Challenge Tour

Club de Golf Alcanada Set to Host the Ultimate Showdown on the Road to Mallorca

Posted on by

The Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by the R&A is set to return to the stunning Club de Golf Alcanada, located in Mallorca, Spaín.The Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by the R&A is set to return to the stunning Club de Golf Alcanada, located in Mallorca, Spain, from October 31 to November 3. This prestigious event marks the culmination of the Road to Mallorca 2024. This season-long competition features 30 tournaments across 19 countries, where the top 45 players battle for 20 places on the DP World Tour.

The Grand Final, the most significant event on the European Challenge Tour, has a long-standing tradition of showcasing future stars of the sport. The Challenge Tour itself, established in 1989, is Europe’s leading developmental tour, having been the launchpad for many of today’s top players, including Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, and Brooks Koepka. The top 20 players in the season rankings earn direct promotion to the DP World Tour, with the winner of the Road to Mallorca Rankings receiving the coveted Silver Salver and Category 15 membership.

This year, the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final will once again take place at the world-class Club de Golf Alcanada. Opened in 2003, this renowned course is the brainchild of Hans-Peter Porsche, whose vision took 17 years to materialise due to official requirements. Since then, the course has become one of the finest in Spain and a favourite among golfers worldwide. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr., Alcanada’s layout is challenging and breathtaking, offering views of the Mediterranean Sea from every hole. The iconic Alcanada lighthouse, visible from almost every spot on the course, adds to the allure of this beautiful golfing destination.

Best moments at Club de Golf Alcanada

The Grand Final at Alcanada has seen some extraordinary moments, including Francesco Laporta’s victory in 2019 and JC Ritchie’s course record-breaking round of 63 in 2022. Last year, England’s Marco Penge claimed the title, continuing the tradition of thrilling finishes at this exceptional venue.

Alcanada is an ideal host for such prestigious events and a top destination for golf enthusiasts looking for unforgettable Spain golf holidays. Tee Times Golf Agency proudly offers exclusive golf packages at this stunning location, allowing golfers to experience one of the Mediterranean’s best courses while enjoying the beauty and culture of Mallorca. With its unbeatable combination of world-class golf and luxurious Mediterranean surroundings, Club de Golf Alcanada remains a must-visit for any golf lover.

For those seeking an unparalleled golfing experience, Tee Times provides the perfect gateway to enjoy Spain’s finest courses, with Club de Golf Alcanada standing out as a highlight in any golfer’s itinerary. Whether competing in a prestigious tournament or enjoying a leisurely round, Alcanada offers something extraordinary.

Photos by: Club de Golf Alcanada.

Exploring the four Challenge Tour golf tournaments on the Iberian Peninsula

Posted on by

The Challenge Tour of Golf, along with its Road to Mallorca, is set to showcase four exciting tournaments across the Iberian Peninsula this season. With three events slated for Spain and one for Portugal, golf enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling series of competitions in stunning locations.

These courses are part of the best golf and tourism packages we offer in Tee Times Golf Agency for those who want to enjoy the best golf breaks in Spain and Portugal.

Challenge Tour Iberian leg

The Challenge de España at the Real Club Sevilla Golf is kicking off the Iberian leg from May 9th to 12th. Designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, this long course spanning 7,177 yards promises a challenging yet enjoyable experience. With wide fairways, undulating greens, and many hazards, including bunkers and lakes, the Real Club Sevilla Golf offers players a skill test amidst a picturesque setting.

Moving on to the Challenge de Cadiz at the Iberostar Real Golf Novo Sancti Petri from June 6th to 9th, players will find themselves in a privileged location along the Atlantic coast, nestled in the beautiful Cadiz beach of La Barrosa. The club boasts a championship golf course and easy access to iconic Andalusian cities like Jerez, Cádiz, and Sevilla, making it a perfect destination for golf and leisure enthusiasts.

In September, attention turns to Portugal for the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort from September 12th to 15th. Here, golfers will encounter a course designed by the legendary Severiano Ballesteros, blending seamlessly with the natural terrain to offer an exceptional golfing experience. With its strategic layout and stunning views, Royal Óbidos promises an unforgettable tournament for players and spectators.

Lastly, the grand finale awaits at the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final, supported by the R&A, held at the Club de Golf Alcanada in Port d’Alcúdia, Mallorca, from October 31st to November 3rd. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, this 18-hole gem opened its doors in 2003 and has since earned acclaim as one of Mallorca’s premier golf destinations. Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by pine and olive forests, Club de Golf Alcanada offers a breathtaking conclusion to the Challenge Tour season.

Since its establishment in 1986, the Challenge Tour has evolved into a prestigious pathway for aspiring golfers to earn their place on the DP World Tour. With its competitive format and prestigious rewards, including direct promotion for top performers, the tour continues to attract and nurture talent from around the globe, a testament to its significance in the world of golf.

As the Challenge Tour makes its mark on the Iberian Peninsula this season, fans can look forward to witnessing thrilling golf action amidst some of Europe’s most captivating courses.

The Open de Portugal: 50 years of golfing tradition

Posted on by

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