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Golf tours in Portugal

The International Association of Golf Tours Operators
(IAGTO) has selected the Algarve as the best golf
destination of 2006, in front of other regions such as
California, Dubai or Andalucía (Spain).

According to the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA), the
distinction «Established Golf Destination of the Year
2006» was announced during the IAGTO Award Gala Dinner
at Las Palmas (Spain).

The award is decided based on criteria such as the
satisfaction of users, quality of the courses and
accommodation, professional assistance and support
from local industries.

Golf yields about 350 million euros every year to the
Algarve and is now going to be promoted through a
special campaign sponsored by the RTA in international
channels such as CNN and Eurosport and in specific
Portuguese sites.
 

The golf tradition in Portugal dates back to 1890, when a group of wine exporters set up the first golf club close to Espinho with a nine-hole golf course.

Ever since then, the year round sunshine, stunning scenery, and beaches have attracted celebrated players from around the world.

Today, there are 43 courses in the country, 36 of them are in mainland Portugal, of which 19 are in the Algarve. A further 14 are in the Greater Lisbon area, and are easily accessible from the city. The Algarve accounts for 44% of the courses followed by the Lisbon coast 32%, the North of Portugal 12% and the islands (Madeira, Azores 12%). The majority of the courses were designed by renowned legends like Henry Cotton, Frank Pennik, and Robert Trent Jones. The combination of their craftsmanship and Portugal's unspoiled beauty makes golf a joy for both the expert and the beginner.

Portugal was chosen to host the 2^nd World Golf Tourism Convention in 1998. While Portugal Golf is relatively undiscovered by North Americans, it is well known to European golfers who travel there regularly. So if you have battled the elements of Northern Europe or are tired of waiting for spring to come in America, why not, come and Discover Portugal where you can enjoy the warm ocean breezes and the long summer nights.

You might even consider - the best of both - combine your golf tour with a stay at the Pousadas of Portugal. This arrangement allows you to play the best courses, stay at exquisite locations and enjoy the best in regional cuisine. For your planning purposes, I've included a list of Pousadas that are nearby the golf courses. Actually, I can't take credit for this idea. One daughter and a daughter in law that are married to golfers think that it is a great idea. My daughter in laws quote was "He can play golf all day and night, if I can get to stay in a Castle". Also my wife thinks that any excuse to stay at a Pousada is a great idea.

The Algarve has been reconstructing three of its three most famous golf clubs, Vilamoura One (Old), Penina's Championship Course and the Royal Golf Course at Vale do Lobo. Lisbon is about to unveil a new championship golf course at Belas just 22km northwest of the city and Viseu will inaugurate the 18-hole Montebelo course. São Miguel Island in the Azores is about to open a second 18-hole golf course - see links to this on my Azores page.

The following section will provide you with information in planning a Golf-Pousada holiday in Portugal. For each major section of Portugal, the golf courses in that area is listed. Below the golf courses, the Pousadas for that section are listed.

• Pousada do Monte Santa Luzia - Viana do Castelo
• Pousada de Santa Marinha - Guimarães
• Pousada de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira - Guimarães
• Pousada de Santa Maria do Bouro - Amares
• Pousada da Ria - Aveiro Estuary

• Pousada de São Gonçals - Amarante

Pousada São Gonçals

• Pousada de Santa Maria - Marvão
• Pousada Flor da Rosa - Crato

• Pousada do Castelo - Óbidos
• Apartment at Praia del rey

Vilamoura

Quinta do Lago

Pousada São Brás

 Parque da Floresta

• Pousada da do Infante - Sagres
• Pousada de São Brás - near Faro

 Praia D'ElRey

• Apartment at Praia del rey

• Pousada de Dona Maria I

Pousada de Dona Maria

 Quinta do Perú

• Pousada de Palmela - Palmela
• Pousada de São Filipe - Setúbal

Pousada de São Filipe

- see links to Furnas on my Azores page. 

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