Sustainability

GEO Certified for Vilamoura Golf: Leading the Sustainable Way

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Big cheers to Vilamoura Golf! Four of its iconic courses—The Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium, and Laguna—have just bagged two of the top sustainability awards in the game: GEO Certified® and Biosphere Certified. That’s right: Vilamoura Golf fairways are officially recognised for doing good by nature while still delivering world-class golf experiences.

These aren’t just fancy titles. GEO Certified® is the gold standard in sustainable golf, given to courses that seriously walk the talk when it comes to environmental care, community support, and resource conservation. The Biosphere Certification, on the other hand, shows real commitment to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals—so yeah, it’s a pretty big deal.

Vilamoura Golf sets the bar high, from upgraded irrigation systems to cutting back on chemicals and giving local ecosystems the love they deserve. For example, the Old Course was praised for a new energy-efficient pump station and a pine tree management program that’s helping biodiversity thrive. Millennium stood out for its water-saving efforts, and Laguna was impressed with a 20% drop in water use thanks to a smart irrigation makeover. And let’s not forget Pinhal, who was recognised for supporting youth golf education and collaborating with local groups to boost community impact.

Vilamoura Golf and Sustainability: a Guiding Principle

The Vilamoura Golf courses are managed by the platform DETAILS, where sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a guiding principle. Co-CEO Nuno Sepúlveda emphasised how deeply the team values protecting the region’s natural beauty.

“Vilamoura has some of nature’s most stunning settings, and we feel a great weight of responsibility to make sure it not only is maintained but flourishes for generations to come”, said Sepúlveda.

“Understanding the importance of sustainability and avoiding waste of any sort is a key part of our business strategy and also increasingly important for our customers and visitors. We are grateful to receive these very prestigious accolades and are determined to ensure we continue to be the leader when it comes to setting a strong environmental agenda”, he added.

At Tee Times Golf Holidays, we’ve always been proud to offer the best golf packages in the Algarve and across Portugal—but we’re even prouder to work with destinations like Vilamoura that are investing in a greener future. Sustainability matters to us and the golfers we serve, and it’s great to see it becoming a core part of the game we love.

Ready to tee off on courses that care as much about the environment as they do about your experience? Let’s plan your next Portugal golf holiday with us.

Real Club Valderrama: A Golfing Paradise with a Green Heart

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Real Club Valderrama is more than just a world-renowned golf course; it symbolises excellence in the game and environmental stewardship. Known for hosting the 1997 Ryder Cup and multiple European Tour events, this legendary Spanish course has also set a benchmark for sustainability, proving that golf and nature can thrive together.

As the first golf course in Europe to receive Audubon International certification, Real Club Valderrama is committed to preserving its natural surroundings while maintaining impeccable playing conditions. From advanced irrigation systems that minimise water waste to using organic fertilisers and native plants, every aspect of the course is designed with sustainability in mind. The club has also established protected wildlife areas, reinforcing its role as a sanctuary for local flora and fauna.

Golfers who play at Valderrama don’t just experience one of the most challenging and rewarding courses in the world; they also become part of an initiative that prioritises environmental responsibility. The fairways and greens are kept in top condition without excessive chemical use, creating a natural and harmonious landscape that enhances the game.

Real Club Valderrama: More Than Just Golf

Tee Times Golf Holidays offers exclusive packages for those who want to enjoy Valderrama and Spain’s best golf. A round at this iconic course, combined with the stunning vista and passionate culture of southern Spain, makes for an unforgettable golf vacation. Whether you’re looking to test your skills on the famous 17th hole or relax in the beauty of the Andalusian landscape, we ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.

Playing at Real Club Valderrama is about more than just golf; it’s about embracing a course that respects the environment while delivering an extraordinary experience. Tee up at one of the finest courses in the world and discover how sustainability and championship golf go hand in hand.

For more information on our tailored golf packages, contact us today and experience the best for unforgettable Spain golf holidays.

Camiral Golf & Wellness Wins International Environmental Golf Club of the Year Award

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Sustainability and world-class golf go hand in hand at Camiral Golf & Wellness, named ‘International Environmental Golf Club of the Year’.Sustainability and world-class golf go hand in hand at Camiral Golf & Wellness, named ‘International Environmental Golf Club of the Year’ at the Golf Environment Awards (GEAs) 2025, organised by STRI Group. This prestigious accolade recognises the resort’s commitment to environmental management, conservation, and responsible resource use, as the excellent news platform My Golf Way explained in a recent article. At the awards ceremony, Ferrán Palau, Director of Golf Operations at Camiral Golf & Wellness, received the trophy from Daniel Lightfoot, Director of Sustainable Golf at The R&A, marking another milestone in the resort’s long-standing dedication to sustainability.

For over 25 years, Camiral Golf & Wellness has been at the forefront of sustainable golf, implementing groundbreaking initiatives that have significantly reduced its environmental impact. The resort uses 100% recycled water across its courses and facilities, eliminating over 70,000 plastic bottles annually. Through an on-site power plant and 316 solar panels, it has cut more than 362 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. In collaboration with expert biologists, Camiral has restored and cultivated a thriving natural ecosystem, ensuring native plant and animal species have a safe and sustainable habitat.

In addition to these efforts, Camiral Golf & Wellness has recently introduced a significant upgrade to its Stadium Course, incorporating sustainable turfgrass varieties such as Bermuda Celebration and Paspalum. This change is set to reduce water consumption by 35% while minimising the need for chemical treatments on the fairways. The resort has also invested in a new fleet of electric Club Car golf buggies, reinforcing its commitment to lowering its carbon footprint without compromising on the high-quality golf experience that players expect.

Flavio Papa, Director of Golf at Camiral, emphasised the importance of this recognition, stating that winning this award is a testament to the resort’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. He highlighted that Camiral has consistently led the way in responsible golf course management and continues to set an example for the industry.

Camiral Golf & Wellness is no stranger to sustainability accolades. It was the first European Tour Destination to obtain GEO Certification in 2013, won the IAGTO Sustainability Award for Nature Protection in 2020, and in 2023, was ranked among Europe’s ‘Green 100’ most sustainable golf resorts.

As one of Spain’s premier golf destinations, Camiral Golf & Wellness is part of Tee Times Golf Agency’s exclusive golf offerings for the best Spain Golf Holidays. Whether drawn by its award-winning sustainability initiatives, stunning 36-hole layout, or five-star hospitality, golfers can experience an eco-conscious and world-class golfing experience like no other.

Photo: My Golf Way.