Golf

GEO Certified for Vilamoura Golf: Leading the Sustainable Way

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Big cheers to Vilamoura Golf! Four of its iconic courses—The Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium, and Laguna—have just bagged two of the top sustainability awards in the game: GEO Certified® and Biosphere Certified. That’s right: Vilamoura Golf fairways are officially recognised for doing good by nature while still delivering world-class golf experiences.

These aren’t just fancy titles. GEO Certified® is the gold standard in sustainable golf, given to courses that seriously walk the talk when it comes to environmental care, community support, and resource conservation. The Biosphere Certification, on the other hand, shows real commitment to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals—so yeah, it’s a pretty big deal.

Vilamoura Golf sets the bar high, from upgraded irrigation systems to cutting back on chemicals and giving local ecosystems the love they deserve. For example, the Old Course was praised for a new energy-efficient pump station and a pine tree management program that’s helping biodiversity thrive. Millennium stood out for its water-saving efforts, and Laguna was impressed with a 20% drop in water use thanks to a smart irrigation makeover. And let’s not forget Pinhal, who was recognised for supporting youth golf education and collaborating with local groups to boost community impact.

Vilamoura Golf and Sustainability: a Guiding Principle

The Vilamoura Golf courses are managed by the platform DETAILS, where sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a guiding principle. Co-CEO Nuno Sepúlveda emphasised how deeply the team values protecting the region’s natural beauty.

“Vilamoura has some of nature’s most stunning settings, and we feel a great weight of responsibility to make sure it not only is maintained but flourishes for generations to come”, said Sepúlveda.

“Understanding the importance of sustainability and avoiding waste of any sort is a key part of our business strategy and also increasingly important for our customers and visitors. We are grateful to receive these very prestigious accolades and are determined to ensure we continue to be the leader when it comes to setting a strong environmental agenda”, he added.

At Tee Times Golf Holidays, we’ve always been proud to offer the best golf packages in the Algarve and across Portugal—but we’re even prouder to work with destinations like Vilamoura that are investing in a greener future. Sustainability matters to us and the golfers we serve, and it’s great to see it becoming a core part of the game we love.

Ready to tee off on courses that care as much about the environment as they do about your experience? Let’s plan your next Portugal golf holiday with us.

Algarve: Where Tourism and Sustainability Go Hand in Hand

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Portugal’s Algarve continues to shine as a top global destination, blending sustainability with world-class tourism and holding its crown as the best golf destination on the planet.

At the “Turismo do Algarve: Overcoming Challenges, Building the Future” conference—celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Algarve Tourism Board—President André Gomes made the region’s vision crystal clear: “Sustainability is a non-negotiable priority.” A perfect example of this commitment is the Save Water efficiency seal, which has already cut water consumption in tourism businesses by 12%. And that’s just the beginning! The initiative is now expanding to local accommodations, tourism activities, car rentals, and restaurants, ensuring that the region’s natural beauty stays intact for generations to come.

Despite global economic challenges, the Algarve is thriving. In 2024, the region welcomed a record-breaking 5.2 million tourists, with Faro Airport handling 9.8 million passengers. And 2025 looks even better, especially with the launch of transatlantic routes, including the first-ever direct flight from New York (Newark) to Faro with United Airlines.

Algarve golfing experience

One of Algarve’s biggest draws? Golf. Named the best golf destination in the world, the region boasts top-tier courses, breathtaking landscapes, and outstanding facilities, attracting golf lovers year-round. Whether the rolling greens of Quinta do Lago or the stunning cliffside fairways of Vale do Lobo, the region delivers an unforgettable golfing experience for all skill levels.

Leading the way in golf tourism is Tee Times Golf Holidays, a specialised travel company that curates tailor-made golf packages, combining world-class courses with luxury stays for the ultimate golf getaway.

As the Algarve keeps breaking records and setting new standards, it proves that sustainability and premium tourism can go hand in hand. Whether you’re a leisure traveller, a golf enthusiast, or someone who values eco-conscious destinations, the Algarve remains a must-visit gem on the global travel map.

Photo: Travel News.

La Marquesa: Experience TPC Sawgrass’ Legendary 17th Hole in Sunny Alicante

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Did you know you can experience the thrill of TPC Sawgrass’ legendary 17th hole in Spain?

That’s right—in Alicante, golfers can test their nerves on an exact replica of the iconic island green from TPC Sawgrass. La Marquesa Golf, nestled in Ciudad Quesada (Rojales) on the sunny Costa Blanca, proudly features its own version of one of golf’s most famous challenges. And we’re not just talking inspiration; Ponte Vedra Beach Club shared the original topographic plans, ensuring every golfer at La Marquesa gets an authentic taste of Florida’s legendary hole.

This unique attraction is part of a significant upgrade initiated by José Ángel Quesada in May 2019, aiming to elevate La Marquesa Golf’s stature even further. Entrusting the redesign to Pascual Jiménez, Quesada’s ambitious vision quickly took shape, reshaping 9 greens and 4 fairways to refresh the historic course that first opened in 1989.

But the real magic happened when Spanish golf legend Miguel Ángel Jiménez joined the project. The charismatic champion offered crucial guidance and even sketched the iconic 17th-hole design right in the sand of a bunker, capturing every detail perfectly.

Recently featured by the prestigious news website Open Golf, La Marquesa Golf has firmly positioned itself among Alicante’s top golfing destinations, praised by local and international players.

TPC Sawgrass and The Players

This week, golf enthusiasts worldwide have their eyes fixed on the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course as The Players Championship—the unofficial “fifth major”—takes place. This tournament is one of the most anticipated events in the golfing calendar, attracting an elite field of professionals competing for one of the largest prize pools in the sport. Central to the drama and excitement each year is the notorious 17th hole, a par-3 surrounded entirely by water, where even the slightest miscalculation can dash championship dreams instantly.

If you’re eager to experience La Marquesa Golf and other spectacular courses along the Costa Blanca, Tee Times Golf Holidays offers unbeatable packages tailored to all golfing enthusiasts. Ready for your Spanish Sawgrass challenge? Pack your clubs and book with Tee Times —your gateway to Alicante’s best golf experiences.