Portugal golf courses

Lisbon Sports Club lost an icon: Fernando Fragoso passed away

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Fernando Fragoso, also known as “The President of the 18 Holes,” passed away, leaving an exceptional legacy at the historic Lisbon Sports Club. His relentless efforts in expanding and building the new four holes and various other improvements to the golf course marked a significant moment in the club’s history and profoundly impacted the wider golf community. A true visionary, he was also a pioneer of Pitch and putt in Portugal, among other challenges.

The Tee Times Golf Agency team profoundly mourns his loss and offers heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who are part of the Lisbon Sports Club.

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.

Revolutionary: Penha Longa Resort introduces cutting-edge robots

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Penha Longa Resort proudly announces a transformative leap in sustainable golf course management in Portugal with the integration of nine robots to assist in maintaining the 13-hectare fairways. This pioneering initiative, a first in the Iberian Peninsula, marks a monumental advancement in the golf industry.

These state-of-the-art robots not only ensure immaculate fairways but also promote environmental responsibility. Using this innovative technology, Penha Longa has reduced its carbon footprint by an impressive 18,729 kg of CO2. This decrease is equivalent to planting approximately 825 trees, underscoring the commitment to environmental conservation.

Located 45 minutes from Lisbon, Penha Longa is a golf gem and one of the most sought-after destinations among the best Portugal golf breaks.

By autonomously tending to the grass with unparalleled precision, these robots elevate the standard of care beyond traditional methods. Equipped with integrated GPS technology, they guarantee unmatched cutting accuracy, while their lightweight design and daily maintenance program uphold superior fairway quality.

From an agronomic standpoint, this innovative technology not only enhances the excellence of the course but also promises to reduce the need for inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides, and water in the foreseeable future.

Penha Longa remains dedicated to pioneering sustainable practices and setting a standard of excellence in golf course management.

Penha Longa Resort: an award-winning golf jewel

Ranked among the top 30 golf courses in continental Europe and the top 10 in Portugal, Penha Longa Resort‘s 27-hole course, designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones, Jr., epitomizes escapism in golf. With bold fairways, daring approaches, and artistic greens, it offers an adrenaline rush and a relaxing journey through one of Portugal’s most inspiring landscapes. Exciting at every turn, this championship challenge and host of the Portuguese Open is a masterful test of variety and excitement for all who visit Lisbon.

The Penha Longa Golf Club features two courses, the Atlantic Championship and Monastery, offering completely different experiences along the stunning hills of Sintra. Founded in 1992, the Penha Longa Golf Club accommodates over 100 golf members, extending Penha Longa Resort’s five-star service to members and visitors alike, offering personalized activities such as competitions with other golf clubs and social events. 

Penha Longa Resort is among one of the most requested destinations in Tee Times Golf Agency among those looking for their best Portugal golf holidays. What are you waiting for to discover this golf paradise?