Golf in Azores

Golfing in the Azores: an Atlantic haven

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Golfing in the Azores: perfect for golfers and nature lovers, as it boasts three exceptional courses and a variety of activities. Nature is on full display in the Azores, an archipelago in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. The island’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity provide an unparalleled golfing in the Azores experience amidst breathtaking scenery. This destination is perfect for golfers and nature lovers, as it boasts three exceptional courses and a variety of activities. At Tee Times Golf Agency, we pride ourselves on offering exclusive packages, ensuring our guests enjoy this paradise at the highest level and feel privileged.

Reaching the Azores

Travelling to the Azores is an adventure that can be undertaken by air or sea. Major European and North American cities offer regular flights to the islands, with airlines like SATA Azores Airlines and TAP Air Portugal providing convenient routes to Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, and other islands. Alternatively, cruise ships frequently visit the archipelago, offering a picturesque journey through the Atlantic.

The Azores are celebrated for their awe-inspiring landscapes, from verdant hills to dramatic volcanic formations. On Santa Maria Island, visitors can unwind on warm white sand beaches and explore vineyards cascading down the slopes like giant staircases. São Miguel, the largest island, captivates with the stunning Sete Cidades and Fogo Lagoons, geysers, hot springs, and volcanic lakes. The Central Group—comprising Terceira, São Jorge, Pico, Faial, and Graciosa—presents a harmonious mix of history, culture, and natural wonders. The Azores enjoy a mild climate, making it a perfect year-round destination for golfing and other outdoor activities. Activities, like whale and dolphin watching, hiking, and savouring local specialities like São Jorge cheese, add to the allure.

Golfing in the Azores

The Azores boast three remarkable golf courses, each offering a unique combination of challenging play and scenic beauty. These courses are not just about the views but also about the thrill of the game, making them a must-visit for any golf fan.

Furnas Golf Course: nestled on São Miguel Island near the renowned Furnas Valley, the Furnas Golf Course is a testament to the island’s volcanic origins. Designed by Mackenzie Ross and later expanded by Cameron Powell, this 18-hole course features undulating fairways bordered by towering cryptomeria trees. Known for its Scottish character and superb greens, Furnas provides a British golfing experience in the Azores.

Batalha Golf Club: also on São Miguel, Batalha Golf Club offers 27 holes spread over 120 hectares of rolling hills with stunning ocean views. Designed by Cameron Powell, the course features wide fairways, expansive greens, and contoured bunkers. Each hole presents a unique challenge, with the 6th Tee of the B loop offering an especially memorable view. The clubhouse at Batalha is ideal for relaxing after a round or hosting special events.

Golfe da Ilha Terceira: located on Terceira Island, this golf course presents a par-72 layout extending over 6,332 yards. The fairways, lined with cryptomeria trees, and the challenging par-4 5th hole make this course a favourite among golfers. The club’s pro shop, stocked with a wide range of golf equipment, is a popular visitor stop.

Tailored golf packages by Tee Times Golf Agency

To experience the best golfing in the Azores, Tee Times Golf Agency offers customised packages that combine rounds at these stunning courses with comfortable accommodations and additional activities. Whether planning a week-long golfing vacation or a shorter getaway, Tee Times ensures an unforgettable experience in this Atlantic paradise.

With its natural beauty, diverse activities, and exceptional golf courses, the Azores are a unique destination for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure. Discover the enchantment of these islands and indulge in a golfing experience like no other.

Portugal Golf – Golf generated record revenues in Portugal in 2022

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Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course. Golf generates record revenues in Portugal.

Green fees generated record revenues in Portugal last year

In counter cycle with the peaks in tourism demand, golf is preparing for its first high season of year, which starts in March and lasts until May. With the great revenues obtained in 2022 following the interregnum imposed by the pandemic, there is reason for confidence.

