News

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

Six Portugal’s designs compete for Europe’s Best Golf Course 2024 at the World Golf Awards

Posted on by

Portugal’s golf courses are once again in the spotlight as candidates for the prestigious Europe’s Best Golf Course 2024, a distinction granted by the World Travel Awards. This year, six great golf destinations are contending for the title, showcasing the country’s continued excellence in golf and tourism. The 11th annual World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony will take place on the evening of November 22, 2024, at the Savoy Palace in Funchal, Madeira. Among the nominated courses, each one brings a unique blend of wild beauty and demanding play.

Best Golf Course 2024 candidates in detail

Club de Golfe Santo da Serra, with its stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and lush landscapes, stands out as one of Madeira’s most picturesque courses. Its reputation for challenging holes and its history of hosting European Tour events make it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

Palheiro Golf, another gem in Madeira, is set amidst a lush garden estate. It offers both historical charm and sweeping views of Funchal Bay. Its elevated tees and undulating greens provide golfers with a mix of leisure and challenge.

Porto Santo Golfe, nestled on the serene island of Porto Santo, is a true coastal paradise. Crafted by the legendary Seve Ballesteros, this course marries striking coastal vistas with a layout that demands technical prowess, making it a dream destination for golfers seeking beauty and challenge.

Quinta do Lago (South Course), located in the Algarve, is renowned for its championship layout. Regularly ranked as one of Europe’s top golf courses, the South Course has hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times. It is lauded for its precision-demanding fairways and beautiful setting among lakes and pine trees.

Terras da Comporta (Dunas Golf Course) offers an untamed natural environment with rolling dunes and seaside charm. Designed by renowned architect David McLay Kidd, the course is noted for its environmental harmony and provides a serene yet challenging round of golf.

Finally, West Cliffs Golf Links is a relatively new addition to Portugal’s golfing landscape. The rugged, coastal terrain offers a dramatic backdrop to this challenging links-style course, which has earned accolades for its design and environmental stewardship.

These Portuguese contenders are up against some of Europe’s finest, including SSpain’sFinca Cortesin Golf Club and La Reserva de Sotogrande, as well as iconic Scottish courses like Carnoustie Golf Links and the Old Course at St. Andrews. You can find the complete list here.

Tee Times nomination

In addition to these exceptional courses, Tee Times Golf Agency is once again nominated for Europe’s Best Golf Tour Operator 2024. Established over 30 years ago, Tee Times has grown into one of the largest and most respected operators, specialising in golf tourism across Portugal, Spain, and beyond for the best golf holidays. The agency is a member of recognised associations such as the International Association of Golf Tour Operators and the Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies, ensuring top-tier service for its clients. Their commitment to excellence and passion for tourism and the best golf breaks continue to drive the company’s success, making them a key player in the industry. If you want, you can vote for Tee Times here.

As the November 22 ceremony approaches, the nominated for Europe’s Best Golf Course 2024 represent the best in Portuguese golf tourism, each deserving recognition for their contributions to the sport.

Golf impact: a booming billionaire industry fueling Portugal’s economy

Posted on by

Golf impact: an article published last month by Diário de Notícias of Portugal, shows significant numbers for national economy.An article published last month by Diário de Notícias of Portugal, “Golf has an impact of four billion euros on the economy“, shows significant numbers, with figures revealing a doubling of its contribution since 2019, now reaching €4 billion. Under this context, the golf impact also supports the creation of 20,000 jobs. These insights, provided by the Conselho Nacional da Industria do Golfe (CNIG), are part of a finalised macroeconomic study. The reported amount includes direct golf course revenues and additional expenditures like buggy rentals, restaurants, hotels, vehicle rentals, and transfers.

Golf’s growth is closely tied to tourism, with 2023 seeing record indicators. Direct revenues grew by 4% from green fees alone, totalling €160 million. Foreign tourists represent 85% of all rounds, with the UK leading, followed by Sweden, Germany, and France. However, emerging markets like the US are slowly gaining ground, particularly in Lisbon, presenting significant opportunities for growth. CNIG’s president, Nuno Sepúlveda, notes, “The North American market continues to grow but still has a low presence.”

