Tournaments

Tee Times Golf Tournaments – All golf tournaments and golf solidarity events.

10 facts (and some hidden ones) about Augusta National and the Masters Tournament

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As the world gears up for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, it’s time to dive deeper into this prestigious venue and discover some lesser-known facts. Despite its iconic landmarks and celebrated history, Augusta National has some hidden facets that add depth to its mystique. Here are 10 things that you probably didn’t know about Augusta National Golf Club, and in Tee Times Golf Agency we invite you to know:

Secretive membership process: Augusta National is renowned for its secretive membership process. While the club’s roster includes some of the world’s most influential figures, the selection criteria remain closely guarded secrets. Speculation abounds regarding the identities of members and the initiation process.

Former plantation: the land where Augusta National stands today was once a plant nursery and indigo plantation. The club’s founders, Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, transformed the property into the iconic course we know today.

Membership fees: while exact figures are not disclosed publicly, joining Augusta National requires a significant financial commitment. Reports suggest initiation fees and annual dues reach into the six figures, making it one of the most exclusive clubs in the world.

No female members until 2012: Augusta National faced criticism for its exclusionary membership policies for decades. It wasn’t until 2012 that the club admitted its first female members, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and philanthropist Darla Moore, breaking tradition. 

Eisenhower Tree: one of Augusta National’s most famous landmarks was a loblolly pine tree on the 17th hole’s left side. Named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who frequently hit it, the tree was removed after sustaining damage in an ice storm in 2014.

Founder’s Cabin: tucked away near the 10th fairway is the Founder’s Cabin, where Bobby Jones stayed during the construction of Augusta National. This historic cabin serves as a reminder of the club’s origins and enduring legacy.

Azaleas and dogwoods: while the azaleas and dogwoods that bloom in spring are synonymous with Augusta National, few realize that many of these plants were strategically transplanted from other parts of the country to enhance the course’s aesthetic appeal.

Green Jacket Tradition: the tradition of awarding the winner of the Masters Tournament with a green jacket began in 1949. Initially, the jackets were only worn by members, but now they symbolize membership and are presented to the champion yearly.

Underground tunnels: beneath the pristine surface of Augusta National lies a network of underground tunnels used for various purposes, including maintenance, transportation, and shelter during inclement weather. These tunnels help preserve the course’s immaculate appearance during major events.

Strict rules and etiquette: the club maintains strict rules and etiquette for members and visitors. From dress codes to mobile phone usage, adherence to these guidelines is essential to upholding the club’s esteemed reputation and preserving its unique atmosphere.

As the Masters Tournament unfolds, these hidden facets of Augusta National add intrigue to an already captivating event. Beyond the thrilling competition on the course, the legacy and mystique of this iconic club continue to fascinate golf enthusiasts around the globe.

Photo by: Golfing Georgia.

The Open de Portugal: 50 years of golfing tradition

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For over half a century, the Open de Portugal has stood as a testament to excellence in professional golf. Originating in 1953, this annual tournament has been a cornerstone of Portugal’s golfing landscape, showcasing local talent and international stars.

Originally part of the European Tour from 1973 to 2010, the tournament underwent a brief hiatus before resurfacing in 2017 as a dual-ranking event on both the European and Challenge Tours. This revival marked a significant chapter in the tournament’s history, reaffirming its status as a premier golfing event. The promoter of the traditional Open is the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe, which is celebrating 75 years of life in 2024.

Currently, the tournament is only on the Challenge Tour calendar, and this season, it will be played again at Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort from September 12 to 15, with a prize pool of 270.000 euros. The defending champion is the Englishman Marco Penge. 

Throughout its storied past, the Open de Portugal has witnessed the triumphs of renowned players such as Sam Torrance, Colin Montgomerie, and Miguel Angel Jiménez, alongside emerging talents like Matt Wallace and Garrick Higgo. Their participation has not only elevated the competition but has also cemented its reputation on the global stage.

The Open de Portugal venues

The tournament has been hosted at prestigious venues across Portugal, including Estoril, Royal Óbidos, Morgado, Penina, Vale do Lobo, Troia, Penha Longa, and Quinta do Lago, each providing a challenging and picturesque backdrop for the world’s finest golfers. Despite its diverse locations, the Open de Portugal has remained a beacon of distinction, attracting enthusiasts from far and wide to witness the drama unfold on the fairways. At Tee Times Golf Agency, we offer the best packages for those who want to play on courses that have hosted the Open, enjoying their Portugal golf breaks at the highest level.

