Thursday, 1/Nov/2007
The Vidago Course located in the north of Portugal near Chaves is being extended to 18 holes with an opening towards the end of 2008.
Thursday, 1/Nov/2007
Steve Webster - (England) Portugal Masters Victoria Golf Course - Algarve - Portugal - 18th to 21st October, 2007 English golfer Steve Webster won the inaugural Portugal Masters, his second win on the European Tour, after shooting a Sunday 64 to win by three strokes at the Victoria Clube de Golf in Vilamoura, Portugal. This emotional win - especially in view of the untimely death of his mother five months previously - was only his second win in his 12 years on the European Tour, and projected him from 72nd to 28th on the order of Volvo Order of Merit. As followers of the PGA European Tour will have already learnt, 32-year-old Steve Webster was the worthy winner of the inaugural Portugal Masters played on the Victoria Course at Vilamoura. Although, the course was set up to challenge the players with taller clinging rough and fast greens, the rainfall on the Monday really only meant that the large greens were more receptive for the opening rounds. Combines with the warm sunny weather with little wind the result led to low scoring. In fact, and very happily for golfer Martin Kaymer from Germany, a new course record of 61 on the opening day was registered, whilst Websters overall winning tally was an impressive 25 under par, and two strokes better than the runner-up, Robert Karlsson. There was a 4-way tie for 4th place on 19 under (Swedes, Peter Hanson and Fredrik Andersson Hed, Lee Westwood and Daniel Vancsik). Lee Westwood was in close contention until the par-5 twelfth hole where he went for the green in two but his ball ended up in the lake flanking the green and led to a bogey, followed by another at the par-three 13th. On these two consecutive holes Steve Webster followed with eagle-birdie and five strokes less than Westwood had scored over the same holes. Steve Websters courage was to be admired on the par-five 17th hole in the final round. His long tee-shot onto the fairway was out-driven by his fellow competitor Robert Karlsson who at that stage was the only other virtual contender for the title. Steve Webster pulled out his 5-wood to attack the green which is defended by a lake in front and to the right. The gamble came off and he two-putted for birdie to go 26 under par. Robert Karlsson also scored a birdie, but Steve Webster retained his 3-stroke lead and had the luxury of playing safe on the last hole which he bogeyed to win by two strokes.   The national Portuguese players, both José-Filipe Lima and Tiago Cruz passed the cut. Tiago managed this in spite of a 2-stroke penalty in the 2nd round as he dropped his ball in the wrong spot. Lima was well placed in a tie position for 9th on 14 under par going into the final round, but a last round 73 including a lost ball left him in a tie for 21st with nine others, including renown stars such as Retief Goosen, Justin Rose, Nick Dougherty and Andres Romero. The total tickets sold for the entire event was 24,188, including 6,740 on the last day – a record for any golfing event in Portugal. In light of the success the organizers have announced that 2008 prize money will be increased by 25% to four million Euros!

Victoria Golf Course

Thursday, 1/Nov/2007
In early October, the Pestana Golf Resort held their annual Golf Festival, a five-day series of tournaments at their Vale de Pinta, Gramacho and Silves courses. This is one of the most popular golf events of the year and a total of 270 rounds were played, with an average of 125 golfers - mainly from abroad - playing in each tournament. The principal prize-winners, shown in the photo, were: Players of the Week, Victor Connelly, Paulinho Gloria, Emanuel Amador, Osvaldo Santos and Mrs. Lynn Cook.
Thursday, 1/Nov/2007
Tiago Cruz won the 22º SATA Azores Open held on Sao Miguel Island using both the Batalha and Furnas Courses. Tiago, a 25 year old pro, scored 211 and was the only player below or on par over the three days. This win was his third time of winning a competition but this was the first time at an international level. These two golf courses have been recently sold by Oceanico to the Madeira company Siram.
Thursday, 1/Nov/2007
The young winners of the Taca FPG Amadora Nacionais was Pedro Figueiredo and Joana Silva Pinto. These two national champions played against a large field of inspired young golfers, Pedro Figueiredo with a final score of 290, and Joana Silva Pinto with 298. The 7º Event on the Tranquilidade Tour held on the Quinta do Peru course produced two new promising names. Joao Carlota from the Algarve who is just 17 years old, and Carla Cruz.

