Open de Portugal

Top golfers represented 11 prestigious Portuguese courses at the Open de Portugal

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The latest edition of the Open de Portugal showcased an impressive lineup of 15 Portuguese players representing 11 of the country's top golf clubs.The latest edition of the Open de Portugal, held at the prestigious Royal Óbidos Golf Course and part of the Challenge Tour calendar, showcased an impressive lineup of 15 Portuguese players representing 11 of the country’s top golf clubs. Their courses, including some of the most iconic in Portugal, play a crucial role in promoting golf nationwide and have been instrumental in developing local touch.

Pedro Lencart, representing Penina Golf Course, was among the standout players, while Pedro Almeida competed under the banner of Lisbon Sports Club. Vitor Lopes, from Golf Club Vilamoura, and Hugo Camelo Ferreira and Diogo Rocha, both from Club Golf Miramar, brought experience and skill to the tournament. Vasco Alves and Miguel Cardoso represented Oporto Golf Club, further showcasing the depth of Portuguese golfing talent.

Alexandre Abreu competed for Pinheiros Altos Golf Course, and Quinta do Lago was present with two of its finest, Tomás Bessa and Ricardo Santos. JM Franco de Sousa represented Estoril Golf Club, while Alfonso Oliveira and Joao Pereira showcased their gifts for Aroeira Golf Club. Pedro Figueiredo, a rising star, represented Dunas Terras da Comporta, and the talented Tomás Melo Gouveia played for San Lorenzo Golf Club. Notably, five players—Franco de Sousa, Cardoso, Rocha, Pereira, and Oliveira—are amateurs, highlighting the strength of Portugal’s golfing future.

These prestigious golf courses are part of Tee Times Golf Agency‘s extensive offerings, allowing golfers worldwide to experience the best Portugal golf holidays. Tee Times is renowned for crafting unique golf packages with access to these top-tier clubs, ensuring unforgettable golfing experiences.

Open de Portugal special celebration

This year, the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe celebrates its 75th anniversary, a milestone that marks its decades of tireless dedication to promoting golf throughout Portugal. The federation’s instrumental role in growing the sport, nurturing talent from the grassroots to professional stages, and organizing prestigious tournaments like the Open de Portugal is something every golf enthusiast should appreciate. Its efforts have helped elevate Portugal as a global golf destination, providing opportunities for both amateurs and professionals to excel on some of the finest courses in the world. As it commemorates this milestone, the federation continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Portuguese golf.

Portugal was named the World’s Best Golf Destination last year at the World Golf Awards, reflecting the country’s exceptional golf landscape. This year, Tee Times Golf Agency is nominated for Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024 (you can vote here), further cementing its status as a leader in the golf tourism industry.

The Open de Portugal remains a cornerstone of European golf. It offers a thrilling competition that continues to inspire Portuguese golfers and elevate the sport’s history across the country.

Photo by: Rodrigo Gatinho (Federação Portuguesa de Golfe).

Explore with Tee Times the historic venues of the Open de Portugal: a journey through 13 iconic golf courses

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This week, the Open de Portugal takes place at Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort. Over the years, the tournament has seen 13 magnificent golf clubs host.

This week, the prestigious 62nd edition of the Open de Portugal takes place at Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort, continuing its proud tradition as Portugal’s premier golf tournament. The tournament was first held in 1953 and established as one of the oldest events on the European professional circuit. Royal Obidos, designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros, has been the host since 2020 and offers players a challenging yet picturesque experience.

Open de Portugal golf club host

Over the years, the Open de Portugal has seen 13 magnificent golf clubs host. Estoril Golf Club has received the tournament 20 times, leading the list. With its stunning views of the Estoril coast, this historic course is synonymous with the Open de Portugal. Following Estoril is Penina Golf Resort, which has been the venue 10 times. Known as the first golf resort in the Algarve, Penina is a legend in its own right.

