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Tee Times Golf News – All news related to golf, golf holidays, golf tournaments, events, activities and everything around the world of golf.

Algarve: Where Tourism and Sustainability Go Hand in Hand

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Portugal’s Algarve continues to shine as a top global destination, blending sustainability with world-class tourism and holding its crown as the best golf destination on the planet.

At the “Turismo do Algarve: Overcoming Challenges, Building the Future” conference—celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Algarve Tourism Board—President André Gomes made the region’s vision crystal clear: “Sustainability is a non-negotiable priority.” A perfect example of this commitment is the Save Water efficiency seal, which has already cut water consumption in tourism businesses by 12%. And that’s just the beginning! The initiative is now expanding to local accommodations, tourism activities, car rentals, and restaurants, ensuring that the region’s natural beauty stays intact for generations to come.

Despite global economic challenges, the Algarve is thriving. In 2024, the region welcomed a record-breaking 5.2 million tourists, with Faro Airport handling 9.8 million passengers. And 2025 looks even better, especially with the launch of transatlantic routes, including the first-ever direct flight from New York (Newark) to Faro with United Airlines.

Algarve golfing experience

One of Algarve’s biggest draws? Golf. Named the best golf destination in the world, the region boasts top-tier courses, breathtaking landscapes, and outstanding facilities, attracting golf lovers year-round. Whether the rolling greens of Quinta do Lago or the stunning cliffside fairways of Vale do Lobo, the region delivers an unforgettable golfing experience for all skill levels.

Leading the way in golf tourism is Tee Times Golf Holidays, a specialised travel company that curates tailor-made golf packages, combining world-class courses with luxury stays for the ultimate golf getaway.

As the Algarve keeps breaking records and setting new standards, it proves that sustainability and premium tourism can go hand in hand. Whether you’re a leisure traveller, a golf enthusiast, or someone who values eco-conscious destinations, the Algarve remains a must-visit gem on the global travel map.

Photo: Travel News.

Game Changer at Old Course Vilamoura: Trackman Technology Hits the Algarve

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When it comes to golf holidays, few places match the charm and innovation you’ll find at the Old Course Vilamoura, one of Tee Times‘ standout destinations. Always popular among golfers visiting Portugal, this legendary Algarve course just got even better thanks to its exciting new partnership with Trackman, the global leader in ball-tracking technology.

Here’s the deal: Old Course Vilamoura is now officially the first course in the Algarve to roll out Trackman’s state-of-the-art tech, changing the way you practice, play, and even compete. Whether you’re working on your swing at the driving range (the largest in Portugal, by the way, with 20 spacious bays) or virtually teeing off from iconic holes using advanced golf simulators, Trackman has you covered.

This innovative partnership, guided by DETAILS (the team behind some of Portugal’s coolest hospitality and sports venues), means golfers get precision feedback on every swing—rain or shine, day or night. The best part? It’s totally free for all guests. Add to that personalised service, welcome gifts, and refreshing snacks throughout the round, and you’ve got a golfing experience that’s genuinely next-level.

Cutting edge at Old Course Vilamoura

Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO at DETAILS, sums it up perfectly: “We’re always looking to push the boundaries and keep Vilamoura at the cutting edge of golf. With Trackman, we’re offering golfers the chance to have fun, sharpen their game, and experience our courses virtually from anywhere in the world.”

This fabulous tech addition is just one highlight of Old Course Vilamoura’s impressive recent makeover, including a stylish new clubhouse that blends modern luxury with classic Algarve charm. Sustainability has also been front and centre, with eco-friendly irrigation systems, drought-tolerant grass varieties, energy-efficient Hydropresser stations, and electric-powered equipment reducing the environmental impact.

Ready to hit the greens? Tee Times Golf Holidays invites you to experience the upgraded Old Course Vilamoura firsthand—where technology meets tradition and sustainability meets superb service. Pack your clubs, bring your friends, and prepare for a golf holiday with the best packages that set a new standard for fun, innovation, and unforgettable memories in the Algarve.

Photo: My Golf Way.

Martim Pinto Johansen Shines at GreatGolf Junior Open

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Portugal’s rising golf star, Martim Pinto Johansen, has started 2024 in style! The 14-year-old national champion claimed victory at the first-ever GreatGolf Junior Open by Fundação Luís Figo, held at Millennium Golf Course in Vilamoura. His excellent performance earned him the title and an exclusive invitation to compete at the Orlando International Amateur Junior in the United States.

With a two-round total of 138 strokes (-6), Martim was the only player to finish under par, showcasing his dominance with rounds of 71 and 67. Playing on his home turf as a Clube de Golfe de Vilamoura member, he secured the win by an impressive 13-stroke margin over Rodrigo Marques Santos.

This isn’t Martim’s first taste of international success. In 2023, he won the Amundi Evian Juniors Cup in France and finished runner-up at the Amendoeira World Kids Golf. Now, he’s heading to the United States for the first time—a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to go to the US, but not just to visit—I wanted to play there and enjoy the experience,” said an excited Martim.

The tournament featured 41 young talents from 14 different national backgrounds, with exciting performances across multiple categories. Ethan Prybys Orton (Vila Sol) took the U-14 title, shooting +11 over two rounds. At the same time, Ricardo Castro Ferreira (Clube de Golf do Estoril) dominated the U-12 division, proving once again why he’s considered nearly unbeatable in Portugal.

Among the girls, Amélia Gabin was the standout player, finishing an impressive 5th overall and outperforming some of the top-ranked juniors in Portugal.

Beyond the competition, the tournament had a charitable impact, donating a percentage of sponsorship and entry fees to the Fundação Luís Figo, supporting young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tee Times Golf Agency was proud to be a tournament partner with the Federacao Portuguesa de Golf, Vilamoura Golf, Millenium Vilamoura, Titleist, Cosmos Sports Travel, Orlando Juniors, Norgolf, and Weasy. Other major players supporting the event as sponsors include Almas, Caetano Baviera, Cigala, PG Hotels & Resorts, RentAcceso, and Wyndham Residences Alvor Beach.

With an unforgettable start to the year, Martim and the other junior stars have set the tone for an exciting season ahead. Congratulations to all the GreatGolf Junior Open players!

More information: https://greatgolf.weasy.io/

Photos by: Daryl Gabin.