Quinta do Peru Golf Course

Thursday, 1/Nov/2007
The Oceanico Victoria Course in Vilamoura has a new Director of Golf. Romeu Goncalves replaces the familiar friendly person of Maria de Jesus Beltrao.
Thursday, 1/Nov/2007
The Troia Golf Course closed on the 25th of October for restructuring and improvements. The reopening date is set for February 2008.

Troia Golf Course

Thursday, 1/Nov/2007
The 1º Lusitania Securos Trophy was played on the Estoril Course on the 3rd of October and was won by Teresa Muhlenbeck followed by Richard Evans. The Royal British Club Plate was played on the following day and was won by David Gray with Graciete Gibbin in second place. Richard Evens won outright the Silver Jubilee Plate for achieving the best score over the two days.

Golfe do Estoril Golf Course

Monday, 1/Oct/2007
As planned, the impressive new club house at Boavista Golf Resort was officially opened. Located by the 18th green, it affords beautiful views over the course and the coastline near Lagos. The building boasts extensive locker rooms, a 150 seater restaurant, private function room and a well stocked golf shop. There is also a heated indoor pool, gymnasium, steam room, sauna and spa as well as extensive sunbathing terraces and a children’s outdoor pool. Boavista Resorts Managing Director Phillip Pope said The resort now has a focal point with first class facilities all under one roof and has given us the opportunity to offer even more services to our property owners, members and our visitors.

Boavista Golf Course

Monday, 1/Oct/2007
The Lexus PGA Portugal Tour event sponsored by Oceanico Developments was held on the Pinhal Course in Vilamoura. It ended in a resounding win by Vale de Lobo pro, Antonio Sobrinho, with a 13 under par 72-hole and a total of 275, whilst the runner-up Hugo Santos was 12 strokes behind. The top 21 pros in the tournament took part in a Pro-Am on the following day and the team comprising amateurs A. Glen, C. Ball and John Russell with pro Scott Taylor came in first when they carded a net score of 54 strokes.

Pinhal Golf Course

Monday, 1/Oct/2007
The inaugural Portugal Nations Cup organised by the Federation of Portuguese Golf was held on the Ocean course in Vale do Lobo. A total of 16 teams defended their respective countries. Both England and Ireland drew for 1st place on the 18th green. However, a count-back gave the edge to England and winning the Cup.

Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course

Monday, 1/Oct/2007
The Belas Golf Course just north of Lisbon, was the scene of the semi-finals of the Expresso BPI Golf Cup. Four teams of four fought out the competitive battle with the two winners, Team Novabase and JM Castelo Branco & P. Ferro & Associados, and the final will take place on the Terceira Course in the Azores.

Belas Clube Campo Golf Course

Monday, 1/Oct/2007
The Royal British Club Golfing Society members competed for the 27th peter Dawson Bowl on the Aroeia I course just south of Lisbon. The winner this year was Ed Robbins with 36 points. The Newstead Cup which is also competed for on the same day was won by Victor Campos.

Aroeira I Golf Course

Monday, 1/Oct/2007
The Estoril course was the annual scene for the much sought after 13th Chatham Trophy. This intriguing prize is based on the birthday of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter who led a Dutch fleet up the Medway in England in 1667. They destroyed most of the English fleet including the Royal Charles which was the flagship and the pride of the English fleet. On this occasion the English team led by Carol Mason won and retained their victory over the Dutch team led by Auke Bos.

Golfe do Estoril Golf Course

Monday, 1/Oct/2007
The first Pairs Championship was held in Porto Santo off Madeira and was won by Paulo Silva and Ricardo Mendonca.

Porto Santo Golfe Course

Monday, 1/Oct/2007
The Visabeira Turismo Team were the winners in the Beiras regional finals of the World Corporate Challenge which took place on the Montebelo course near to Viseu. The two young Portuguese professionals, Tiago Cruz and Antonio Rosado, both successfully passed the second phase in the European Circuit Qualification School. Unfortunately, 2007 Portuguese National Champion Antonio Sobrinho failed in his third phase in the same School.

Montebelo Golfe Course

Monday, 1/Oct/2007
Antonio Machado will be representing his country in the 2007 Special Olympics in China. He is a Down Syndrome sufferer but has a ardent love for the game of golf. He has been well supported within Portugal with many courses acting as hosts in his training - we wish him every success.
Monday, 1/Oct/2007
The Champeonato Nacional de Clubes was held on the Aroeira I and was won by the Morgadinhos Team placing the Porto Team in second place.

