2020 saw Algarve receive the International Association of Golf Tour Operators’ (IAGTO) Golf Destination of the Year award but with COVID-19 effectively shutting the courses down until May of this year, it was doubtful that any of the international events would be played.
With back-to-back events in the golfing calendar this month, spectators would have been thoroughly spoilt for choice and Portugal would be buzzing with visitors enjoying the sun.
But, as Portugal enjoys such great weather in September and the courses were being kept in prime condition throughout the pandemic, it was decided to go ahead with the planned international events.
None of the fixtures are supporting spectators, except a few sponsors and their guests, however the games can be viewed on television or online.
Currently Algarve is hosting the Portugal Golf Masters at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura. Played over three days ending on Sunday September 13, the tournament is expected to raise around €50,000 for three local charities.
The European Tour’s Golf for Good initiative aims to support communities where the European Tour plays, reward the true heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the front line workers, and promote the many health benefits that golf offers.
The Portugal Golf Masters is an established event in the European Tour calendar and is part of the Race to Dubai, a season-long competition to determine the European Tour’s number one player.
The second international event to be played this month is the Open de Portugal (formally the Portuguese Open) which begins on September 17 at the Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort in Vau Óbidos. Played over three days this competition is part of the Challange Tour where young professional golfers hope to make it to the end-of-season grand final and gain a potentially life-changing card for the European Tour.
With over 40 outstanding golf courses that can be played year round by golfers of all ages and abilities, visitors to Algarve can be assured of top-quality fairways, greens and of course the 19th hole!
For more information on golf courses in the region visit visitgolfalgarve.com and for information of rental holiday homes visit algarveholidaylets.com.
Click here to read about restrictions for playing in Portugal.
Image courtesy of Dom Pedro Golf