Golf

Morgado Golf Course: one of the Algarve’s top choices for golf fans

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Nestled in the natural beauty of the Algarve’s Barrocal region, Morgado Golf Course is one of the premier golfing destinations offered by Tee Times Golf Agency for the best Portugal golf holidays. This 18-hole, par 73 course, meticulously designed by European Golf Design and inaugurated in 2003, provides a unique golfing challenge that appeals to players of all levels. Managed by Director Jorge Papa and Professional John Seymour, the course is renowned for its wide fairways and flat bunkers, inspired by Scotland’s famous links courses.

Morgado Golf Course charm

As you play your first round at Morgado, you’ll be surrounded by the aromatic citrus and olive groves that add to the course’s charm. The front nine holes offer a relatively flatter terrain, while the back nine present a more undulating landscape with impressive views of the Monchique mountains, creating a dynamic and engaging golfing experience.

Morgado Golf Course is not just about the game; it’s about the complete golfing experience. The club has two practice tees, two chipping greens, and two putting greens, making it perfect for golfers looking to refine their skills. The on-site golf academy, recognised as one of the best in Portugal, boasts top-tier instructors who have coached players to compete at international levels. The academy also features a school for young golfers, fostering the next generation of talent.

The course was also the home of the Portuguese Open Championship, part of the European Tour. Designed to test your stamina, buggies are available for added comfort, especially during warmer weather. The strategically developed fairways encourage golfers to build a good result on the front nine and prepare for a more challenging back nine, mainly due to the valley’s funnel-like wind conditions.

The 18th is a superb finishing hole, offering an elevated tee with a stunning view of the wavy fairway, bunkers, and the Clubhouse in the distance. This true signature hole promises a thrilling end to your round. Whether by par or birdie, Morgado Golf Course guarantees you’ll want to return for another round, appreciating the natural beauty and the exceptional golfing challenge it presents.

On-site, the NAU Morgado Golf & Country Club enhances the experience further with its luxurious amenities. The hotel offers stunning views of nearby mountain ranges, nature reserves, and rivers, providing a picturesque backdrop for your stay. The resort is family-friendly, with a club for kids and daily entertainment ensuring a memorable holiday.

Whether you want to improve your skills, compete with friends, or enjoy a day on the greens, Morgado Golf Course is the perfect destination. Embrace the natural beauty, the thoughtfully designed course, and the warm hospitality that make this place a must-visit for any golf enthusiast. Plan your visit today and experience the magic of Morgado with Tee Times Golf Agency.

Driving greatness: the impact of World Golf Awards

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The 11th annual World Golf Awards, a prestigious event that sets high standards in the industry, will be held on November 21-22, 2024, on the scenic island of Madeira.

Since its inception in 2014, the World Golf Awards have become a benchmark for excellence in golf tourism and a prestigious gathering of the industry’s top courses, destinations, and tour operators. This exclusive annual event brings together the crème de la crème of the golfing world, including VIPs and leaders from the golf tourism sector, to honour outstanding achievements and set new standards in the industry.

Tee Times Golf Agency has garnered significant accolades, being named Portugal’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator in 2020 and 2021 and Portugal’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator in 2022. This recognition underscores the agency’s commitment to delivering exceptional service in a country renowned as a premier golf destination. Portugal has frequently been honoured as the World’s Best Golf Destination, adding prestige to these awards.

World Golf Awards: the importance of exemplary service in golf tourism

Providing exceptional service is paramount for golf tour operators. Tee Times Golf Agency goes beyond this, offering personalised experiences that cater to golf enthusiasts’ unique needs. Our dedication has not just set them apart in the competitive field of golf tourism, but it has also created a buzz among golf enthusiasts. A tour operator’s role extends beyond booking rounds; it involves creating unforgettable golfing experiences, ensuring seamless logistics, and delivering unparalleled customer service.

Shaping the future of golf

The World Golf Awards are not just a celebration; they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of golf tourism. By recognising excellence, these awards drive standards of quality and innovation across the industry, inspiring hope for a brighter future. The rigorous voting process involves golf travel and tourism professionals, ensuring that only the best are acknowledged. This year, Tee Times Golf Agency is in the running for Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024 (you can vote here), a testament to our continuous pursuit of excellence.

Acknowledging leaders in golf tourism

These awards significantly raise industry standards by spotlighting leaders in golf tourism. With extensive media coverage from partners like Destination Golf, TV5Monde, Bloomberg, and CNBC, the awards reach a global audience, reinforcing their status as the ultimate accolade in golf tourism.

Tee Times Golf Agency’s consistent recognition by the World Golf Awards highlights our vital role in the industry and our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier service. As we contest for Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024, our story continues to inspire excellence and innovation in golf tourism.

Azora expands its golf portfolio with the acquisition of Praia d’El Rey and West Cliffs

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Azora, a Madrid-based European real estate investment manager, has significantly enhanced its presence in the Portuguese market by acquiring the prestigious Praia d’El Rey Resort in Óbidos, Portugal. This acquisition, executed through the Azora European Hotel and Lodging Fund (AEHL), includes the luxurious Marriott Praia d’El Rey hotel, two top-ranked golf courses—Praia del Rey and West Cliffs—and the management of 90 apartments and two food and beverage outlets.

The Marriott Praia d’El Rey, a 177-room, 5-star hotel, is a jewel in our crown. It will continue operating under the Marriott brand, managed by Blue & Green. The hotel, with its stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, direct beach access, and surrounding golf courses, offers a unique and luxurious experience. It boasts premium amenities, including four dining options, a renovated spa and wellness area, indoor and outdoor pools, a kids club, and extensive meeting and event facilities. The golf courses, recognized among Portugal’s top ten and recipients of the 2023 Golfer’s Choice Award from Leading Courses, are key highlights of the resort.

Azora leadership position

This acquisition is a testament to Azora’s strategic growth in Portugal. It expands our portfolio to include seven hotels and two golf courses with 36 holes. The Praia d’El Rey Resort, with its exceptional facilities and prime location, strengthens Azora’s position as a leader in the leisure and golf destination sector in Europe and underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests.

Azora’s portfolio now encompasses over 12,000 keys under management, cementing its status as a significant player in the European hospitality and leisure investment sector. Since its inception, Azora has invested over €3 billion in the hospitality industry, acquiring over 100 hotels and 26,000 hotel keys. The company’s strategy focuses on high-quality hotels and urban hostels, targeting assets that require active management and repositioning.

Launched in 2021 with €815 million in capital, AEHL has focused on the vacation hotel segment in major European destinations. The fund employs a value-add strategy, emphasizing asset transformation and active management of hotel operations. Recently, AEHL has also adopted an alternative hotel strategy for urban tourism, targeting a diverse range of travellers and aiming to revolutionize city tourism.

Concha Osácar, one of Azora’s founding partners, expressed confidence in the hospitality sector across the Mediterranean and Southern Europe. She emphasized that the acquisition of Praia d’El Rey Resort marks a significant milestone for AEHL, underscoring Azora’s commitment to high-potential markets and its belief in Portugal’s growing appeal to both European and American tourists.

For over 30 years, Tee Times Golf Agency has offered the best packages for those seeking Portugal golf holidays. With extensive industry experience, we provide unparalleled access to top courses, including the newly acquired by Azora, Praia del Rey and West Cliffs golf courses, ensuring a memorable and high-quality golfing experience.