Aroeira I Golf Course

Monday, 1/Oct/2007
The Portuguese Seniors Golf Team gained fifteenth place, in Gothenburg in Sweden, in the 26th European Seniors Golf Championship. Italy took first prize and was followed by Great Britain and Spain.
Saturday, 1/Sep/2007
Vilamoura Golf Clubs traditional summer school for youngsters under 18 was held in July and August, culminating in tournaments held on 24th-25th August. Coordinated by club vice-chairman Jorge Batista and conducted by the clubs five teaching pros, the course was attended by close to 200 children and youths. Surprisingly, the start to the final days programme was delayed for about two hours due to an extremely unusual thunderstorm, for August at least – the effects of global warming! Various competitions are held, on the putting-green for pure beginners and the very young; 5-hole ones for the young ones with some experience; up to a 36-hole stroke-play event over two days for the low handicappers. A few of the former Vilamoura club academy pupils are now turned professional such as the brothers Ricardo and Hugo Santos who have played in PGA EuroPro and a few Challenge Tour events, Antonio Rosado, a player on the PGA of Portugal tour, as well as Inder van Weerelt - a Challenge Tour regular.
Saturday, 1/Sep/2007
The Seve Ballesteros designed Quinta do Vale course near Castro Marim in the extreme east of the Algarve alongside the Guadiana River separating the Algarve and Andalusia is due to be ready for play in the next few months. Over-seeding with cool season grass on the Bermuda fairways has been carried out recently. Similar to the course opened in 2004 on Porto Santo Island that Seve also designed, Quinta do Vale has an equal number of six par-3, par-4 and par-5 holes.

Quinta do Vale Golf Course

Saturday, 1/Sep/2007
Europes finest young amateurs participated in the Portugal Nations Cup which was held at Vale do Lobo on the Royal and Ocean Courses. Fourteen selected teams from their respected countries fought each other over three rounds with the English team taking first prize and Ireland in second.

Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course

Saturday, 1/Sep/2007
The 13º Canico Prainha Cup was held on the Penina Championship Course near Portimao. This annual shot-gun event is basically by invitation only and this year the field was composed of 88 golfers. The Canico Cup was won by Marta Lampreia, Portugals national champion lady player. The Prainha Cup was won by Sean Corte Real.

Penina Championship Golf Course

Saturday, 1/Sep/2007
In September, the Boavista Golf Club near Lagos which recently inaugurated its new Club House building, is staging an amateur team event for charity in aid of three institutions that take care of orphans, handicapped children and those with learning difficulties. Twenty firms and organisations are helping to sponsor the competition, and after the prize-giving the club is holding an auction for valuable prizes in its new Club House to boost the charity fund-raising efforts.

Boavista Golf Course

Saturday, 1/Sep/2007
90 players participated in the Lexus Trophy held on the Oporto Club Course near Porto. Jose Carlos Sousa won with 42 points with Mandim Lino taking second place with 40 points. The Ladies segment was won by Cathy Leao.

Oporto Golf Club Course

Saturday, 1/Sep/2007
The 1º Royal Caribbean Golf Trophy was held on the Penha Longa Course near Estoril was won by Emílio Fernandes with 27 points. Maria Cristina Matos won the net with 37 points.

Penha Longa Atlantico Golf Course

Saturday, 1/Sep/2007
On Madeira Island in the TMN Tournament held on the Santo da Serra course, Kimberley Camacho and June Maul carried off the top prize with 65 net strokes. Two pairs tied for second place with 67 net strokes; Nina Haarguaard and Goretti Aveiro and Fernando Vieira and Francisco Goncalves.

Santo da Serra Golf Course

Saturday, 1/Sep/2007
In the very north of Portugal on the Ponte de Lima Course, a round of the Spanish Copa de Ora de Galicia series, brought together 112 Portuguese and Spanish players. Jose Casimiro Lima with 41 points took the net prize with Vasco Garcia Costa in second place.

Ponte de Lima Golf Course

Saturday, 1/Sep/2007
The young Portuguese player Pedro Figueiredo took second place in the Amateur International Championship held on the Basel Golf Course in Switzerland. Pedro Figueiredo who plays at the Quinta do Peru near Lisbon was tied in first place with Sean Einhaus and Pierre Relecom. Unfortunately, in the play-off he lost due to a bogey on a Par 3.
Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
The soft opening of the magnificent Jack Nicklaus layout at Monte Rei, near Vila Nova de Cacela has taken place. Having personally been at the site during one of Nicklauss original visits in July, 1990, I was anxious to drive over and see the final masterpiece for myself as reports and photos published are really impressive. A special twilight green-fee, including a shared buggy and complimentary use of the practice facilities, are on offer until the end of this August.