Golf impact and visitors

Despite the dominance of foreign players, local residents still contribute 15% of the rounds, especially in Porto, Lisbon, and the islands. Sepúlveda highlights the need to attract more players from the US, Canada, and Asia, stressing that many courses need updating, as “most of our courses are between 20 and 40 years old,” requiring renovation to meet the higher quality demands of these markets.

Another key issue raised is the need for government investment. “There’s little support, and, for example, in the PRR [Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan], the word ‘golf’ is not even mentioned,” the president laments. He stresses the strategic importance of golf, which brings in “high-quality markets, with long stays outside peak seasons.”

Finally, water scarcity is a looming threat, especially in the Algarve. Some courses risk closure unless desalination processes and water-saving measures are accelerated. “We can’t rely solely on rain,” Sepúlveda warns, adding, “golf courses only account for 6% of water consumption in the Algarve, and we have made significant improvements in irrigation efficiency.”

The complete article about golf impact on Portugal’s economy can be read here.

Photo by: Visit Algarve.

Tee Times Golf Agency at IGTM 2024 in Lisbon: shaping the future of golf travel

Posted on by

Tee Times Golf Agency is proud to announce its participation at the IGTM 2024 from October 14th to 17th in Lisbon, Portugal. Tee Times Golf Agency is proud to announce its participation in the 2024 International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) from October 14th to 17th in Lisbon, Portugal. As one of the world’s most prestigious golf travel events, IGTM 2024 brings together over 1,300 industry leaders, providing a unique platform for connecting golf destinations, resorts, and travel agents through pre-scheduled meetings. This year’s event is set to be a record-breaker, with a surge in North American buyers, as the United States, Canada, and Mexico dominate the global golf tourism market.

Lisbon, Europe’s Leading City Destination 2024 winner at the World Travel Awards, is the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event. The city’s prosperous cultural heritage and stunning landscapes make it an ideal destination for leisure and business, attracting attendees worldwide. As a trusted partner in the golf travel industry, Tee Times will present its exclusive offers at IGTM 2024, designed to provide exceptional golfing experiences across some of the finest courses in Portugal and Spain.

IGTM 2024 is an unparalleled opportunity

IGTM 2024 offer an unparalleled opportunity to engage with pre-qualified golf travel buyers, source innovative products, and gain exposure in top international golf, travel, and lifestyle publications. With its extensive network of golf professionals and travel specialists, Tee Times is well-positioned to showcase its renowned golf holiday packages. Backed by over 30 years of experience, Tee Times is unwavering in its commitment to providing personalized, top-tier service, ensuring every golf vacation is enjoyable and truly memorable.

Lisbon golf courses

Lisbon is home to some of Portugal’s most prestigious golf courses, offering a range of world-class golfing experiences. Among the top courses is Oitavos Dunes, ranked one of the best in Europe in the stunning Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Another standout is Penha Longa Golf Resort, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., renowned for its natural beauty and technical challenges. Royal Obidos, host of the 2024 Portugal Open, offers a thrilling seaside course.

The Ribagolfe courses are also highly regarded, often called the “Valderrama of Portugal” for their dense cork tree forests and championship layouts. Aroeira, with its two courses set amidst a stunning pine forest, is another favourite. Additionally, Dunas Terras da Comporta, a new gem on the Lisbon golf scene, combines modern design with the natural beauty of its coastal surroundings. These courses, among others, make Lisbon and its surrounding region an unrivalled golf destination for your Portugal golf holidays.

By participating in IGTM 2024, Tee Times Golf Agency continues its mission to stay at the forefront of the golf travel industry, offering clients the best service, reliability, and expertise. Contact us at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa to explore our premium golf packages and discover the next destination for your perfect golf getaway. With over 30 years of experience, we are confident we can provide you with a memorable golf break.