Challenge de España: celebrating 25 years of the best golf

Spanish golf reaches new heights with the celebration of the Challenge de España at the prestigious Real Club Sevilla Golf from May 9 to 12. With 25 years of history, this tournament has established itself as one of the most prominent events on the Challenge Tour, attracting several of the best players in the world and fans who plan their Spain golf holidays to enjoy the competition.

Since its first edition in 1999 in El Saler, Valencia, the Challenge de España has toured Spain’s most emblematic golf courses, from Valencia to Almería, promoting golf worldwide. The competition returns to Andalusia to debut in Seville, a city with a rich golf tradition.

Golf del Guadiana, Villamartin Golf Club, Izki Golf, Torremirona Golf ClubCentro Nacional de Golf, Campo de Layos Golf, Retamares Golf Club, Tecina Golf, Iberostar Real Club and Playa Serena have also hosted the prestigious tournament. Many of them are courses that tourists choose for their Spain golf breaks. At Tee Times, we have been offering attractive packages for years for those who want to enjoy the best golf in Spain.

In dialogue with Golf Industria, the president of the Real Club Sevilla Golf, Rafael Domínguez, highlighted the importance of this event for the club and Spanish golf in general. The tournament has been a platform for the emergence of talent and has contributed to the prestige of the Challenge Tour, as said Jamie Hodges, Executive Director for this tour.

“We have witnessed great events, and now we are delighted to position ourselves in world golf again with this double celebration, the twenty-five years of the Challenge of Spain and the thirty-five years of the Challenge Tour,” said Domínguez, host club president.

The support of entities such as the Real Federación Española de Golf and the sponsorship of recognised brands ensure the tournament’s success. 

 

Real Club Sevilla Golf: A renowned host club

The Real Club Sevilla Golf (par 72 and 7,177 yards), designed by José María Olazábal (two-time winner of The Masters in Augusta), offers a challenging and beautiful setting for players and spectators alike.

With its wide fairways, undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers, the golf course is a true challenge for players of all levels. Its impeccable maintenance throughout the year positions it among the best golf courses in Spain and one of the most chosen by golfers worldwide who visit Seville.

In addition to hosting prestigious tournaments, the Real Club Sevilla Golf also promotes amateur golf through its Children’s Golf School and social tournaments, boosting the practice of this sport among all ages.

 

Challenge de España and the Seville senses

Seville captivates with its rich history and culinary delights. The city brims with historical heritage, from the majestic Alcázar to the beautiful Cathedral of Seville and the emblematic Plaza de España. As for gastronomy, its tapas, gazpacho, fried fish and the famous Iberian ham are a feast for the senses. Traditional bars and taverns offer an authentic experience worth enjoying.

With the Challenge de España in Seville, Spain reaffirms its position as one of Europe’s most prominent golf tourist destinations. We invite all golf lovers to enjoy this exciting event and discover the beauty and excitement of golf in Spain.

Honouring golf and camaraderie in Quinta do Lago: highlights from the 7th Tee Times Open Championship

January was marked by the 7th Tee Times Open Championship (19-21 January), bringing together 60 amateur golfers (in teams of two players) at the prestigious Quinta do Lago, which has some of the best golf courses in Portugal

Supported by sponsors like Hilton, Penina Resort, NAU Palm Village, Quinta do Vale, Espiche, Benamor and Quinta da Tor Wines, the championship showcased the golfing prowess of the players. The “Driving Range Heroes” team emerged victorious with Jim Gillis & Axel Bleymann’s outstanding performance, clinching the champions’ cup and fantastic prizes, including stays at Hilton Vilamoura and green fees in Quinta do Lago.

The camaraderie of the Tee Times Open Championship kicked off on January 18 with a warm welcome at Chez Carlos Restaurant, setting the stage for an unforgettable tournament.