Monte Rei Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
Through well-known local golf pro, Tony Bennett, who runs teaching centers at Alto Golf (Alvor) and Quinta da Ria (Tavira), the writer received a kind invitation to play in a team event at the testing Penha Longa course, west of Lisbon. Organised by Tony and his wife and son, the tournament was sponsored by the Multi-Development Group which operates in 20 European countries designing, constructing and managing shopping centers. Established In Portugal for 17 years the company has set up many such golf complexes throughout the country.

Penha Longa Atlantico Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
The 36-hole 7th Vilamoura Casino invitational tournament was staged at the Victoria and Old Courses at the beginning of the month. Getulio Jorge was the winner with Romeu Goncalves in second place. Part of the Solverde annual circuit that culminates will be in September at the Oporto Golf Club. This was the first course in Portugal and one of the first of a handful in continental Europe and in fact, dating back to 1890. The ten leading players qualified for this years final tournament.

Victoria Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
As in the past two years, the 3rd Portuguese Red Cross Open was staged at the Gramacho course, with the Pestana Resort owners waiving the green-fees, and 18 teams of four golfers each took part in this Texas Scramble event. After deducting 10% of the combined exact handicaps from their gross score of 61 strokes, the team comprising Helder Pina, Miguel Veterano, Antonio Gloria and Jose Esteves won with 56.75 net, edging out the well-known Candido de Oliveira family four-some by a mere 0.62 of a stroke.
Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
The San Lorenzo Course provided their golf course to hold a charity event organised in aid of the Associacao Oncologica do Algarve for its Casa Flor das Dunas project. A total of 93 players took part and G. Sloan won the mens prize with 40 Stableford points, followed closely by J. Cavell on 39. Two ladies, Janet Kaye and Judy McDowell tied the lead with first place going to the former after a count-back.

San Lorenzo Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
At the end of June, Parque da Floresta Course and sponsor Hertz Portugal held the 6º Safe Hands Charity Golf Classic which raised more than € 150.000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust with a two-day tournament. The event was won by the Sportax Team comprising of John Peavoy, Greoffrey Vickers, Noel Barker, and captained by the events host, David Seaman. The participants included a host of famous names past and present from football, rugby and cricket.

Santo Antonio Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
An amateur team event, the Nations Cup Portugal, organised by the Portuguese tourist board and the Portuguese Golf Federation, will be held at Vale do Lobo from 29th August to 2nd September, and a good field of players is expected from several countries.

Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
The Salgados Course near to Albufeira has last month inaugurated their smart new Club House which offers players and their guests many more facilities including a Spa facility.

Salgados Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
Howard Chamberlain from England won the title in the annual 2007 Lisbon Golf Coast Festival sponsored by the Lisbon Tourist Board. This popular event is a combination of golf on local courses and organised social functions and draws players from many European countries. Howard Chamberlain just had the edge over his nearest rival Michael Allendorf from Germany. The team event for the Nations Cup was won by Brian and Glenda Winn from England.
Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
The Credit Suisse Estoril Challenge de Portugal held on the Estoril Course was won by Peter Baker, a former Ryder Cup player. Lying close behind Baker was Welshman Stuart Manley with Jan-Are Larsen from Norway in third place.

Golfe do Estoril Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
Tiago Cruz won the Mota Engil Classic which took place on the Amarante Course. He was followed by Antonio Sobrinho and Ricardo Santos, whilst, Monia Bernardo won the Ladies prize followed Claudia Dantas.
Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
The 1º Guialmi Cup played at Quinta do Peru Course brought together 156 invited players, involving many household brand names, was won by Paulo Spínola followed by Gustavo Salazer and Miguel Mimoso. The Ladies segment was won by Maria Helena Antunes followed by Maria Joao Almeida Fernandes and Fatima Pita.

Quinta do Peru Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
Estoril Golf was the location for the annual DArcy Orders Trophy. The event was won by Eva Sanches with Derek MacIvor in second place.

Golfe do Estoril Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
The 6º Casino Estoril Tournament on the Estoril Course was won by Nicolas Sturken followed by Joao de Deus.

