News

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

Commemorative stamps celebrate 75 years of the Portuguese Golf Federation

Posted on by

As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Portuguese Golf Federation (FPG), Correios de Portugal (CTT) unveiled a collection of four personalised stamps. These stamps, each a unique tribute, brought to life the rich history of the four founding clubs of this distinguished sports federation, fostering a sense of connection to the past.

The Portuguese Golf Federation was founded on October 20, 1949, with a mission to direct, organise, regulate, and supervise the practice of golf nationwide, as outlined in its Statutes. The founding clubs were Oporto Golf Club, Club de Golf Miramar, Clube de Golf do Estoril, and Lisbon Sports Club, with Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva serving as the first president.

Portuguese Golf Federation heritage

Initially headquartered at the Clube de Golf do Estoril, the FPG started with 165 registered golfers. Today, 75 years later, the sport has grown significantly, boasting over 19,000 active members from across the country. These members are registered with the 113 clubs affiliated with the FPG, playing on 89 golf courses throughout Portugal. This remarkable growth is a testament to the FPG’s unwavering commitment to the sport and its players, a source of pride for all involved.

Golf in Portugal today is a sport embraced by all, practised without distinction, and holding substantial social, environmental, and economic responsibilities. The sport is a source of national pride and a beacon of Portugal’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.

The personalised stamps being released by CTT serve as a tribute to the legacy and history of the founding clubs. Oporto Golf Club, founded in 1890, is the oldest golf club in the country and one of the oldest in continental Europe. Club de Golf de Miramar, founded in 1931, is famed for its stunning course along the Atlantic coast. Clube de Golf do Estoril, inaugurated in 1929, has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, while Lisbon Sports Club, dating back to 1922, is renowned for its rich history and contribution to Portuguese golf.

These stamps symbolise the rich heritage of these clubs and the growth and evolution of golf in Portugal. From a modest beginning with a handful of enthusiasts to a flourishing sport with thousands of players, the Portuguese Golf Federation has played a crucial role in this journey.

Tee Times Golf Agency extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Portuguese Golf Federation on this remarkable milestone. Your dedication and efforts have developed golf within the country and positioned Portuguese golf courses among the best in the world, making the country a premier golfing destination globally for golf holidays. Here’s to many more years of success and growth!

Photo by: Portuguese Golf Federation.

PGA OF PORTUGAL AND SPAIN: STRENGTHENING GOLF PARTNERSHIPS

Posted on by

In a recent meeting held in Aveiro, Portugal, Ander Martínez, President of the PGA of Spain, met with Rui Morris, the newly elected President of the PGA of Portugal. This meeting between the PGA of Portugal and Spain underscored the ongoing positive relationship between the two professional golf associations, which has been robust since the establishment of the PGA of Portugal on May 13, 1996. This long-standing partnership has seen numerous collaborations in organising joint tournaments and training courses.

Martínez congratulated Morris on his recent appointment and emphasised the significance of intensifying ties with their neighbouring association. This meeting aligns with the PGA of Spain’s internationalisation goals, a success story bolstered by the success of its increasingly international national circuit and globally recognised training courses and conferences, instilling a sense of pride in the association’s achievements.

Opportunities for the PGA of Portugal and Spain

“It was a very positive meeting where we discussed the opportunities presented by Portugal, supported by an American investment fund, Turismo de Portugal, and several golf courses,” said Martínez after the meeting. The collaboration aims to capitalise on these opportunities, enhancing the synergy between the two associations.

The commitment to maintaining a solid relationship has been a hallmark of both PGAs. “The PGA of Portugal and Spain have maintained an excellent relationship for many years, and this commitment will endure, generating significant opportunities together. The intention is to grow these synergies between the two PGAs,” Martínez added. Both associations are part of the newly formed Alliances of PGAs of Europe, which includes some of the continent’s strongest associations, such as the British PGA.

Rui Morris echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for joint projects. “We are working to shape many joint projects. We witness the success of our neighbouring counterpart in competition (the TUMI Spain Golf Tour) and training. Growing together would be highly beneficial for both associations. I am confident that many joint projects will emerge from this meeting,” commented Morris.

During his tour of Portugal, Martínez also met with representatives of Turismo de Portugal and various golf courses in Óbidos and Lisbon to revisit and plan for future projects in 2025.

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we celebrate and support this type of action to promote the growth of golf in the Iberian Peninsula. This series of meetings marks a new era of collaboration, promising a bright future for the PGA of Portugal and Spain and all their professional members.

Source: PGA of Spain.

Valderrama shines: the economic impact of LIV Golf Andalucía

Posted on by

The LIV Golf Andalucía at the Real Club Valderrama has once again underscored the immense potential of sporting events in boosting tourism and economic growth in Andalucía. The regional Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, Arturo Bernal, highlighted in dialogue with ‘La Voz de Cádiz’ the tournament’s significant contribution to promoting Andalucía as a prime sports tourism destination. This year’s event is projected to generate an impressive economic impact of around €30 million, according to the Junta de Andalucía, a promising sign for the region’s financial future.

During the final day of the competition in San Roque, Cádiz, Bernal highlighted the significance of the Costa del Golf. This renowned destination gained iconic status following the 1997 Ryder Cup. He noted that the tournament showcases world-class golfing, is a powerful economic driver for the region, and is a superb platform for promoting sports tourism, reaching over 360 million viewers across 180 countries.

LIV Golf Andalucía: a premier global event

Bernal praised the LIV Golf Andalucía as one of the premier global sporting events, asserting that such prestigious tournaments rightly belong on the Costa del Golf in Andalucía. The region’s long-standing partnership with the Real Club Valderrama and the broader golf industry generates approximately €3 billion in revenue annually. Bernal assured the Andalusian government’s unwavering commitment to supporting major sporting events, a reassuring sign for the future of sports tourism in the region.

Alongside key figures such as Francisco Javier Ros Rodríguez, the Junta de Andalucía’s Deputy Delegate in the Campo de Gibraltar, and Tania Barcelona, the Regional Delegate for Tourism, Culture, and Sport in Cádiz, Bernal attended the tournament where Sergio García triumphed, winning in a thrilling playoff.

The Real Club Valderrama’s reputation

The Real Club Valderrama, with its exquisitely maintained fairways and challenging yet enjoyable 6356-meter par-71 course, is widely regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the world. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course’s exceptional design and storied history make it the perfect destination for golfers of all skill levels. Its unique features, such as the iconic 17th hole, add to the allure of the course and the tournament.

Tee Times Golf Agency offers the best packages for those looking to play at this wonderful course and experience one of the finest golf designs in the world. Booking a package with Tee Times ensures a memorable golfing experience in one of Spain’s premier destinations.

Photos by: LIV Golf.