 

7th Tee Times Open Championship recap

Despite a rainy start at Quinta do Lago North, players enthusiastically navigated the challenging course. The competition continued at Quinta do Lago Laranjal, where strategic play was crucial on the picturesque, sun-soaked course surrounded by orange groves. Axel Bleymann’s remarkable hole-in-one on Laranjal’s second hole added an extra thrill to the event. 

The final showdown at Quinta do Lago South tested golfers with its natural surroundings overlooking Ria Formosa’s reserve. “Last Minute” claimed victory on the last day (John Balvers and Jorge Diogo), demonstrating resilience and skill. Each day featured unique formats, emphasising teamwork and individual prowess.

“Our Open Championship at Quinta de Lago was an excellent excuse to meet friends and clients. We faced three very demanding golf courses, especially in the first round, with adverse weather. Then the sun shone, and the weather was fantastic to enjoy these wonderful and well-prepared golf courses,” said Carlos Ferreira, CEO and founder of Tee Times Golf Agency.

“We celebrate our friendship and the work we have done for more than 30 years, providing golf and tourism services with professionalism and passion,” added Ferreira, who was grateful to the sponsors and those who organised the championship.

The Tee Times Open Championship celebrated exceptional golf and fostered fellowship and friendship among participants from England, Ireland, Netherlands, France and Portugal. The event showcased the beauty of golf in Portugal and the dedication of Tee Times Golf Agency, a key player in promoting golf and tourism in Portugal and Spain for over 30 years. With a legacy of excellent service, Tee Times continues to attract golf enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying its position as a trusted name in the industry.

 

FINAL RESULTS
1st Driving Range Heroes (Jim Gillis & Axel Bleymann) 110 points.
2nd Longman & Rothwell (Paul Longman & Neal Rothwell) 109 points.
3rd Urban Rhino (Michael Hall & Scott Couper) 106 points.

 

7th edition of “Tee Times Open Championship”: the best of Quinta do Lago ready to celebrate golf and friendship

Golf fans, get ready to pack your clubs and head to Portugal for the Tee Times Open Championship. Celebrating its seventh edition, the tournament promises three exciting days (19-21 January) of golf and camaraderie on some of the most challenging courses in the Algarve region. 

Participants will play in pairs and be privileged to take on the magic of golf in Portugal on three outstanding courses: Quinta do Lago North, Quinta do Lago South, and Quinta do Lago Laranjal. These courses offer not only strategic challenges but also impressive views and the guarantee of a unique experience on every hole. Portugal has become a premier golf destination, and the Tee Times Open Championship highlights this with its three incredible courses.

Tee Times Open Championship Welcome at Chez Carlos Restaurant

The tournament kicks off with a warm welcome at the famous Chez Carlos Restaurant on January 18. Participants can relax, share anticipations, and enjoy delicious Portuguese cuisine. 

Portugal has established itself as a premier golf destination with world-class golf courses. The seventh edition of the “Tee Times Open Championship” highlights the excellence of golf in the country and offers participants the opportunity to enjoy Portuguese hospitality and the scenic beauty of the Algarve.

Portugal Golf Breaks

Golf courses in Portugal are known for their innovative design and strategic challenges, and the “Tee Times Open Championship” is no exception. Participants will experience first-hand why Portugal is a world-renowned golf destination.

Thanks to Quinta do Lago, which welcomes the tournament just like last year, and the sponsors (Hilton, Penina Resort, NAU Palm Village, Quinta do Vale, Espiche, Benamor and Quinta da Tor Wines) who make this competition possible, golfers can enjoy a memorable experience in Portugal’s golf majesty. 

In short, from January 19 to 21, Algarve will be the epicentre of the seventh edition of this exciting tournament that summarizes the camaraderie and more than 30 years of work of Tee Times Golf Agency. From the welcome at Chez Carlos Restaurant to the challenges on the courses at Quinta do Lago, this event promises lots of fun and immersion in the majesty of golf in Portugal. Prepare to score your perfect shot and enjoy three unforgettable days with friends at the Tee Times Open Championship.