Visit Spain

Exploring the four Challenge Tour golf tournaments on the Iberian Peninsula

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The Challenge Tour of Golf, along with its Road to Mallorca, is set to showcase four exciting tournaments across the Iberian Peninsula this season. With three events slated for Spain and one for Portugal, golf enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling series of competitions in stunning locations.

These courses are part of the best golf and tourism packages we offer in Tee Times Golf Agency for those who want to enjoy the best golf breaks in Spain and Portugal.

Challenge Tour Iberian leg

The Challenge de España at the Real Club Sevilla Golf is kicking off the Iberian leg from May 9th to 12th. Designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, this long course spanning 7,177 yards promises a challenging yet enjoyable experience. With wide fairways, undulating greens, and many hazards, including bunkers and lakes, the Real Club Sevilla Golf offers players a skill test amidst a picturesque setting.

Moving on to the Challenge de Cadiz at the Iberostar Real Golf Novo Sancti Petri from June 6th to 9th, players will find themselves in a privileged location along the Atlantic coast, nestled in the beautiful Cadiz beach of La Barrosa. The club boasts a championship golf course and easy access to iconic Andalusian cities like Jerez, Cádiz, and Sevilla, making it a perfect destination for golf and leisure enthusiasts.

In September, attention turns to Portugal for the Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort from September 12th to 15th. Here, golfers will encounter a course designed by the legendary Severiano Ballesteros, blending seamlessly with the natural terrain to offer an exceptional golfing experience. With its strategic layout and stunning views, Royal Óbidos promises an unforgettable tournament for players and spectators.

Lastly, the grand finale awaits at the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final, supported by the R&A, held at the Club de Golf Alcanada in Port d’Alcúdia, Mallorca, from October 31st to November 3rd. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, this 18-hole gem opened its doors in 2003 and has since earned acclaim as one of Mallorca’s premier golf destinations. Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by pine and olive forests, Club de Golf Alcanada offers a breathtaking conclusion to the Challenge Tour season.

Since its establishment in 1986, the Challenge Tour has evolved into a prestigious pathway for aspiring golfers to earn their place on the DP World Tour. With its competitive format and prestigious rewards, including direct promotion for top performers, the tour continues to attract and nurture talent from around the globe, a testament to its significance in the world of golf.

As the Challenge Tour makes its mark on the Iberian Peninsula this season, fans can look forward to witnessing thrilling golf action amidst some of Europe’s most captivating courses.

The World Golf Awards: celebrating excellence in golf tourism

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Established in 2014, the World Golf Awards have become synonymous with excellence in golf tourism, highlighting the industry’s finest courses, destinations, and tour operators. Each year, the event brings together leading names from the golfing world, VIPs, and figureheads from the golf tourism sector to celebrate the best of the best.

The 11th annual World Golf Awards, a truly exclusive event, is set to take place on 21-22 November 2024. This year, it ventures to the beautiful islands of Madeira for the first time, promising a unique experience. Hosted at the luxurious Savoy Palace from Savoy Signature in Funchal, the ceremony will unveil an exclusive golfing itinerary, including rounds at the esteemed Santo da Serra and Palheiro courses.

Tee Times Golf Agency was named Portugal’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator in 2020 and 2021 and Portugal’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator in 2022. This recognition is particularly significant given Portugal’s status as a premier golfing destination, having been named the World’s Best Golf Destination numerous times.

World Golf Awards: shaping the future

The World Golf Awards are not just about celebration; they are about shaping the future of the golf tourism industry. These awards are pivotal in driving standards by acknowledging world-class courses, destinations, and organizations that set the standard for quality and innovation. The voting process begins at the start of each year. It involves professionals from the golf travel and tourism sector, including senior executives, tour operators, agents, media specialists, and golf tourism consumers.

As part of the renowned World Travel Awards, which celebrates its 30th anniversary, the World Golf Awards play a crucial role in driving up standards within the golf tourism industry by recognizing leaders in their respective fields. With global media partners such as Destination Golf, TV5Monde, Bloomberg, and CNBC, the World Golf Awards reach a vast audience of golf enthusiasts worldwide, cementing its status as the premier accolade in golf tourism.

As Tee Times Golf Agency is one of the candidates for Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024 (you can vote here), the World Golf Awards continue to spotlight the best in the business, inspiring excellence and innovation across the golf tourism industry.

For more information about the World Golf Awards, visit worldgolfawards.com.

Exploring Greg Norman’s golfing paradises in Spain

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Greg Norman Golf Course Design is a beacon of signature golf course design excellence. With a portfolio boasting over 100 courses spread across 34 countries and six continents, the firm has left an indelible mark on the global golfing landscape. However, GNGCD’s presence in Europe is a testament to its exclusivity, with only three developments, two of which are in Spain: Real Club de Golf El Prat and Infinitum Golf Club. The other one is Doonbeg Golf Club, in Ireland.

Greg Norman, known as the “Great White Shark” for his dominance on the golf course, transitioned seamlessly from player to designer, drawing inspiration from his extensive experience playing on some of the world’s most renowned courses over a 25-year career. His personal involvement in every aspect of the design process ensures that each course bears his unique touch from conception to completion. Currently, Greg Norman is also CEO of LIV Golf Investments.

One of Norman’s defining principles is his unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. His “least disturbance” design philosophy prioritizes the preservation of the natural landscape, seamlessly integrating each course with its surroundings. This dedication reflects a broader ethos of responsibility towards customers, communities, and the surroundings, inspiring a sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility in every golfer.

Real Club de Golf El Prat

Real Club de Golf El Prat, situated in Spain, boasts a rich history from 1912. Founded as the Barcelona Golf Club, it adopted the “Real” prefix following a visit from King Alfonso XIII. The club’s relocation to its site in Bonvilar in 1997 marked a new chapter. Greg Norman lent his expertise to craft 45 challenging yet harmonious holes, seamlessly blending the course with the picturesque surroundings.

The club’s sporting excellence is underscored by its numerous accolades, including hosting the Open de España de Golf on ten occasions. Beyond its competitive edge, Real Club de Golf El Prat offers a range of amenities catering to families and enthusiasts, ensuring a holistic golfing experience. In addition, it is one of the most chosen locations among the wide range of Tee Times golf Agency offer for those looking for the best packages for their Spain golf holidays.

Infinitum Golf Club

Infinitum Golf Club, another gem in Norman’s European portfolio, features 45 holes (27 designed by Norman) spread across three distinct courses. With its 18 holes meandering around the Sequia Major wetlands, Lakes offers a challenging yet rewarding experience amidst a protected natural habitat. On the other hand, Ruins presents a unique juxtaposition of golf and history, with nine holes winding through ancient Roman archaeological remains. Both were designed by Norman.

Norman’s designs at Infinitum Golf Club exemplify his ability to create courses that test players’ skills and immerse them in captivating surroundings, showcasing the diverse beauty of the Spanish landscape.

Greg Norman’s influence extends far beyond his legendary playing career. Through his visionary approach to golf course design, he has left an enduring legacy, shaping the way golf is played and experienced around the world, including the picturesque landscapes of Europe, where his designs at Real Club de Golf El Prat and Infinitum Golf Club captivate golfers of all levels looking for unforgettable Spain golf breaks.

 

Principal photo by: Greg Norman Golf Course Design