Victoria Golf Course

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

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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.

The 2005 World Cup of Golf: putting Portugal on the golfing map

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In the illustrious history of the World Cup of Golf, Portugal stands out as a unique host, welcoming the prestigious event for the first and only time in 2005. Held at the breathtaking Oceânico Golf on its Victoria Course in Vilamoura, Algarve, this edition marked a significant moment for Portuguese golf, firmly placing it on the international stage.

The Victoria Golf Course, a picturesque 18-hole, Par 72 layout designed by none other than the legendary Arnold Palmer in 2004, served as the perfect setting for the 51st World Cup and the sixth as a World Golf Championship event. Its challenging yet scenic layout provided the backdrop for a thrilling competition showcasing the best global golfing talent.

Twenty-four countries, each represented by a dynamic duo of players, converged on Vilamoura to compete for glory and a substantial prize purse totalling $4,000,000. 

The Welsh pair of Bradley Dredge and Stephen Dodd emerged as the triumphant victors (189 strokes, -27), displaying exceptional skill and resilience in adverse weather conditions. Despite the final round being cancelled due to torrential rain and intense winds, Dredge and Dodd’s stellar performance in the preceding rounds secured their place in history as the deserving champions. The runner-ups were England (Luke Donald and David Howell) and Sweden (Niclas Fasth and Henrik Stenson), with 191 (-25). Here you can find the tournament summary

The World Cup of Golf: more than just a sporting event

For Portugal, hosting the World Cup of Golf was more than just a sporting event; it was a testament to the country’s growing prominence in golf. With the Victoria Course as the focal point, Portugal showcased its ability to stage a world-class golfing spectacle, earning accolades from players and spectators alike.

The significance of Portugal’s role as a host extended beyond the tournament itself. The exposure from hosting such a prestigious event helped elevate the country’s status as a premier golfing destination, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe to experience its scenic courses and warm hospitality.

The growth of golf in Portugal

The 2005 World Cup of Golf celebrated the spirit of competition and catalysed the continued growth of golf in Portugal. The heritage of this historic event lives on, serving as an inspiration for future generations of Portuguese golfers and reinforcing the country’s position as a significant player in the international golfing community.

Since then, Portugal Golf Holidays have become increasingly popular, offering golfers a chance to play on some of the finest courses in Europe, combined with the country’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and excellent cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned golf pro or an amateur, this paradise has something to offer every golfer, making it the perfect destination for your next Portugal golf break.

In the last few years, Portugal has cemented its position as one of the world’s premier golf destinations, attracting golfers from around the globe to experience its stunning courses, world-class facilities, and warm hospitality. The country was designated as the Best World Golf Destination by the World Golf Awards last year, a testament to the quality of its golf courses and the overall golfing experience it offers.

Meanwhile, the memories of the World Cup of Golf in 2005 remain etched in Portugal’s golfing history, a testament to the perpetual legacy of a nation that welcomed the world with open arms and left an indelible mark on the sport.

Portuguese & Spanish golf courses Featured on Tours 2018

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Both Portuguese Spanish golf courses are steeped in golfing history and play an integral part in the European golf tours every year.

Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Club - Portuguese Spanish golf courses

Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Club

You need only look at the players in recent history who have come from both regions, and the golf courses that you can find there, to realize why it’s such an admired part of Europe. With Sergio García winning The Masters in 2017, and Jon Rahm surging through the ranks on the PGA Tour, 2018 is sure to be an exciting year for Spanish golf fans.

Portuguese Spanish golf courses

We’ve put together a list of the golf courses that will be hosting the professional tour or qualifying school tournaments in Spain and Portugal over the coming months. Although some are yet to be announced, the following are confirmed.

European Tour

Portugal Masters

The biggest golfing event in Portugal returns in 2018 to its home course, Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Club, in Vilamoura. The event, which will run between 20th-23rd September will as always host come of the tours biggest names – something the region is familiar with! The golf course was designed by none other than golfing legend, Arnold Palmer, and since 2007 it has been the proud home of the annual Portuguese Masters.

Real Club Valderrama - Portuguese Spanish golf courses

Real Club Valderrama

The Par-72 Championship layout, measuring 6.651 meters (7,273 yards), makes use of the natural wetlands and the typical vegetation of carob, olive and almond trees in the area. Lakes form a formidable hazard throughout the course – even for the skilled professional – hence why it has remained a popular test on the tour for over ten years. The course is also known for its contrasting front and back nine – with each side of the course offering its own type of challenge.

The 2017 edition of the event was won by Lucas Bjerregaard who carded a blistering final round 65 to finish on 20-under par, four clear of his nearest competitor – Marc Warren.

Andalucia Valderrama Masters

The Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande will host the 2018 Andalucia Valderrama Masters on the 18th-21st October. The tournament was first played here in 2010, and it previously hosted the Volvo Masters.

Gramacho Golf Club - Portuguese Spanish golf courses

Gramacho Golf Club

After being canceled in 2012, the event returned to the region last year when it was hosted by local hero and 2011 champion Sergio García. García went on to win the event last year, and it will return in 2018 for what is set to be an amazing four days.

Valderrama is renowned as a tough Tour course that trails its way through the Sotogrande hills and meanders in between tightly clustered umbrella pine trees which makes for a tight, unforgiving test. Rather than being overly long, or having thick rough, Valderrama focuses on making sure that each shot a golfer takes has to be thought through meticulously – for some this is both the attraction and the fear when they play here.

Staysure Tour (Seniors Tour)

Qualifying School 2018

For the 18th consecutive year, the European Seniors Tour Qualifying School returns to the Pestana Golf Resort on Portugal’s Algarve.

Vale Pinta Golf Course - Portuguese Spanish golf courses

Vale Pinta Golf Course

Taking place over three venues, the 2018 Qualifying School will include the first stage being conducted for 36 holes on Silves Golf Club and Gramacho Golf Club. After that, the Finals will be played over 72 holes of stroke play on the Pinta Course at Pestana Golf Resort.

Silves is a par 70 course nestled into the foot of the Monchique mountains, while Gramacho, a par 72 course co-designed by former World Number One Nick Price, has previously hosted the Portuguese Ladies Open.

Challenge Tour

Challenge de España

Details yet to be confirmed by the Tour. This tournament featured here in 2017 and was won by Victor Perez who claimed a maiden European Challenge Tour title in some style, shooting an impressive 24-under par over the four days and winning by three shots.

Silves Golf Club - Portuguese Spanish golf courses

Silves Golf Club

Andalucía Costa del Sol Match Play 9

Details yet to be confirmed by the Tour. This tournament featured here in 2017 and was won by Aaron Rai who secured his second European Challenge Tour victory of the 2017 season by beating Ireland’s Gavin Moynihan 2&1 in the final match.