Six Portugal’s designs compete for Europe’s Best Golf Course 2024 at the World Golf Awards

Portugal’s golf courses are once again in the spotlight as candidates for the prestigious Europe’s Best Golf Course 2024, a distinction granted by the World Travel Awards. This year, six great golf destinations are contending for the title, showcasing the country’s continued excellence in golf and tourism. The 11th annual World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony will take place on the evening of November 22, 2024, at the Savoy Palace in Funchal, Madeira. Among the nominated courses, each one brings a unique blend of wild beauty and demanding play.

Best Golf Course 2024 candidates in detail

Club de Golfe Santo da Serra, with its stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and lush landscapes, stands out as one of Madeira’s most picturesque courses. Its reputation for challenging holes and its history of hosting European Tour events make it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

Palheiro Golf, another gem in Madeira, is set amidst a lush garden estate. It offers both historical charm and sweeping views of Funchal Bay. Its elevated tees and undulating greens provide golfers with a mix of leisure and challenge.

Porto Santo Golfe, nestled on the serene island of Porto Santo, is a true coastal paradise. Crafted by the legendary Seve Ballesteros, this course marries striking coastal vistas with a layout that demands technical prowess, making it a dream destination for golfers seeking beauty and challenge.

Quinta do Lago (South Course), located in the Algarve, is renowned for its championship layout. Regularly ranked as one of Europe’s top golf courses, the South Course has hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times. It is lauded for its precision-demanding fairways and beautiful setting among lakes and pine trees.

Terras da Comporta (Dunas Golf Course) offers an untamed natural environment with rolling dunes and seaside charm. Designed by renowned architect David McLay Kidd, the course is noted for its environmental harmony and provides a serene yet challenging round of golf.

Finally, West Cliffs Golf Links is a relatively new addition to Portugal’s golfing landscape. The rugged, coastal terrain offers a dramatic backdrop to this challenging links-style course, which has earned accolades for its design and environmental stewardship.

These Portuguese contenders are up against some of Europe’s finest, including SSpain’sFinca Cortesin Golf Club and La Reserva de Sotogrande, as well as iconic Scottish courses like Carnoustie Golf Links and the Old Course at St. Andrews. You can find the complete list here.

Tee Times nomination

In addition to these exceptional courses, Tee Times Golf Agency is once again nominated for Europe’s Best Golf Tour Operator 2024. Established over 30 years ago, Tee Times has grown into one of the largest and most respected operators, specialising in golf tourism across Portugal, Spain, and beyond for the best golf holidays. The agency is a member of recognised associations such as the International Association of Golf Tour Operators and the Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies, ensuring top-tier service for its clients. Their commitment to excellence and passion for tourism and the best golf breaks continue to drive the company’s success, making them a key player in the industry. If you want, you can vote for Tee Times here.

As the November 22 ceremony approaches, the nominated for Europe’s Best Golf Course 2024 represent the best in Portuguese golf tourism, each deserving recognition for their contributions to the sport.

World Golf Awards: Palmares shortlisted for Europe’s best clubhouse

Palmares Ocean Living & Golf's iconic clubhouse, has been shortlisted for the prestigious' Europe's Best Clubhouse' accolade at the World Golf Awards. Palmares Ocean Living & Golf‘s iconic clubhouse, a genuinely exclusive 19th hole in European golf, has been shortlisted for the prestigious “Europe’s Best Clubhouse” accolade at the World Golf Awards. With its breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay of Lagos, the Alvor Estuary, and the 27-hole venue’s Praia loop, this architectural marvel stands out among the top venues in Europe.

Designed by the renowned Pritzker Architecture Prize winners RCR Arquitectes, Palmares’ modern masterpiece clubhouse opened in the autumn of 2020. It is a masterclass in integrating contemporary design with its natural surroundings. Constructed with red concrete, it harmoniously blends with the environment while offering top-tier golf and real estate concierge services. The clubhouse houses two exceptional restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Al Sud, which was celebrated for its inspired Mediterranean cuisine after earning its star just five months post-opening. Led by the acclaimed chef Louis Anjos, Al Sud features a creative menu with local ingredients, including seafood sourced daily from Sagres.

Nuno Sepúlveda, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Details, expressed his excitement: “We’re thrilled to have one of our venues recognised and shortlisted for this top award. With magnificent architecture, an outstanding F&B offering, first-class customer service, and a beautiful setting, there are few places better in Europe to relax and unwind after a round of golf.”

World Golf Awards 2024

The World Golf Awards 2024, scheduled for November 21-22, will bring together global industry leaders for a grand prize-giving evening at the Savoy Palace in Madeira. The award nominees are evaluated on various criteria, including the quality of their facilities, the level of service they provide, the overall visitor experience, and the design of their establishments.

In a related honour, Tee Times Golf Agency has also been nominated for “Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024.” This acknowledgement underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional golf experiences across Portugal and Spain for over 30 years, offering the best golf destinations with exclusive deals and packages and top-tier service tailored to golfers’ preferences.

To vote for the World Golf Awards 2024, please click here.

Driving greatness: the impact of World Golf Awards

The 11th annual World Golf Awards, a prestigious event that sets high standards in the industry, will be held on November 21-22, 2024, on the scenic island of Madeira.

Since its inception in 2014, the World Golf Awards have become a benchmark for excellence in golf tourism and a prestigious gathering of the industry’s top courses, destinations, and tour operators. This exclusive annual event brings together the crème de la crème of the golfing world, including VIPs and leaders from the golf tourism sector, to honour outstanding achievements and set new standards in the industry.

Tee Times Golf Agency has garnered significant accolades, being named Portugal’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator in 2020 and 2021 and Portugal’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator in 2022. This recognition underscores the agency’s commitment to delivering exceptional service in a country renowned as a premier golf destination. Portugal has frequently been honoured as the World’s Best Golf Destination, adding prestige to these awards.

World Golf Awards: the importance of exemplary service in golf tourism

Providing exceptional service is paramount for golf tour operators. Tee Times Golf Agency goes beyond this, offering personalised experiences that cater to golf enthusiasts’ unique needs. Our dedication has not just set them apart in the competitive field of golf tourism, but it has also created a buzz among golf enthusiasts. A tour operator’s role extends beyond booking rounds; it involves creating unforgettable golfing experiences, ensuring seamless logistics, and delivering unparalleled customer service.

Shaping the future of golf

The World Golf Awards are not just a celebration; they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of golf tourism. By recognising excellence, these awards drive standards of quality and innovation across the industry, inspiring hope for a brighter future. The rigorous voting process involves golf travel and tourism professionals, ensuring that only the best are acknowledged. This year, Tee Times Golf Agency is in the running for Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024 (you can vote here), a testament to our continuous pursuit of excellence.

Acknowledging leaders in golf tourism

These awards significantly raise industry standards by spotlighting leaders in golf tourism. With extensive media coverage from partners like Destination Golf, TV5Monde, Bloomberg, and CNBC, the awards reach a global audience, reinforcing their status as the ultimate accolade in golf tourism.

Tee Times Golf Agency’s consistent recognition by the World Golf Awards highlights our vital role in the industry and our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier service. As we contest for Best Tour Operator in Europe 2024, our story continues to inspire excellence and innovation in golf tourism.