Golf Courses

Tee Times Golf Courses – All things related to the golf courses. News, reviews, events and much more.

Real Club Valderrama: A Golfing Paradise with a Green Heart

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Real Club Valderrama is more than just a world-renowned golf course; it symbolises excellence in the game and environmental stewardship. Known for hosting the 1997 Ryder Cup and multiple European Tour events, this legendary Spanish course has also set a benchmark for sustainability, proving that golf and nature can thrive together.

As the first golf course in Europe to receive Audubon International certification, Real Club Valderrama is committed to preserving its natural surroundings while maintaining impeccable playing conditions. From advanced irrigation systems that minimise water waste to using organic fertilisers and native plants, every aspect of the course is designed with sustainability in mind. The club has also established protected wildlife areas, reinforcing its role as a sanctuary for local flora and fauna.

Golfers who play at Valderrama don’t just experience one of the most challenging and rewarding courses in the world; they also become part of an initiative that prioritises environmental responsibility. The fairways and greens are kept in top condition without excessive chemical use, creating a natural and harmonious landscape that enhances the game.

Real Club Valderrama: More Than Just Golf

Tee Times Golf Holidays offers exclusive packages for those who want to enjoy Valderrama and Spain’s best golf. A round at this iconic course, combined with the stunning vista and passionate culture of southern Spain, makes for an unforgettable golf vacation. Whether you’re looking to test your skills on the famous 17th hole or relax in the beauty of the Andalusian landscape, we ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.

Playing at Real Club Valderrama is about more than just golf; it’s about embracing a course that respects the environment while delivering an extraordinary experience. Tee up at one of the finest courses in the world and discover how sustainability and championship golf go hand in hand.

For more information on our tailored golf packages, contact us today and experience the best for unforgettable Spain golf holidays.

La Marquesa: Experience TPC Sawgrass’ Legendary 17th Hole in Sunny Alicante

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Did you know you can experience the thrill of TPC Sawgrass’ legendary 17th hole in Spain?

That’s right—in Alicante, golfers can test their nerves on an exact replica of the iconic island green from TPC Sawgrass. La Marquesa Golf, nestled in Ciudad Quesada (Rojales) on the sunny Costa Blanca, proudly features its own version of one of golf’s most famous challenges. And we’re not just talking inspiration; Ponte Vedra Beach Club shared the original topographic plans, ensuring every golfer at La Marquesa gets an authentic taste of Florida’s legendary hole.

This unique attraction is part of a significant upgrade initiated by José Ángel Quesada in May 2019, aiming to elevate La Marquesa Golf’s stature even further. Entrusting the redesign to Pascual Jiménez, Quesada’s ambitious vision quickly took shape, reshaping 9 greens and 4 fairways to refresh the historic course that first opened in 1989.

But the real magic happened when Spanish golf legend Miguel Ángel Jiménez joined the project. The charismatic champion offered crucial guidance and even sketched the iconic 17th-hole design right in the sand of a bunker, capturing every detail perfectly.

Recently featured by the prestigious news website Open Golf, La Marquesa Golf has firmly positioned itself among Alicante’s top golfing destinations, praised by local and international players.

TPC Sawgrass and The Players

This week, golf enthusiasts worldwide have their eyes fixed on the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course as The Players Championship—the unofficial “fifth major”—takes place. This tournament is one of the most anticipated events in the golfing calendar, attracting an elite field of professionals competing for one of the largest prize pools in the sport. Central to the drama and excitement each year is the notorious 17th hole, a par-3 surrounded entirely by water, where even the slightest miscalculation can dash championship dreams instantly.

If you’re eager to experience La Marquesa Golf and other spectacular courses along the Costa Blanca, Tee Times Golf Holidays offers unbeatable packages tailored to all golfing enthusiasts. Ready for your Spanish Sawgrass challenge? Pack your clubs and book with Tee Times —your gateway to Alicante’s best golf experiences.

Masters of Design: How Iconic Golf Course Architects Elevated Portugal’s Tourism

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Portugal is widely recognised as the best golf and tourism destination in the world. Its picturesque landscapes, mild climate, and challenging courses attract enthusiasts from across the globe. Central to this growing popularity is the influence of world-renowned golf course architects, whose creativity and vision have transformed the Portuguese golfing landscape, solidifying Portugal’s reputation as a global leader in golf tourism.

Legendary architects such as Robert Trent Jones Jr., Sir Henry Cotton, and Jack Nicklaus have left indelible marks on Portugal’s golf heritage. Robert Trent Jones Jr. was celebrated for his artistic integration of natural landscapes as the acclaimed Troia Golf Course. Situated south of Lisbon, Troia offers golfers the thrilling experience of seaside play, seamlessly weaving through dunes and pine forests, showcasing Jones’ philosophy of environmental harmony and aesthetic excellence.

Sir Henry Cotton, a three-time Open Champion turned visionary architect, profoundly impacted Portugal with his iconic Penina Hotel & Golf Resort in the Algarve. Opened in 1966, Penina was Portugal’s first 18-hole course, instantly elevating the country’s global golfing prestige. Cotton’s innovative layout provided a blueprint for subsequent course designs, blending classic British golfing traditions with the vibrant Mediterranean environment.

Golf Course Architects Influence

Jack Nicklaus, perhaps the most famous golfer-turned-architect, has significantly influenced Portugal’s reputation for luxurious and strategically challenging courses. The Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Algarve epitomises Nicklaus’ meticulous approach, combining precision golf strategies with the region’s natural beauty. His signature designs have attracted significant international tournaments and discerning golfers seeking courses that balance difficulty and elegance.

More recently, golf course architects like Rocky Roquemore and Arthur Hills have further enriched Portugal’s golfing scene. Their designs emphasise sustainability and environmental stewardship, ensuring courses such as Quinta da Marinha near Cascais and Oitavos Dunes provide challenging play while preserving the surrounding ecological habitats. New designers in Portugal include Sergio Garcia, who developed Torre at Terra das Comporta, and Ernie Els, the creative mind behind The Els Club Vilamoura.

Tee Times Golf Holidays have further enhanced Portugal’s golf tourism by offering comprehensive golf packages that combine play at premier courses with accommodations and personalised services. These packages allow golf players to enjoy Portugal’s best golfing experiences tailored to their preferences and needs to enjoy their holidays.

The legacy of these architects has undeniably positioned Portugal at the forefront of global golf tourism. Their collective contribution continues to shape Portugal’s golfing identity, drawing visitors eager to experience the country’s unique blend of innovation, natural splendour, and rich golfing.