Golfe do Estoril Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
The Montebelo Course at Viseu recently inaugurated their additional nine holes to make 27. This course was also the location for the Invitation Becel Tournament which was won by Jorge Toste followed by Antonio Vieira, whilst, Anabela Pereira won the Ladies prize.

Montebelo Golfe Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
The Golden Eagle Course was for four days the scene of intense activity as the Campeonato Nacional de Jovens was played. The best young golfers from around the country played at their best to win their varies sections. Under eighteens was won by Bernardo Frere and Marta Vasconcelos. Under sixteens was won by Tiago Rodrigues and Ana Santos Melo. Under fourteens was won by Goncalo Pinto and under twelves was won by Joao Magalhaes.

Golden Eagle Golf Course

Wednesday, 1/Aug/2007
The Portuguese team Landidor consisting of Carlos Tinoco, Joao Vinagre, Artur Ferreira and Joao Navega, were the winners of the World Corporate Golf Challenge which was held at the Sul de La Manga Course in Spain. This team event was hard fought by teams representing many countries from all around the world.
Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
The Mackenzie Sir Bobby Robson Golf Classic 2007 held on the Vila Sol Course at Vilamoura, on the 2nd June was a another yearly success. The event raised about €60,000 for the Aboim Ascencao, an emergency home for infants in Faro. Numerous famous football players and celebrities from the UK, Ireland and Portugal took part in the friendly but competitive team event. An auction was held during the Gala Dinner for many items of football memorabilia. The winning team of Guy Lissimore, Kamran Aziz, Geoff Newton and Andy Townsend amassed 89 Stableford points, edging out the Alamo Avengers – 88 (Adam Masterson, Kevin Hall, Gerry McDermott, and Nigel Spackman) by a single point.

Vila Sol Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
The Algarve Ladies Open, an official Ladies European Tour event, took place on the par-72 Gramacho Course near Carvoeiro. After the first two of the three scheduled rounds, the cut was set at 5 over par. A total of 70 players passed the cut, and leading the field going into the 3rd and final round were four players tied on 7 under par: Jade Schaeffer and Sophie Giquel from France, Australian Joanne Mills, and Louise Stahle from Sweden. The scene was set for a close finish but by the fourteenth hole it came down to a duel between Sophie Giquel and Louis Stahle, with the latter leading until she bogeyed the tricky par-four 16th after failing to get down in two from a green-side bunker. The Frenchwoman parred the hole and then sank a lengthy downhill putt for birdie on the next green to lead by a single stroke. On the decisive par-5 last hole, most of the pressure was on the Swede to try and force a playoff, but she hit her second shot into a deep bunker in front of the green. Sophie Giquel confidently struck her long-iron approach to the back fringe and then chipped to about two feet for a birdie and a 10 under par total to win her maiden victory less than four years after turning pro, and just 11 days before her 25th birthday. On the same round, Lisa Hall scored a rare albatross on the 18th, and another Lisa (Sorensen) from Denmark sank her approach to the tricky par-4 uphill fifth hole.

Gramacho Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
Many footballers together with several UK entertainment personalities were also very much in evidence at Parque da Floresta where former England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman staged his sixth annual Safe Hands Charity Classic. An amazing record amount of over £150,000 was raised at this annual popular event. This time it was played by 23 teams in a two-day competition sponsored by Hertz Portugal, the beneficiaries being the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The winners were John Peavoy, Geoffrey Vickers and Noel Barker (Sportax team), captained by the host, David Seaman. At the closing Gala Dinner, guests bid for auction prizes including a luxury holiday in Barbados, and the chance to join David at an Arsenal football match in their Emirates Stadium with hospitality at the members-only Diamond Club. Guests also participated by paying £35 each to enter a draw for a heart-shaped diamond worth about £8,000. Celebrities taking part included European Championship gold medal winner - Kriss Akabusi, former Arsenal footballers - Martin Keown, Graham Rix, Nigel Winterburn, Ray Parlour, Frank McClintock MBE and legendary goalkeeper and commentator - Bob Wilson, formerly Watford and England - Luther Blissett, ex-Man.U. footballers - Lee Sharpe and Clayton Blackmore, former Wolves striker - Steve Bull MBE, rugby players - Craig Chalmers and Paul Sampson accompanied by Pauls glamorous partner TVs - Kirsty Gallacher, presenter and regular supporter of the event - Anna Walker, former Eastenders actor - Craig Fairbrass, The Bills - Chris Simmons and Karl Collins, singer - Dane Bowers, GMTV presenter and CF patron - Ben Shephard, actor and comedian - Vince Earl, as well as actor, comedian and official Safe Hands MC, Bradley Walsh - quite a crowd !!

