Challenge Tour

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

Challenge de España: celebrating 25 years of the best golf

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Spanish golf reaches new heights with the celebration of the Challenge de España at the prestigious Real Club Sevilla Golf from May 9 to 12. With 25 years of history, this tournament has established itself as one of the most prominent events on the Challenge Tour, attracting several of the best players in the world and fans who plan their Spain golf holidays to enjoy the competition.

Since its first edition in 1999 in El Saler, Valencia, the Challenge de España has toured Spain’s most emblematic golf courses, from Valencia to Almería, promoting golf worldwide. The competition returns to Andalusia to debut in Seville, a city with a rich golf tradition.

Golf del Guadiana, Villamartin Golf Club, Izki Golf, Torremirona Golf Club, Centro Nacional de Golf, Campo de Layos Golf, Retamares Golf Club, Tecina Golf, Iberostar Real Club and Playa Serena have also hosted the prestigious tournament. Many of them are courses that tourists choose for their Spain golf breaks. At Tee Times, we have been offering attractive packages for years for those who want to enjoy the best golf in Spain.

In dialogue with Golf Industria, the president of the Real Club Sevilla Golf, Rafael Domínguez, highlighted the importance of this event for the club and Spanish golf in general. The tournament has been a platform for the emergence of talent and has contributed to the prestige of the Challenge Tour, as said Jamie Hodges, Executive Director for this tour.

“We have witnessed great events, and now we are delighted to position ourselves in world golf again with this double celebration, the twenty-five years of the Challenge of Spain and the thirty-five years of the Challenge Tour,” said Domínguez, host club president.

The support of entities such as the Real Federación Española de Golf and the sponsorship of recognised brands ensure the tournament’s success. 

 

Real Club Sevilla Golf: A renowned host club

The Real Club Sevilla Golf (par 72 and 7,177 yards), designed by José María Olazábal (two-time winner of The Masters in Augusta), offers a challenging and beautiful setting for players and spectators alike.

With its wide fairways, undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers, the golf course is a true challenge for players of all levels. Its impeccable maintenance throughout the year positions it among the best golf courses in Spain and one of the most chosen by golfers worldwide who visit Seville.

In addition to hosting prestigious tournaments, the Real Club Sevilla Golf also promotes amateur golf through its Children’s Golf School and social tournaments, boosting the practice of this sport among all ages.

 

Challenge de España and the Seville senses

Seville captivates with its rich history and culinary delights. The city brims with historical heritage, from the majestic Alcázar to the beautiful Cathedral of Seville and the emblematic Plaza de España. As for gastronomy, its tapas, gazpacho, fried fish and the famous Iberian ham are a feast for the senses. Traditional bars and taverns offer an authentic experience worth enjoying.

With the Challenge de España in Seville, Spain reaffirms its position as one of Europe’s most prominent golf tourist destinations. We invite all golf lovers to enjoy this exciting event and discover the beauty and excitement of golf in Spain.