Penina Championship Golf Course

Discover Pestana Alvor Praia: Europe’s Leading Beach Hotel of the Year

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Pestana Alvor Praia and Tee Times Golf Agency offer the perfect combination for an unforgettable Algarve golf break in the leading beach hotel of the year.Pestana Alvor Praia, perched majestically on the cliffs above the famed Três Irmãos Beach in the Algarve, was honoured months ago as Europe’s Leading Beach Hotel 2024 at the World Travel Awards. This prestigious accolade, which the hotel also won in 2022, is a testament to its timeless elegance, unmatched location, and exceptional service.

The hotel boasts 202 luxurious rooms, including 18 suites, most offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from private terraces. The decor throughout the hotel blends various styles, creating a sophisticated yet modern ambience that enhances the sense of tranquillity and luxury. Guests looking for unforgettable Portugal golf holidays can unwind in the expansive gardens, dip in the outdoor pool, or enjoy direct access to the golden sands below the hotel’s private elevator.

Dining at Pestana Alvor Praia is an experience in itself. The Almofariz restaurant offers a delightful buffet service, while the Ocean Snack Bar and Bar D. Henrique are perfect spots for a cocktail or a light snack. The latter features live music for an added touch of entertainment.

Our golf-exclusive packages at Pestana Alvor Praia

Tee Times Golf Agency is proud to offer exclusive packages for guests wishing to combine their stay at this award-winning hotel with some of Algarve’s best golfing experiences. Just a short distance away, players can enjoy the challenges of the Alto Golf Course and Penina Championship.

Alto Golf Course (designed by Sir Henry Cotton) is known for its narrow fairways and small, elevated greens, offering a test for golfers of all levels. At 591 meters, it has Europe’s longest Par 5, making it a must-play for those seeking a rewarding challenge.

Penina Championship, also designed by Cotton, is a flat, long, narrow course demanding precision. With well-protected greens and strategically placed bunkers, it is a course that rewards straight, accurate placourse’sourse’s standout hole is Par 3, 13th, which has been recognised as one of the world’s top 500 golf holes.

Whether you seek luxury, relaxation, or world-class golf, Pestana Alvor Praia and Tee Times Golf Agency offer the perfect combination for an unforgettable Algarve golf break.

Sir Henry Cotton’s influence on golfing splendour in Portugal

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Sir Thomas Henry Cotton, MBE, left an indelible mark on the world of golf, not just as a three-time Open Championship winner but also as a designer of some of the most iconic golf courses, particularly in Portugal’s Algarve region. Born in 1907 in Cheshire, England, Cotton’s journey to golfing greatness began when he picked up the clubs at the age of 12, transitioning from his previous love for cricket.

Cotton’s legacy in golf extends far beyond his victories on the course. Renowned for his charismatic personality and penchant for the finer things in life, he brought a sense of glamour to the sport, embodying a blend of cosmopolitan flair and disciplined athleticism. His mantra, “The best is always good enough for me,” encapsulated his attitude towards golf and life.

In 1934, Cotton claimed his first Open Championship title, a feat he would repeat in 1937 and 1948, establishing himself as one of the preeminent British players of his era. His success wasn’t confined to individual accolades; he also played a pivotal role in elevating the status of professional golfers, advocating for their recognition and respect within the sporting community.

Henry Cotton’s legacy in Portugal

After retiring from competitive play in the 1950s, Cotton transitioned seamlessly into golf course design, leaving an enduring legacy in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region. Among his notable creations is the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course at Penina, the first 18-hole course in the Algarve. This course has hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times and is revered for its challenging layout and scenic beauty, characterized by streams, water hazards, and elevated greens.

Another gem in Cotton’s portfolio is the Benamor Golf Course in Tavira, Algarve. Inspired by the picturesque surroundings and the site’s historic church, Cotton crafted a par-71 course that offers a delightful playing experience amidst stunning views of the mountains and sea.

Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course is a testament to Cotton’s architectural prowess, featuring challenging holes against breathtaking landscapes. Though initially conceived by Cotton, the course bears the mark of Rocky Roquemore, yet it remains a testament to Cotton’s enduring influence on golf course design in Portugal.

At Tee Times Golf Agency, we are proud to offer golfers the best experiences for their Portugal golf holidays, with these golf courses bearing Henry Cotton’s seal being part of our extensive portfolio.

Henry Cotton’s contributions to the sport

Cotton’s contributions to the sport earned him widespread acclaim, including induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1980 and a knighthood in 1988, a fitting tribute to his lasting impact on golf as a player and a visionary course designer.

The Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year distinction, named after the English three-time Open Champion, honours the highest-placing rookie of the European Tour of each season. Established in 1960, it precedes the official start of the tour in 1972. Selected by a panel comprising the European Tour, The R&A of St Andrews, and the Association of Golf Writers, the award celebrates emerging talent in the world of golf.

To be a champion, one must act like one, as famously remarked by Henry Cotton. His legacy lives on in the trophies he won and the courses he crafted, leaving an indelible imprint on the rich tapestry of golfing history, particularly in the sun-drenched fairways of Portugal’s Algarve. With his name associated with some of the most iconic golf courses in the region, Henry Cotton will always be remembered as a visionary golfer and a design mastermind whose influence on the sport continues to inspire generations of golfers.

Photos by: Henry Cotton’s and Tee Times Golf Agency.

Discover the history of golf in the Algarve: Penina Hotel and Golf Resort

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The Algarve, a paradise on the southern coast of Portugal, has long been a coveted destination for golf fans worldwide. With its perfect climate, picture-postcard landscapes and several internationally renowned golf courses, this region attracts golfers year after year. At the heart of this enclave is the Penina Hotel and Golf Resort, the original home of golf in the Algarve.

This luxurious five-star resort, set on 360 acres of grassland and natural beauty, is more than just a golf destination – it’s an institution. With three courses, including the Algarve’s first 18-hole championship course, Penina leads the way in high-quality service, Portuguese charm and exceptional golf. It is perfect for luxurious Algarve golf breaks, relaxing family holidays and corporate retreats for those looking for the ultimate Portugal golf break.

Penina Hotel and Golf Resort: a unique experience

In addition to the golf courses, the Penina Resort has 6 restaurants and bars, ATP standard tennis courts, the largest outdoor pool in the Algarve, a football field, a sauna and a 24-hour gym. As if that were not enough, it also has a private beach bar on the nearby Playa de Dunas.

The Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course at Penina is one of the most challenging in Portugal. Flanked by streams, ditches and water hazards, this course is as unforgiving as beautiful. Maintained to the highest standard, it offers a variety of subtle slopes, elevated greens and stunning scenery. And as host of the Portuguese Open on ten occasions, it guarantees one of the best rounds of golf you can find in the country. It has also received other important international competitions, the most recent being the 74 Portuguese International Amateur Championship organized by the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe.

On the other hand, the Resort Course in Penina offers 9 holes for beginners or 18 holes for more experienced players. Following the principles established by the father of Portuguese golf, Sir Henry Cotton, this course is ideal for golfers of all levels and knowledge looking to enjoy the best Portugal golf holidays.

After a day of play on one of the three exceptional courses, guests can enjoy the best local and international cuisine at the resort’s restaurants. From Portuguese specialities to sophisticated Italian dishes, Penina offers a luxury dining experience to suit all tastes.

The history of golf in the Algarve is one of evolution and growth, which we have witnessed since its beginnings at Tee Times Golf Agency. From the first attempts to build courses in the region to the creation of prestigious tournaments such as the Portuguese Open, the Algarve has become a world-renowned golf destination. At the heart of this phenomenon is the Penina Hotel and Golf Resort. This gem has significantly contributed to the Algarve’s reputation as one of Portugal’s best places to play golf. Discover the magic of golf in the Algarve with a stay at Penina!