Santo Antonio Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
The fabulous North course at the Monte Rei Golf & Country Club has now been opened for pre-view play. It is the first of two intended Jack Nicklaus designed signature courses on this complex located in eastern Algarve, and laid out over attractive rolling countryside in the hinterland. They are situated between the main A22 highway and the mountain range farther north. The official opening, it is now expected to take place in September and next year construction will possibly commence on the second course scheduled for opening in 2009.

Monte Rei Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
The 7th Vilamoura Casino Invitational tournament on July 7th and 8th on the Victoria and Old Courses at Vilamoura.

Victoria Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
The 3rd Vila Sol Golf Junior Open takes place on the 21st of July with several competitions organised according to age and/or handicap groups.

Vila Sol Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
The Ernesto de Sousa Cup was held on the Alto Golf Course near Alvor and was won by Amíliar Fonseca with Pedro Miguel Sousa in second place.

Alto Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
In June the Oporto Course held their famous and popular annual Kendall Cup which was won by Pedro Figueiredo with Antonio Rosado taking second place. The 5º Curia Cup on the course of the same name was won by Elisabete Pinto with Jose Afonso and Manuel Goncalves being only one point behind. The Oporto Club was chosen for the El Corte Ingles Cup and was won by Thomas Perkins with Jose Manuel Cordeiro and Bernardo Graca taking combined second place.

Oporto Golf Club Course

Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
The Montbelo Course near Viseu hosted the 10º Anniversary of the CG de Centro and was won by Alvaro Marreco with Maria Carmo in second place.

Montebelo Golfe Course

Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
The CG de Advogados held their Spring Competition on the Golden Eagle Course which was won by Andre Carvalho with Jose Brigham in second place.

Golden Eagle Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
Lisbon Sports Club held their Sao Bernardino Cup which resulted in five equal winners with 37 points, Jose Amorim, Joao Mendonca, Amilicar, Jose Carlos Mascarenhas and Manuel Oliveira. The ladies winner was Isabel Dray.

Lisbon Sports Club Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Jul/2007
The Estoril Golf Club held their annual Salette de Sousa e Melo Cup and Dr Jose Sousa e Melo Cup. The former was won by Carla Cruz and Tomas Santos Silva, and the latter won by Tomas Santos Silva.

Golfe do Estoril Golf Course

Friday, 1/Jun/2007
Sir Henry Cooper and Mike Reid, together with another 22 celebrities playing alongside 3-golfer teams, were back in the Algarve in May for the ninth consecutive year Sir Henry Cooper & Mike Reid Charity Golf Classic and enjoy the friendly competitive atmosphere that this event always creates. Based at the Hotel Penina, the group played at the San Lorenzo, Palmares, Boavista and Penina Championship courses. The winning team with 247 points was headed by Martin Herdman, a multi-talented former Olympic and professional boxer, international rugby league player, musician, singer and shopkeeper, and now also a well-known TV and film actor. His team members were Jason Preston, Mark King and Kevin Fox. Ex-speedway ace, Dave Jessup won the individual celebrity prize with a 3-round tally of 109 points, 12 ahead of both Clive Russell and Mike Reid.

Penina Championship Golf Course

Friday, 1/Jun/2007
The Solverde Algarve Open, one of the Pro tournaments of the 2007 Lexus Portuguese PGA Tour, was held at the Vale da Pinta course at the end of May and included players from 11 other PGAs. Tiago Cruz dominated the event from day one with a round of 67 strokes. He followed on with rounds of 68 and 66 to take the trophy and a cheque. Ricardo Santos scored a 6 under par total of 207 tying for 2nd place with Spanish amateur Gonzalo Vicente. Our home-grown players were Sean Hawker and Antonio Sobrinho whom tied for 4th place on 209. The event was followed on 28th May by a Pro-Am Texas Scramble comprising of 24 teams and was won after a count-back. With a net score of 55 strokes by amateurs Antonio Moutinho, Pedro Silva and Joao Eca Pinheiro alongside their professional team captain Henrique Paulino.

