Beyond the green: Arnold Palmer’s enduring influence in Portugal and Spain

Arnold Palmer, the iconic golfer known as “The King,” left an enduring legacy on the Iberian Peninsula by designing two remarkable golf courses: Victoria Golf Course in Portugal and La Manga South in Spain. Palmer’s influence transcends the sport, shaping the accessibility and popularity of golf worldwide.

Palmer’s impact outperforms his achievements on the green. Alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, he formed the legendary “Big Three,” revolutionizing golf’s perception and accessibility. From humble beginnings to global stardom, Palmer’s influence reshaped golf, democratizing it from an elitist pastime to a sport accessible to all.

With seven major championships to his name, including four Masters titles, Palmer’s prowess on the course remains unmatched. Yet, his enduring legacy as a pioneer, ambassador, and golf champion continues to inspire generations of players and enthusiasts worldwide. Arnold Palmer’s mark on the Iberian Peninsula and the world of golf will forever be a testament to his permanent heritage.

Arnold Palmer & Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa

Perched amidst the verdant golf courses, the undulating hills of Calblanque Regional Park, and the azure Mediterranean Sea, Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa stands as a beacon of exclusive leisure and unparalleled excellence. With three golf courses, including one designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, world-class tennis and paddle facilities, tantalizing culinary experiences, and a rejuvenating Arabic-inspired spa, the resort promises to create unforgettable moments exclusively for its esteemed guests.

La Manga South, a collaborative masterpiece between Arnold Palmer and Robert Putnam, boasts a superb 18-hole championship course, presenting a unique tapestry of challenges and scenic landscapes. With water hazards, spacious fairways, doglegs, and strategically placed bunkers, it caters to golfers of all levels, promising an intriguing and exhilarating game. The resort’s golf academy ensures top-notch instruction for beginners to seasoned players, reflecting Palmer’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering the sport’s growth.

Palmer’s storied history with La Manga also dates back to 1975 when he clinched victory at the Open de España, a triumph immortalized by his daring shot across La Manga South’s famed lake, now known as the “Gran Lago Palmer.” This fearless spirit and prowess epitomize Palmer’s enduring legacy.

Victoria Golf Course

Meanwhile, Victoria Golf Course in Algarve, a Palmer masterpiece, bid farewell in December 2023 after nearly two decades of challenging play. Renovations totalling 17 million euros are underway, with renowned golfer Ernie Els crafting a new course set to reopen in February 2025. This closure marks the end of an era for a course that hosted prestigious tournaments such as the Portugal Masters and the 2005 World Cup, leaving behind a rich legacy that will forever be etched in the hearts of golf enthusiasts.

Arnold Palmer’s legacy is proud and infinite for those of us at Tee Times Golf Agency. For this reason, we recommend everyone to give themselves the pleasure of playing in La Manga and enjoy one of the best offers for the Spain golf holidays. Meanwhile, we eagerly await the reopening of the Victoria Golf Course, which will undoubtedly be the new jewel of Portuguese golf.

Photo by: No Está Dada.

Portugal Golf Holidays – Sunny Easter!

Quinta do Lago North Golf Course. Sunny Easter

Sunny Easter

Nothing is better than a sunny Easter golfbreak
 Portugal & Spain offer wide variety and fantastic top notch golf venues to enjoy your Easter.
 We’ve put together some of our amazing wide roster of golf courses.

You can also read other posts about Portugal Golf Holidays:
Europe’s Best Tour Operator
Golf in Vilamoura
Short Breaks / Golf Getaways

Costa Blanca and Valencian Community’s golf courses reopen on the 1st of March after 40 days of forced closure

Lo Romero Golf Course. Costa Blanca and Valencian Community's golf courses reopen on the 1st of March after 40 days of forced closure

Lo Romero

Costa Blanca and Valencian Community

The Costa Blanca and the Valencian Community’s golf courses reopened on 1st of March after the new resolution of the Universal Health Department & Public Health of Valencian on the “new measures as a result of the health crisis caused by COVID -19 ”in the DOGV, although some of them will wait until Tuesday, March 2, as they are completing maintenance works and improvements on the greens that had been undertaken taking advantage of this forced stop.

It should be remembered that the 36 golf courses, 21 golf courses on the Costa Blanca and 15 golf courses in the rest of the Valencian Community, like, La Finca, Lo Romero, Villaitana Levante & Poniente, El Valle, Mar Menor, Alenda, Alicante, Altea, Font del Llop, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, Las Ramblas, Villamartin, Altorreal, La Manga Club Resort North, South & West, Roda, Campoamor, El Plantio, La Sella, among others were forced to close on January 21st after the decree issued by the Universal Health Department & Public Health of Valencian as a result of the health situation caused by COVID-19.

This forced closure has been a drama for the golf courses of the Costa Blanca and the Valencian Community since they have had to continue paying the enormous daily maintenance costs, while in the rest of the country all the golf courses could remain open.
Once the reopening of the Costa Blanca and the Valencian Community golf courses has been announced, as well as the rest of the outdoor sports activities that meet safety criteria, the great objective of resuming the activity and all the efforts of the sector has been achieved. They are oriented and prepare for the next challenges such as the gradual opening of the airspace and the future arrival of golf tourists to the destination.

Tee Times Golf Agency publishes these reopenings with great enthusiasm, wishing that very soon we all will be able to play freely and amicably on these and all the golf courses.
For a safe, harmonious and relaxing return to the Costa Blanca and Valencia, we suggest our atractive golf packages at the hotels: Principe Felipe La Manga *****, Sercotel Hotel Bonalba Alicante ****, Dna Monse ****, The Residences Mar Smaller ***.
From golf packages for 3 nights accommodation + 2 rounds, 4 nights accommodation + 3 rounds, 5 nights accommodation + 4 rounds, 7 nights accommodation + 5 rounds up to special professional golf packages for 7 nights accommodation + 6 rounds or others elaborated according to the budget or desire of each client or group.

Share your dream with us and we will make it happen.

Source: opengolf.es