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

The best golf tournaments of the season await with Tee Times

Tee Times Golf Agency is gearing up for a thrilling year of golf tournaments in 2024, showcasing some of the finest courses and competitions Portugal and Spain offer. With various events catering to golfers of all levels, the calendar is set to deliver excitement and camaraderie on the greens. We invite you to click on the name of each tournament for more information. Let’s take a closer look at the lineup.

Golf tournaments calendar

25/05 | XXXIII Sir Henry Cotton Trophy 2024

The XXXIII Sir Henry Cotton Trophy is one of our most important golf tournaments, paying homage to the golf pioneer who laid the foundation for the sport in the Algarve. Held at the iconic Penina Hotel & Golf Resort, this team event promises one day of thrilling competition amidst the lush surroundings of the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course. With its par 73 layout and breathtaking vistas, players are in for an unforgettable experience.

25/05 – 01/06 | 1st Border Cup 2024

Crossing frontiers, the 1st Border Cup brings together golf enthusiasts from Portugal and Spain at the scenic Vila Galé Isla Canela Hotel. With four rounds of golf intertwined with delightful wine tasting, this tournament fosters friendly rivalry and cultural exchange against the stunning backdrop of the Algarve.

27/05 – 31/05 | 1st Edition Cabanas Golf Week

Embrace a week of golfing bliss during the inaugural Cabanas Golf Week. Set against the luxurious AP Cabanas Beach & Nature Hotel backdrop, participants will traverse four distinct courses over four days, each offering unique challenges and charms. From better-ball stableford to modified scramble, every day promises a fresh golfing adventure.

02/06 – 05/06 | 1st Monte Rei Invitational Tournament 2024

Prepare for a lavish golfing retreat at the 1st Monte Rei Invitational Tournament. With four nights of luxury accommodation and three rounds of golf at the renowned Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, players will indulge in top-tier hospitality and competitive golf amidst stunning surroundings.

20/11 – 23/11 | 7th Edition Tee Times Prestige Tournament 2024

Experience the epitome of golfing prestige at the 7th Edition Tee Times Prestige Tournament. Over three days, players will tackle the formidable layouts of Monte Rei North, Quinta do Lago North, and Quinta do Lago Laranjal, showcasing the Algarve’s finest golfing gems.

23/11 – 30/11 | Quinta do Lago Golden Tournament 2024

Gild your golfing journey with the Quinta do Lago Golden Tournament, a five-day extravaganza of golf, camaraderie, and celebration. With a blend of individual and pair competitions across three stunning courses, participants will vie for coveted prizes while basking in Quinta do Lago’s renowned hospitality.

24/11 – 29/11 | XXIV International Amateur Golf Tournament 2024 

Elevate your golfing prowess at the XXIV International Amateur Golf Tournament, where the San Lorenzo golf course sets the stage for a week of unparalleled competition and luxury. Immerse yourself in five-star indulgence amidst the Algarve’s scenic splendour.

30/11 – 07/12 | East Algarve Golf Festival 2024

Rounding off the year is the East Algarve Golf Festival, offering a comprehensive package of accommodation, dining, and golf across five spectacular courses. From Castro Marim to Quinta do Vale, this week-long extravaganza promises golfing bliss in the heart of the Algarve.

08/12 – 11/12 | 2nd Edition Sotavento Golf Trophy

Lastly, make sure to attend the 2nd Edition Sotavento Golf Trophy, where Monte Rei, Quinta da Ria, and Quinta do Vale unite for a thrilling Stableford competition. With special prizes and captivating courses, this tournament is a fitting finale to a year of golfing sensation.

Join Tee Times Golf Agency for an unforgettable journey through the fairways and greens of Portugal and Spain for your best breaks, where every swing tells a story, and the best golf tournaments leave a memorable mark on each golfer.

Tenerife: Abama Golf Course setting new standards in sustainability and quality

Abama Golf Course, nestled on the stunning island of Tenerife, is not just a golf course; it’s a commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship. In a move that underscores their dedication to quality, they have announced a temporary closure until the end of September. This exclusive period will see them undergo a transformative upgrade, transitioning from Bentgrass to the environmentally friendly Bermuda TifEagle variety.

This change isn’t just about enhancing the quality of their putting surfaces; it’s about embracing sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint. The Bermuda TifEagle variety is renowned for producing top-quality putting surfaces while conserving water and resisting infections and diseases that commonly plague traditional grasses. By making this switch, Abama Golf aims to significantly reduce its reliance on fertilizers and harmful chemical pesticides, furthering its commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Tenerife is one of the most sought-after destinations by Tee Times Golf Agency clients looking for something different and unique for their Spain golf holidays.

Abama Golf sustainability paradigm

But their dedication to sustainability continues beyond there. During this closure period, they’ll also be renovating the clubhouse facilities with the customers in mind. Every clubhouse aspect, from the golf boutique to the Club House restaurant, will be revamped to provide unparalleled service and comfort.

Abama Golf isn’t just a golf course; it’s a masterwork conceived by the legendary golf architect Dave Thomas. Nestled on the western face of the Teide volcano, the 18-hole course offers dazzling views of the Atlantic Ocean and a unique landscape with over 25,000 palm trees, white sand bunkers, and cascading waterfalls. Abama Golf is a true oasis for golf enthusiasts.

But what sets Abama Golf apart isn’t just its picturesque scenery—it’s the commitment to excellence in every aspect of the course. From the meticulously maintained greens to the diverse array of subtropical plants and 23 sprawling lakes, every detail has been carefully crafted to provide an unparalleled golfing experience.

Thomas, a professional golfer turned renowned golf architect, Abama Golf is a testament to his legacy. With over 100 courses bearing his signature, including prestigious venues like The Belfry and La Manga Club Resort, Thomas’s influence on golf is undeniable.

At Abama Golf, they’re not just setting new standards in quality and sustainability—they’re redefining what it means to be a world-class golf destination. Join Tee Times Golf Agency as we embark on this voyage towards a greener, more sustainable tomorrow, one swing at a time.