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Tee Times Golf News – All news related to golf, golf holidays, golf tournaments, events, activities and everything around the world of golf.

Sustainable renovations at Real Club La Moraleja improve playability and efficiency

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The Real Club La Moraleja has recently completed a comprehensive renovation of its Course 2, significantly reducing water and maintenance needs by approximately 30%.

The Real Club La Moraleja, located in the Community of Madrid, boasts a rich history since its founding in 1973. With its four 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, the club has hosted prestigious competitions such as the World Cup of Golf and the Spanish Open. Course 2, opened in 1990 and developed by Nicklaus Design under the direction of architect Ron Kirby, is a challenging layout with large lakes affecting several holes, transforming it into a unique and challenging golf course.

La Moraleja is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in Europe and has been chosen by many Tee Times Golf Agency clients, to whom we have offered the best golf and tourism packages for their Spain golf holidays.

Real Club La Moraleja Course 2 renovation

Reopened on April 13th, the 9-second holes of Course 2 had been closed since November for renovations, including an overhaul of the irrigation system, levelling and alignment of all tees, renovation of the 15th and 16th hole lakes, total remodelling of bunkers on holes 12, 13, and 15, and the creation of new gravel areas around several tees.

According to Íñigo Angulo, Director of Golf at Real Club La Moraleja, this significant two-phase renovation, with the first phase targeting holes 1 to 9 last year, aims to provide a more sustainable course with improved playing conditions year-round. “The new irrigation system, modern and tailored to the current turf structure of the course, will ensure better coverage and uniformity, ultimately enhancing playing conditions,” adds Tony Bonnett, Head Greenkeeper at Real Club La Moraleja, in dialogue with the prestigious media platform www.golfindustria.es.

With these renovations completed, the Spanish Golf Federation will conduct a new assessment of Course 2’s layout, and the club will adjust hole handicaps based on recent competition results.

The renovation work, including irrigation system replacement and lake refurbishment, was undertaken by specialized contractors GTM Golf and Garden & Golf. At the same time, other improvements were handled by the club’s maintenance team.

Furthermore, the renovation involved redefining non-play areas, incorporating gravel surfaces to reduce turf coverage, fostering sustainability, and lowering maintenance demands.

Completion of bunker renovations on holes 12, 13, and 15 marks the final phase of comprehensive bunker upgrades, focusing on playability, aesthetics, and sustainability.

Reseeding with Agrostis stolonifera is planned for the coming summer, with continuing efforts to improve turf quality and resilience against disease and ensure long-term course viability amidst evolving environmental regulations.

Club La Moraleja’s sustainable renovations signify a commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing the golfing experience for members and visitors alike. Now comes the turn of the golfers, eager to discover and enjoy the new design of the course.

Commitment to golf and tourism will shine at the 2024 IAGTO European Convention

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The golf tourism industry is set to converge again at the prestigious 2024 IAGTO European Convention (IEC) in the vibrant city of Malaga, Spain, at the FYCMA Exhibition Centre. From May 13th to 15th, industry leaders, golf enthusiasts, and key stakeholders will gather on the sun-kissed Costa del Sol to explore new opportunities, foster partnerships, and celebrate the ever-evolving landscape of golf tourism.

Among the participants stands Tee Times Golf Agency, a stalwart full member of IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) since 1997. Our presence at the convention underscores our enduring commitment to the industry.

Our membership in IAGTO, spanning nearly three decades, exemplifies our dedication to excellence, offering golf packages for the best golf holidays in Portugal and Spain. And not only affords access to a global network of industry players but also positions us as frontrunners in driving innovation and best practices within the sector.

2024 IAGTO European Convention

At the heart of the convention lie two days of meticulously scheduled meetings, allowing delegates to forge meaningful connections and explore collaborative ventures. Tee Times Golf Agency’s involvement ensures we remain at the forefront of these discussions, leveraging our expertise to chart new pathways for sustainable growth and development.

Beyond the confines of formal meetings, the convention offers many networking opportunities, including the IEC Golf Tournament and celebratory dinners. Of course, our active participation in these events strengthens our industry relationships and reaffirms our status as pioneers in the field.

About IAGTO

Founded in 1997, IAGTO has played a pivotal role in shaping the golf tourism landscape worldwide, providing its members (with more than 2300 accredited golf tour operators) unparalleled resources and support. Tee Times Golf Agency’s longstanding membership is a testament to the enduring value of IAGTO’s initiatives and underscores their shared commitment to driving the industry forward.

As the curtains rise on the 2024 IEC, Tee Times Golf Agency stands poised to impact the future of golf tourism. Our unwavering dedication and extensive industry knowledge ensure that we will continue to be a driving force in shaping the landscape of golf travel for years to come for Portugal and Spain.

Photo by: IAGTO.

Celebrating Spanish gastronomy at the Masters Tournament Champions Dinner

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Last year, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm made history by winning the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. This week, he’s set to make another significant mark: designing the menu for the prestigious Champions Dinner, a tradition that brings together golf’s elite for a special meal. This is not just any menu but a showcase of the flavours of Spain, a unique culinary experience curated by Rahm himself.

Champions Dinner menu

Assisting Rahm in curating the menu is acclaimed Spanish chef José Andrés, who shares Rahm’s passion for showcasing the rich flavours of Spanish cuisine. Together, they have crafted a menu that celebrates the culinary heritage of the Basque Country and Spain.

The dinner begins with a selection of premium Spanish products, including Iberian ham, Idiazabal cheese, and chistorra, accompanied by gildas and traditional Basque-style lentil stew inspired by Rahm’s grandmother’s recipe. Guests will enjoy classic Spanish tapas such as tortilla española (Spanish omelette) and chicken croquettes.

For the main course, the players can choose between a refreshing spider crab salad, pil-pil-style turbot, or grilled T-bone steak. Rahm and José Andrés have prepared a decadent cream and custard mille-feuille dessert to conclude the meal.

These gastronomic delights represent Spain’s flavours and mirror the dining experiences that golf enthusiasts can enjoy at many golfing destinations offered by Tee Times Golf Agency for Spain golf holidays. 

Champions Dinner wines

Adding a personal touch to the dinner, Rahm has selected a wine that holds a special place in his heart: the Imperial Gran Reserva 2017. This wine, with its roots in the Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE), is a family favourite, particularly cherished by Rahm’s grandfather. The wine’s presence has marked significant moments in Rahm’s life, including his wedding and the birth of his first child, making it more than just a choice of beverage for the evening.

Imperial Gran Reserva 2017, a prestigious red wine, was recognized as the world’s best by Wine Spectator in 2013. Crafted from the finest grapes from vineyards between 550 and 650 meters above sea level in La Rioja, Spain, this wine undergoes meticulous production processes. The grapes are manually harvested, undergo cold maceration, and are aged in French and American oak barrels for two years, resulting in a wine of exceptional quality and taste.

To complement Imperial, Rahm has chosen Contino Blanco 2020, a white wine from La Rioja Alavesa. Known for its balance, freshness, and ability to age gracefully, Contino Blanco 2020 reflects the floral and fruity character of Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Malvasía grapes.

In addition to savouring exquisite cuisine and fine wines, attendees of the Champions Dinner will experience a taste of Spanish culture and hospitality, courtesy of Jon Rahm and his collaboration with José Andrés. As Rahm continues to make his mark in golf, his passion for his Basque roots and Spanish heritage shines through, both on and off the course.

Photo by: @TheMasters/Twitter