While the tournament has yet to see a Portuguese champion, players like José-Filipe Lima have come close, embodying the nation’s growing prowess in the sport. Regardless of the outcome, each edition of the Open de Portugal has served as a platform for seasoned professionals and rising stars to showcase their skills and compete for glory.

Notable moments, such as Colin Montgomerie’s record-breaking performance in 1989 (264 strokes), have etched themselves into the annals of golfing history, adding to the tournament’s rich tapestry of achievements. The Open de Portugal has provided countless memories for players and spectators, from dramatic playoffs to historic milestones.

As the Open looks ahead to its next chapter, it remains a symbol of Portugal’s enduring passion for golf and its commitment to fostering excellence in the sport. With each passing year, the Open de Portugal continues to captivate audiences, ensuring its rightful place among the world’s premier golfing events.

In summary, the Open de Portugal is a testament to 50 years of golfing tradition, embodying the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship that define the sport. As it enters its next era, the contest remains a beacon of excellence, inspiring generations of golfers to pursue their passion and strive for greatness on the green.

Photos: © Rodrigo Gatinho / Golftattoo / Federação Portuguesa de Golfe

The 2005 World Cup of Golf: putting Portugal on the golfing map

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In the illustrious history of the World Cup of Golf, Portugal stands out as a unique host, welcoming the prestigious event for the first and only time in 2005. Held at the breathtaking Oceânico Golf on its Victoria Course in Vilamoura, Algarve, this edition marked a significant moment for Portuguese golf, firmly placing it on the international stage.

The Victoria Golf Course, a picturesque 18-hole, Par 72 layout designed by none other than the legendary Arnold Palmer in 2004, served as the perfect setting for the 51st World Cup and the sixth as a World Golf Championship event. Its challenging yet scenic layout provided the backdrop for a thrilling competition showcasing the best global golfing talent.

Twenty-four countries, each represented by a dynamic duo of players, converged on Vilamoura to compete for glory and a substantial prize purse totalling $4,000,000. 

The Welsh pair of Bradley Dredge and Stephen Dodd emerged as the triumphant victors (189 strokes, -27), displaying exceptional skill and resilience in adverse weather conditions. Despite the final round being cancelled due to torrential rain and intense winds, Dredge and Dodd’s stellar performance in the preceding rounds secured their place in history as the deserving champions. The runner-ups were England (Luke Donald and David Howell) and Sweden (Niclas Fasth and Henrik Stenson), with 191 (-25). Here you can find the tournament summary

The World Cup of Golf: more than just a sporting event

For Portugal, hosting the World Cup of Golf was more than just a sporting event; it was a testament to the country’s growing prominence in golf. With the Victoria Course as the focal point, Portugal showcased its ability to stage a world-class golfing spectacle, earning accolades from players and spectators alike.

The significance of Portugal’s role as a host extended beyond the tournament itself. The exposure from hosting such a prestigious event helped elevate the country’s status as a premier golfing destination, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe to experience its scenic courses and warm hospitality.

The growth of golf in Portugal

The 2005 World Cup of Golf celebrated the spirit of competition and catalysed the continued growth of golf in Portugal. The heritage of this historic event lives on, serving as an inspiration for future generations of Portuguese golfers and reinforcing the country’s position as a significant player in the international golfing community.

Since then, Portugal Golf Holidays have become increasingly popular, offering golfers a chance to play on some of the finest courses in Europe, combined with the country’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and excellent cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned golf pro or an amateur, this paradise has something to offer every golfer, making it the perfect destination for your next Portugal golf break.

In the last few years, Portugal has cemented its position as one of the world’s premier golf destinations, attracting golfers from around the globe to experience its stunning courses, world-class facilities, and warm hospitality. The country was designated as the Best World Golf Destination by the World Golf Awards last year, a testament to the quality of its golf courses and the overall golfing experience it offers.

Meanwhile, the memories of the World Cup of Golf in 2005 remain etched in Portugal’s golfing history, a testament to the perpetual legacy of a nation that welcomed the world with open arms and left an indelible mark on the sport.