Vale da Pinta Golf Course

Friday, 1/Jun/2007
The Sir Henry Cotton Trophy was played at Penina course according to tradition on the last Sunday in May. Eighty golfers took part in this stroke-play event, now in its 18th year, and with the Maestros Championship Course in fine condition, Nuno Faustino carded 71 net to take the historical trophy. There was a tie for 2nd on 74 net for the runner-up spot which was attributed to Getulio Jorge on a count-back, leaving Leslie Harris with the third place prize. Sebastian Crookall-Nixon won the best gross in the Mens division with a fine score of 76 (3 over par), and Balaia Village golf manager, Maria Jose Pinto, returned 90 gross to win the Ladies prize.

Penina Championship Golf Course

Friday, 1/Jun/2007
The Ladies European Tour will hold the Algarve Ladies Open from 28th June to 1st July on the Gramacho Course at the Pestana Golf & Resort, Carvoeiro.

Gramacho Golf Course

Friday, 1/Jun/2007
On the 9th of May some 50 members of the Royal British Club of Lisbon held their annual Beefeater Cup on the Estoril Golf Course. The winner was Denys Stormont with 37 points. Second place was taken by Hans Ludolphi and third was taken by Kate Scheier.

Golfe do Estoril Golf Course

Friday, 1/Jun/2007
In May the 116th edition of the ancient and famous Skeffington Cup joined together 140 participants for one of the oldest prizes in the golfing world. The competition was held at its home course, the Oporto Golf Course, and was won this year by Ribeira Silva with 67 strokes who had to make a second round to beat off his closest competitor Manuel Violas.

Oporto Golf Club Course

Friday, 1/Jun/2007
The promising youngsters Joanna Pinto and Pedro Figueiredo won respectively the first places in the annual Portuguese Golf Federation Cups for Juniors. The competition was held on the Montado Course near Lisbon and the high quality shown by the players made it a very competitive event.

Golfe do Montado Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Apr/2007
Daniel Vancsik - (Argentina) Madeira Islands Open Santo da Serra - Madeira - Portugal - 22nd to 25th March, 2007 Daniel Vancsik became the 9th Argentinean to win on the European Tour with his success in the Madeira Open. This win will be an impressive boost to his present game as he has struggled to return to his previous form. He was one of the South Americans most consistent players during the 2003 until 2005. This competition success was well timed as this win also acted as a special moment as Daniel was participating in his 50th European Tour recording the largest winning margin of the 2007 season - seven strokes. The Argentinean golfer climbed 402 places to Nº 284.

Santo da Serra Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Apr/2007
Pablo Martin Benavides - (Spain) Estoril Open de Portugal Oitavos - Lisbon - Portugal - 29th to 1st April, 2007 In the 1.145th event held by the European Tour, history was made by Pablo Martin-Benevides, when he won the event as an Amateur. Prior to the final round the Swedish Alexander Noran had been leading the way but had little success on the final day. It became a tense final 18th hole when Pablo won by one stroke from Frenchman, Jacquelin Raphael. His first important event was the 2003 Canaries Open of Spain when he at the age of seventeen led until the final round. Unfortunately, he dropped away and finished in a tie for 22nd place. His outstanding success as an Amateur has firmly placed Pablo on the international stage in the golf world for when he turns Professional which is anticipated as taking place in the Autumn of this year. The Spanish player jumped to Nº 280 from his previously non-ranked position. He began the week in 11th place on the World Amateur Golf Ranking and this ranking position is sure to improve after his unique victory.