Revenues from golf in Portugal hit a record high of 154 million euros in 2022, a 6 percent rise from 2019, the last year before the pandemic, thanks to a total of 3 million rounds played. However, the actual effect of the sport on the Portuguese economy is expected to be far greater.

“The 154 million euros are only from green fees, not from any additional purchases made while at the golf course. rental of buggies, provision of meals, and teaching of related skills are only a few examples of the many businesses revolving around this sport”, says Frederico Brion Sanches, board member of the National Council of the Golf Industry (CNIG).

Foreign tourists are the main ones responsible for record revenues in the country, representing 80 percent of the rounds played last year. It is in the Algarve that the international market assumes greater weight (92 percent) with the British and Irish in the majority, followed by the Scandinavians and France.

“Playing four or five times throughout a week in Portugal is the norm for visitors from other countries. Non-Portuguese players are responsible for a significantly greater number of rounds compared to their Portuguese counterparts”, as Brion Sanches puts it.

Portugal has made the first step in establishing itself as a golf destination, and the country’s worldwide accolades enable it to compete with its key competitors, like Spain or Italy.

In 2019, for the sixth year in a row, Portugal has been named Europe’s Best Golf Destination by the World Golf Awards, and it has also been chosen as Europe’s Best Golf Destination by the World Travel Awards five times.

Frederico Brion Sanches thinks the industry has a lot to develop, but he cautions that more flights, more destinations, better air connections, and more convenient schedules are all essential, and defends an air bridge between Lisbon and the Algarve.

The lack of human resources, transversal to all areas of tourism, is another of the challenges pointed out by Brion Sanches, along with sustainability.

“Last but not least, we should expand our efforts to promote Portugal as a golf holiday destination. We are talking about more marketing campaigns and the constant promotion of Portugal as a golf destination”, he concludes.

Book your golf holidays in Portugal with Tee Times Golf Agency and enjoy some of the best golf courses in Europe.

You can also read other posts about Golf in Portugal:
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Portugal Golf Holidays – The final numbers for Portugal’s tourism sector in 2022 confirm the recovery

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Praia do Camilo. The final numbers for Portugal's tourism sector in 2022 confirm the recovery

Portugal’s tourism sector confirms the recovery in 2022

Last year, Portugal was close to matching the records broken in 2019 in the tourism sector. The National Statistics Institute (INE) released preliminary data on tourism activities, showing that hotels and other tourist-related businesses served 26.5 million guests and registered 69.5 million overnight stays in total throughout the year.

The number of visitors was down 2.3% and the number of overnight stays was down 0.9% compared to 2019 before the pandemic. The increases were 83.3% and 86.3%, respectively, compared to 2021, a year still feeling the effects of covid-19.

According to INE, domestic overnight visits increased in 2022 in all regions compared to 2019. The highest growth in non-local overnight stays was seen in the North (+4.3%), followed by the Azores (+5.1%), and Madeira (+4.5%).

Overall, compared to 2019, domestic overnight stays climbed by 8.6%, while international overnight stays dropped by 5%.

In 2022, the United Kingdom was the top outbound market, accounting for 19.3% of all overnight stays by non-locals. This was over three times the value from 2021 but 4% less than 2019. Germany (11.5%), Spain (10.8%), and France (9.3%) are the next largest markets. The USA accounted for 7.5% in 2022, up 327.4% from the previous year and 26.9% from 2019. Other markets that saw significant increases were Brazil and Ireland.

Portugal is a stunning golf holiday destination with much to offer. The most popular golf holiday destinations in the country are the Algarve and Lisbon region, but you’ll find excellent golf courses in all the Portuguese regions, because Portugal has some of the best golf courses in Europe.

Stunning golf courses, nice weather, beautiful natural landscapes and outstanding culture make Portugal a true paradise for golfers.

Book your next golf holiday in Portugal will Tee Times Golf Agency and get ready to have the best golf holiday experience of your life.

You can also read other posts about Portugal Golf Holidays:
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2,9 million tourists visited Portugal in September