime choice for those looking to enjoy their golf holidays in Spain.

IAGTO Awards 2024: recognising the best in European golf tourism

The 24th edition of the exclusive annual IAGTO Awards, focusing on the European and African sectors, was recently announced at the IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in Malaga, Spain. These prestigious distinctions, determined by the votes of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) members, honour the exceptional service provided by golf courses, resorts, inbound operators, and golf destinations over the past Year. The 2024 recipients, including Madrid, Cadiz, La Cala Resort, and Dom Pedro Vilamoura Golf, come from Spain, Morocco, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, Portugal, Greece, and Scotland.

During the Opening Address of the IEC, Peter Walton, Chief Executive of IAGTO, proudly announced the ten winners of these highly esteemed awards. Walton stated, “Golf tour operators responsible for 90% of all international golf tourism organised travel have once again focused worldwide attention on a handful of suppliers and destinations that delivered the best possible experience to their golf travelling clients over the past 12 months.” This global recognition underscores the influence and reach of the IAGTO Awards.

Madrid, Golf Destination of the Year European (City).

The Asia Pacific Awards were revealed in March, and the awards for North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean will be announced in June.

For over three decades, Tee Times Golf Agency has been a key player in offering the best golf and tourism packages for those seeking exceptional Portugal and Spain golf holidays. As a long-standing partner of IAGTO, Tee Times has played an active role in promoting golf tourism, contributing significantly to the industry.

La Cala Resort, Golf Resort of the Year for Spain.

IAGTO Awards winners of the year

We are thrilled to acknowledge this Year’s award winners, who are among our premier golf destinations: Madrid, as European City Golf Destination of the Year, known for its world-class golf courses and vibrant city life; Cadiz, as Southern European Golf Destination of the Year, renowned for its stunning coastal views and challenging golf courses; La Cala Resort, as Golf Resort of the Year for Spain, offering a unique combination of luxury and natural beauty; and Dom Pedro Vilamoura Golf, as Golf Resort of the Year for Portugal, a golfer’s paradise with its championship courses and top-notch facilities.

Dom Pedro Vilamoura Golf, Resort of the Year for Portugal.

Cádiz, Golf Destination of the Year for Central & Southern Europe.

Tee Times Golf Agency extends its congratulations to all the winners of the IAGTO Awards 2024 and expresses its sincere gratitude for their continued collaboration. We look forward to our ongoing partnership in providing outstanding services for golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Photos by: © IAGTO – Peter Ellegard