Sporting Golf Summer Open

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The 13th edition of the Sporting Golf Summer Open brought together 92 players, families, and guests for two days of competition and camaraderie at the renowned Amendoeira Golf Resort in Silves. Held in early August, the event drew golfers from 32 clubs across Portugal, from the north and centre to Lisbon and the Algarve, as well as several international guests, particularly from Italy.

The tournament kicked off with a full round on the O’Connor Course, played in excellent conditions under a hot summer sun. Following the first day’s play, participants gathered for a convivial dinner and prize ceremony, with entertainment provided by live music from Zélia Almeida. The evening ended with the traditional tômbola, where 83 prizes, ranging from golf gear and fine wines to travel vouchers, were raffled off. A special painting donated by club member José Reis was awarded to Fernando Guerra in a final draw.

The second day saw the competition move to Amendoeira’s Pitch & Putt course, where players tested their short game on the resort’s diverse sports complex. The two-day format offered a mix of standard and short-form golf, creating an inclusive atmosphere ideal for both serious competitors and recreational players.

Tournament Highlights

In the main O’Connor event, Rogério Beatriz won the Net category with 41 points, followed by Manuel Trindade and Fernando Flores Santos (both with 38). The Gross category was won by Bernardo Silva Carvalho with 29 points.

In the women’s division, Maria Pereira topped the Net leaderboard with 36 points, while Arminda Von Kaenel claimed the Gross title with 27 points.

Among international guests, Italian players stood out:

  • Matteo Balzer won Net (37 points), with Pedro Jerónimo and Luís do Pão following.

  • Walter Faustini dominated the Gross category with 38 points.

  • In the women’s guest division, Sonia Dubois and Teresa Melo Cabral shared the top Net score of 27 points, with Carlotta Balzer winning Gross with 21.

On the final day’s Pitch & Putt event, Paulo Azevedo claimed victory with 53 strokes, trailed by Paulo Jorge Alves (55) and Maurício Farinha (57). In the guest bracket, José Melo Cabral matched the winning score of 53, edging out Domingos Sousa Silva with 55.

As is tradition with Sporting Golf tournaments, players were also awarded for longest drives and precision shots across all 18 holes of the O’Connor layout, adding an extra layer of excitement and technical challenge.

A Celebration of Golf and Community

More than just a competition, the Sporting Golf Summer Open highlighted what makes Portugal such a standout destination for golf lovers: excellent courses, strong club culture, and a spirit of hospitality that blends competitive sport with shared experience. From family-friendly gatherings to post-round cocktails and live music, the event showcased how Portugal continues to deliver golf with character.

Want to experience Amendoeira for yourself? Explore our Algarve Golf Holidays to discover packages that include the O’Connor and Faldo courses, ideal for both social rounds and serious play.

Michelin-Starred Dinners at Vilamoura’s Old Course Clubhouse

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This summer, Vilamoura will serve up more than just elite golf. From 16 August to 13 September 2025, the Old Course Clubhouse will host a five-week series of Michelin-starred chef dinners, combining culinary excellence with one of the Algarve’s most iconic golf destinations.

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Every Saturday evening between 20:00 and 22:00, a different Michelin-starred chef will take over the Clubhouse kitchen, offering guests a five-course tasting menu built around the theme Portugalidade à mesa, a celebration of Portugal’s regional flavours and culinary identity. Each dining experience is priced at €150 per person and takes place inside the Clubhouse’s recently renovated space, styled after traditional British golf pubs.

The series opens on 16 August with Rodrigo Castelo (Ó Balcão, Santarém), who’ll reinterpret classic Ribatejo flavours. On 23 August, Louis Anjos (Al Sud, Lagos) brings a refined Algarvian touch to the table. The chef for 30 August remains a surprise, with the name set to be announced via the Clubhouse’s social media channels.

Rounding out the event are two acclaimed Lisbon-area chefs: Alexandre Silva (Loco) on 6 September, known for his experimental flair, and Gil Fernandes (Fortaleza do Guincho) on 13 September, who specialises in local seafood and coastal cuisine.

For golf travellers, this is a rare chance to enjoy a round at the historic Old Course followed by a Michelin-level meal, all without leaving the resort. With demand expected to be high, early booking is advised.

Planning your next Portugal golf holiday? Browse our Vilamoura Golf Holidays for handpicked packages near the Old Course and enjoy the very best of golf and gastronomy this season.

Fairmont La Hacienda Spain Sold for €175M

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One of southern Spain’s most luxurious golf destinations has just changed hands in a deal worth €175 million, underlining a rising wave of international investment in Spain’s high-end golf holiday sector. The Fairmont La Hacienda resort, along with its two acclaimed golf courses, was officially sold in mid-2025 to a Middle Eastern investment group, marking one of the largest golf resort transactions in recent Spanish history.

Located in San Roque, Cádiz, just minutes from Sotogrande and the Costa del Sol, Fairmont La Hacienda combines five-star coastal living with championship golf. The deal includes both La Hacienda Links Golf, a newly renovated, seafront links-style course, and La Hacienda Heathland, offering inland contrast with rolling terrain and panoramic views. Together, they form one of the most compelling dual-course setups in southern Europe.

This acquisition not only secures the Fairmont brand’s presence in the region, but also signals continued confidence in Spain as a global golf destination. According to industry reports, the new owners intend to further develop the resort’s facilities, positioning it firmly within the luxury travel segment. That includes enhancements to both the golf and hospitality offerings, appealing directly to affluent travellers from the UK, Germany, the Nordics, and beyond.

For the Costa del Sol, long celebrated for its sun-drenched fairways and deep golfing pedigree, this is another chapter in its evolution from seasonal escape to year-round elite destination. With Andalusia seeing record numbers of golf tourists in recent seasons, strategic investments like this one suggest that the region’s appeal is only growing stronger.

If you’re planning your own golf holiday in Spain, and want to experience courses like La Hacienda Links and Heathland, explore our curated Costa del Sol Golf Holidays for exclusive packages in this world-class golf region.