DP World Tour

Exploring the four Challenge Tour golf tournaments on the Iberian Peninsula

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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.

Celebrating Spanish gastronomy at the Masters Tournament Champions Dinner

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Last year, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm made history by winning the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. This week, he’s set to make another significant mark: designing the menu for the prestigious Champions Dinner, a tradition that brings together golf’s elite for a special meal. This is not just any menu but a showcase of the flavours of Spain, a unique culinary experience curated by Rahm himself.

Champions Dinner menu

Assisting Rahm in curating the menu is acclaimed Spanish chef José Andrés, who shares Rahm’s passion for showcasing the rich flavours of Spanish cuisine. Together, they have crafted a menu that celebrates the culinary heritage of the Basque Country and Spain.

The dinner begins with a selection of premium Spanish products, including Iberian ham, Idiazabal cheese, and chistorra, accompanied by gildas and traditional Basque-style lentil stew inspired by Rahm’s grandmother’s recipe. Guests will enjoy classic Spanish tapas such as tortilla española (Spanish omelette) and chicken croquettes.

For the main course, the players can choose between a refreshing spider crab salad, pil-pil-style turbot, or grilled T-bone steak. Rahm and José Andrés have prepared a decadent cream and custard mille-feuille dessert to conclude the meal.

These gastronomic delights represent Spain’s flavours and mirror the dining experiences that golf enthusiasts can enjoy at many golfing destinations offered by Tee Times Golf Agency for Spain golf holidays. 

Champions Dinner wines

Adding a personal touch to the dinner, Rahm has selected a wine that holds a special place in his heart: the Imperial Gran Reserva 2017. This wine, with its roots in the Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE), is a family favourite, particularly cherished by Rahm’s grandfather. The wine’s presence has marked significant moments in Rahm’s life, including his wedding and the birth of his first child, making it more than just a choice of beverage for the evening.

Imperial Gran Reserva 2017, a prestigious red wine, was recognized as the world’s best by Wine Spectator in 2013. Crafted from the finest grapes from vineyards between 550 and 650 meters above sea level in La Rioja, Spain, this wine undergoes meticulous production processes. The grapes are manually harvested, undergo cold maceration, and are aged in French and American oak barrels for two years, resulting in a wine of exceptional quality and taste.

To complement Imperial, Rahm has chosen Contino Blanco 2020, a white wine from La Rioja Alavesa. Known for its balance, freshness, and ability to age gracefully, Contino Blanco 2020 reflects the floral and fruity character of Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía grapes.

In addition to savouring exquisite cuisine and fine wines, attendees of the Champions Dinner will experience a taste of Spanish culture and hospitality, courtesy of Jon Rahm and his collaboration with José Andrés. As Rahm continues to make his mark in golf, his passion for his Basque roots and Spanish heritage shines through, both on and off the course.

Photo by: @TheMasters/Twitter

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.