Oitavos Dunes Golf Course

Sunday, 1/Apr/2007
The Oceanico Group, headed by Gerry Fagan and Simon Burgess, last month acquired five important courses at Vilamoura to add to their portfolio of the further two in construction at Alcantarilha in the Algarve, another course being built near Obidos which lies to the north of Lisbon, plus the further two established courses in the Azores. Although basically a Development Company this new acquisition now places Oceanico Group in the top ten in Europe for the companies possessing the most courses. The Group is well represented in this segment of their golf operation by Christopher Stilwell. He was born in Portugal and represents one of the third generation of his Anglo-Portuguese family in Portugal. His brother Mark is Director of the Montebelo Course in the north of Portugal near Viseu. Chriss grandfather settled in Lisbon in 1904 and his father John headed the partners who in 1963 created and built the five star Penina Hotel and its Golf Course near Portimao in the Algarve. This was then an ambitious project being the first course in the Algarve and virtually the spearhead of quality tourism to the region. John was also fortunate enough to have closely involved the late famous golfer, Sir Henry Cotton as its Director of Golf, until his resignation in 1974 due to the complications brought about by the Portuguese Revolution. Chris who had also been actively involved in the administration of the Penina, moved after this event to England to further his commercial experience. In 1989 he returned to take up the position of Golf Director and the then recently opened the Alto Club & Course and in which at the time his family had an active interest. Chris was later appointed President of the Association of Algarve Golf Courses and in this capacity he has played an active and important role in the promotion the Algarve as a important golf destination. The Oceanico Group, at the same time as making this recent golf course ownership expansion, has signed up some leading names as sponsors. Heading the list is Darren Clarke, Bradley Dredge, Paul Broadhurst and Gary Murphy. They also are the sponsors for the Portuguese PGA team and own the contract for the next three years and are to foot the bill on bringing the new event on the European Tour Event calendar, Portuguese Masters to the Algarve – this year it will be played on the Victoria Course in Vilamoura. The Group has engaged Troon Golf which is based in Scottsdale in Arizona to assist in the management and fine-tuning of their golf operations. This USA Company is at present involved in similar operations in over 200 other courses worldwide. When the Alcantarilha courses are playable (anticipated April 2008), and coupled with other courses being now constructed by other owners, this region of the Iberian Peninsular is well set to become a top world leading destination for golfers. Intended to be noted for not only its high quality courses but also combined with its excellent all year around climate, outstanding accommodation, fabulous beaches, quality cuisine, and lastly not forgetting the charm and spirit found in its local residents.
Thursday, 1/Mar/2007
The dominating item of golf news of recent days has been the purchase of all five Vilamoura courses by Oceanico Golf Group. After 12 years of tenure by Andre Jordan Group of Lusotur Golfes, S.A., during which time the Millennium and Victoria courses were built and the other three (Pinhal, Laguna and Vilamoura Old Course) upgraded, this well-established golf destination now looks forward to an even brighter future. A 25-minute drive west along from Faro is the site where Oceanico are building their two golf courses and residential complexes, the Amendoeira Resort. The two challenging 18-hole courses designed respectively by Christy OConnor Jr. and Nick Faldo, are both due for opening in 2008. After 12 years of tenure by Andre Jordan Group of Lusotur Golfes, S.A., during which time the Millennium and Victoria courses were built and the other three (Pinhal, Laguna and Vilamoura Old Course) upgraded, this well-established golf destination now looks forward to an even brighter future. The two challenging 18-hole courses at Alcantarilha and designed respectively by Christy OThe management of the seven Oceanico courses in the Algarve has been entrusted to Troon Golf of Scottsdale, Arizona, the same company that already manages Oceanico two courses on Sao Miguel island in the Azores. This acquisition was made a year ago in partnership with the Portuguese company, Siram. Oceanico are also developing the Royal Obidos Golf Resort on the Costa de Prata (Silver Coast) about an hours drive north of Lisbon. Oceanico will now own ten courses and have therefore become the largest owners of golf facilities in the country, and the major players in Europe Connor Jr. and Nick Faldo, whom are both due for the opening in 2008. An agreement has been signed to take to bring the charismatic 38-year-old Darren Clarke on board as their touring Pro.
Thursday, 1/Mar/2007
Another change in ownership of Algarve golf courses occurred previously when some weeks ago the CS Group (owners of the 5-Star Sao Rafael Hotel in Albufeira), purchased the Morgado and Alamos courses near Portimao including the property development assets of the Herdade do Morgado de Reguengo from the Tivoli Hotel Group.
Thursday, 1/Mar/2007
The 77th Portuguese Open Amateur Championships for both men and ladies were held at the Quinta de Cima and the Quinta da Ria courses near Tavira. There were 96 contestants in the mens event and 36 in the ladies, and after two qualifying stroke-play rounds those with the leading scores played match-play for the Championships. Inigo Urquizo, a 24-year-old law graduate from San Sebastian in Spain, became the 2007 champion by defeating Frenchman Anthony Pailler 3&2 in the 36-hole final. The English golfer Holly Aitchison (who is 19), became the lady Amateur Champion after beating Nicola Roessler from Germany by the same margin. Joao Carlota, a 16-year-old Vilamoura junior, lost to Urquizo in the semi-final, the same stage at which Ana Melo, aged only 15, from Terceira GC in the Azores lost 1 down to the eventual winner.

Quinta da Ria Golf Course