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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.

The DP World Tour and the European Swing

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The DP World Tour has kicked off its European Swing in Belgium with The Soudal Open. The tour, now titled the DP World Tour for sponsorship reasons, will be played on European soil until October.

The winner in Belgium was the Spanish Nacho Elvira with 266 strokes (-18), and the best Portuguese was Pedro Figueiredo, in 24th place with 274 (-10).

The European Swing (with the Closed Swing and the Back Nine stages) features a series of thrilling tournaments across various countries. Here is a list of the competitions and their locations:

May 23 – 26
Soudal Open
Rinkven International GC, Antwerp, Belgium

May 30 – Jun 02
European Open
Green Eagle Golf Courses, Hamburg, Germany

Jun 06 – 09
Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed
Vasatorps Golfklubb, Helsingborg, Sweden

Jun 20 – 23
KLM Open
The International, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Jun 27 – 30
Italian Open
Adriatic Golf Club Cervia, Milano Marittima, Ravenna, Italy

Jul 04 – 07
BMW International Open
Golfclub München Eichenried, Munich, Germany

Jul 11 – 14
Genesis Scottish Open
The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

Jul 18 – 21
THE 152ND OPEN
Royal Troon GC, Ayrshire, Scotland

Aug 01 – 04
Olympic Men’s Golf Competition
Le Golf National, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France

Aug 15 – 18
D+D REAL Czech Masters
PGA National OAKS Prague, Prague, Czech Republic

Aug 22 – 25
Danish Golf Championship
Lübker Golf Resort, Aarhus, Denmark

Aug 29 – Sep 01
Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo
The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, England

Sep 05 – 08
Omega European Masters
Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland

Sep 12 – 15
Amgen Irish Open
Royal County Down GC, Newcastle, Co Down, Northern Ireland

Sep 19 – 22
BMW PGA Championship
Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England

Sep 26 – 29
acciona Open de España presented by Madrid
Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Oct 03 – 06
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
Old Course St. Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland
Kingsbarns Golf Links, Kingsbarns, Scotland

Oct 10 – 13
FedEx Open de France 
Le Golf National, Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France

Oct 17 – 20
Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, San Roque, Andalucía , Spain

The European Swing in Spain

The beauty and uniqueness of Europe’s golf courses are unrivalled, with stunning landscapes and world-class facilities. The Real Club de Golf Sotogrande and the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, both part of Tee Times Golf Agency‘s offerings for those seeking the best destinations for their Spain golf holidays, stand out. These courses, with their lush fairways and scenic views, are known for their challenging design and historical significance, providing unforgettable golfing experiences for professional players and spectators.

The Race to Dubai

In 2009, the Order of Merit was replaced by the Race to Dubai, with a bonus pool of US$7.5 million distributed among the top 15 players at the end of the season, with the winner taking $1.5 million. 

The DP World Tour Race to Dubai leader is Rory McIlroy, who has consistently delivered outstanding performances throughout the season. 

Photo by: Infogolf.

IAGTO Awards 2024: recognising the best in European golf tourism

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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

Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers: Tiago Piano elected president

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The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers (APG) has announced its new leadership for the next four years. Leading the team is Tiago Piano, a seasoned professional with a strong background in team management, planning, and budgeting, currently serving as the Golf Course Superintendent at Belas Clube de Campo. Nuno Teixeira will assist him, bringing his expertise as the vice president and Miguel Grosso as the treasurer. This capable team is committed to upholding the APG’s mission of promoting excellence and sustainability in golf course maintenance across Portugal.

Tiago Piano’s appointment as the new president of the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers marks a significant step in the association’s journey. With his extensive experience in managing golf course operations and ensuring high standards of maintenance and sustainability, he is well-equipped to lead the APG in advancing its objectives. These include providing comprehensive technical information, training, and networking opportunities to its members. The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers aims to create a synergistic environment that benefits the golf course maintenance industry by fostering communication among members, sponsors, and partners.

In 2023, Portugal was honoured as the world’s best golf destination, a testament to its greenkeepers’ hard work and dedication. This prestigious recognition highlights the exceptional quality of Portuguese golf courses chosen by golfers from around the globe for their Portugal golf holidays. The award underscores the vital role greenkeepers play in maintaining these world-class courses, ensuring they meet the high standards expected by international visitors.

The Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers and sustainability 

One of the APG’s primary focuses is championing sustainability within the golf course maintenance industry. Recognizing the pivotal role of greenkeepers in implementing eco-friendly practices, the APG advocates for efficient water resource management to prevent waste and promote sustainable irrigation systems, particularly in water-scarce areas. Moreover, the association promotes using organic fertilizers and integrated pest management techniques to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. These initiatives protect local ecosystems and foster biodiversity on golf courses, demonstrating the APG’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers is dedicated to continuously educating its members on sustainable practices. By staying informed about the latest advancements and methodologies, greenkeepers can ensure that golf courses offer a high-quality experience while preserving the environment. This commitment to education and sustainability reflects the APG’s goal of harmonizing sports and environmental stewardship.

The APG’s dedication to excellence is also evident in the achievements of its members on the international stage. Recently, Portuguese greenkeepers represented the association at the prestigious Wells Fargo Championship, one of the eight signature events of the PGA Tour this year. Congratulations to Tiago Lobato and Luís Andrés Pinto for showcasing Portuguese greenkeepers’ high standards and skills at such a prominent event.

Under Tiago Piano’s leadership, the Associação Portuguesa de Greenkeepers is well-positioned to continue promoting sustainable practices and professional excellence in golf course maintenance, ensuring that Portugal remains at the forefront of the golf industry.