With its prime Algarve location, Quinta do Lago has hosted the tournament eight times, offering a blend of natural beauty and strategic play. Royal Obidos has held the event five times, including this year’s edition, offering a modern challenge with its undulating fairways and breathtaking views.

Oitavos Golf in the coastal region of Cascais has hosted the tournament four times, blending links-style golf with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Penha Longa Resort, a hidden gem in the Sintra mountains, and Morgado Golf & Country Club have both held the tournament three times, each offering a unique landscape of challenge and beauty.

Other courses, such as Vila Sol, Aroeira, and Vale do Lobo, have each hosted the tournament twice, each providing a distinct and unique golfing experience. Finally, Vilamoura, Troia, and Estela Golf Club have been home to the Open once, showcasing their exceptional quality and adding to Portugal’s diverse range of golfing experiences.

Tee Times Golf Agency offers unbeatable golf packages for those inspired by this illustrious history. These packages allow you to experience the very best of these 13 courses, ensuring your Portugal golf holidays are unforgettable. Don’t miss this opportunity to join the Open de Portugal’s rich legacy.

The Open de Portugal: 50 years of golfing tradition

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For over half a century, the Open de Portugal has stood as a testament to excellence in professional golf. Originating in 1953, this annual tournament has been a cornerstone of Portugal’s golfing landscape, showcasing local talent and international stars.

Originally part of the European Tour from 1973 to 2010, the tournament underwent a brief hiatus before resurfacing in 2017 as a dual-ranking event on both the European and Challenge Tours. This revival marked a significant chapter in the tournament’s history, reaffirming its status as a premier golfing event. The promoter of the traditional Open is the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe, which is celebrating 75 years of life in 2024.

Currently, the tournament is only on the Challenge Tour calendar, and this season, it will be played again at Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort from September 12 to 15, with a prize pool of 270.000 euros. The defending champion is the Englishman Marco Penge. 

Throughout its storied past, the Open de Portugal has witnessed the triumphs of renowned players such as Sam Torrance, Colin Montgomerie, and Miguel Angel Jiménez, alongside emerging talents like Matt Wallace and Garrick Higgo. Their participation has not only elevated the competition but has also cemented its reputation on the global stage.

The Open de Portugal venues

The tournament has been hosted at prestigious venues across Portugal, including Estoril, Royal Óbidos, Morgado, Penina, Vale do Lobo, Troia, Penha Longa, and Quinta do Lago, each providing a challenging and picturesque backdrop for the world’s finest golfers. Despite its diverse locations, the Open de Portugal has remained a beacon of distinction, attracting enthusiasts from far and wide to witness the drama unfold on the fairways. At Tee Times Golf Agency, we offer the best packages for those who want to play on courses that have hosted the Open, enjoying their Portugal golf breaks at the highest level.

While the tournament has yet to see a Portuguese champion, players like José-Filipe Lima have come close, embodying the nation’s growing prowess in the sport. Regardless of the outcome, each edition of the Open de Portugal has served as a platform for seasoned professionals and rising stars to showcase their skills and compete for glory.

Notable moments, such as Colin Montgomerie’s record-breaking performance in 1989 (264 strokes), have etched themselves into the annals of golfing history, adding to the tournament’s rich tapestry of achievements. The Open de Portugal has provided countless memories for players and spectators, from dramatic playoffs to historic milestones.

As the Open looks ahead to its next chapter, it remains a symbol of Portugal’s enduring passion for golf and its commitment to fostering excellence in the sport. With each passing year, the Open de Portugal continues to captivate audiences, ensuring its rightful place among the world’s premier golfing events.

In summary, the Open de Portugal is a testament to 50 years of golfing tradition, embodying the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship that define the sport. As it enters its next era, the contest remains a beacon of excellence, inspiring generations of golfers to pursue their passion and strive for greatness on the green.

Photos: © Rodrigo Gatinho / Golftattoo / Federação Portuguesa de Golfe