ALGARVE
YOUR DREAM
GOLF HOLIDAY

When the prestigious writer and Swedish journalist Hans Arvid Ostelius elected the Cerro de San Miguel as the site beloved to live, and between the various northern personalities in Europe who have settled there stands out a Swedish countess who, rendered to its charms. He headed to Silves and purchased the land where, in the 60s, began building the Villa Carlota and where he lived almost until the end of his life. Among the many famous personalities from Scandinavia were attracted to this area, highlights the famous Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman (winner of three Oscars and Casablanca movie icon) that during some of their stays in Silves and Ostelius house.

Paul McCartney wrote ‘Penina’ while on holiday at the resort with wife Linda in 1968. 
“One evening, when I returned to the hotel already a little bit inebriated, I decided to take a few more drinks in the bar. A band was playing and I ended up on the drums. The hotel was called Penina and I then improvised a song about this name. Afterwards, someone asked if he could keep the song.”

The band ‘Jotta Herre’ edited it. “We gathered around Paul and Linda,” says Jotta’s Giuseppe. “It was past one o’clock in the morning and Paul gave an unforgettable show. He played piano, bass, guitar and drums as I have never seen a musician play. 
It was four o’clock in the morning and he composed, played and sang the song words!”

Sir Henry Cotton formed an amazing friendship at Penina – with a donkey. Two years after building Penina, the three-time Open champion passed the donkey on the road as he returned from a trip into the Monchique Mountains and bought it from its owner, a farmer who was initially reluctant to sell. “What is it for?” he was asked. “He is my new caddie,” replied the Englishman.

He had a harness made so it could hold his golf bag and named him ‘Pacifico’. When he designed courses in Spain, he took him with him. The famous names who came to Penina to be coached by Sir Henry – Bob Hope, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Sean Connery, Lee Trevino – all met Pacifico.

Vale do Lobo has a glittering history of attracting red-carpet stars to its orange cliffs.

In 2000, the Algarve Millennium Skins Game was held here and among those competing were not just Major winners and Ryder Cup stars such as Colin Montgomerie, Michael Campbell and Laura Davies, but also supermodel Claudia Schiffer.

John McEnroe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United, England (twice), Liverpool and Real Madrid have also stayed.

Vale do Lobo Grand Champions Tennis Tournament becomes an official event on the ATP

Jack Nicklaus has his name on many courses around the world – but he hasn’t put his heart and soul into many more than at Monte Rei. He was a frequent visitor to the site during construction and has been back several times since; this is patently a baby he has great affection for. Ernie Els has holidayed here while former European No.1 Ronan Rafferty heads here whenever he can.

Vale do Lobo Summer Party is held at Parque do Golfe with a new concept

England national football team chooses Vale do Lobo for Pre-World Cup 2014 training camp

An handi-junior (1 disabled golfer and 3 juniors) tournament takes place for the first time in Portugal at Oceânico Millennium. An absolutely success for both EDGA players and the juniors, an experience of a lifetime that will be held once again in 2016

For the second time EDGA Algarve Open (European Disabled Golf Association), is held at Pestana Vila Sol, a tournament from EDGA Premier Series Order of Merit.

The event is a fitting climax to ATA  ‘Golf4All’ assignment, which showcases the region as a fully-inclusive tourism destination for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Luis Araújo, quoted: “It is with great pleasure that Turismo de Portugal joins the celebrations of the Algarve’s 50th golf anniversary. “

“This is indeed a significant achievement and Portugal has much to be thrilled about with this milestone, which is the result of a combined effort from our golf tourism industry over five decades. We remain with an ongoing commitment to delivering the excellence that golfers expect from a destination like the Algarve.”

“A warm thank you to all golfers, and the golf tourism industry!”

Carlos Luis, said: “We are honoured to be able to mark the 50th anniversary of golf in the Algarve this year and hope golfers will be part of the celebrations with us.

 “It’s just another perfect reason for golfers to visit us in 2016 as the Algarve golf industry continues to provide the very best in hospitality, accommodation and golf venues with great value and diversity.

“It should be a golden year for the Algarve.”

Keith Pelley said: “The Algarve continues to be a terrific backdrop for tournament golf, having hosted 35 tournaments on The European Tour and Senior Tour, as well as the Senior Tour Qualifying School since 2001.

“We are proud to have been able to showcase this wonderful region to a worldwide audience and I’m sure it will be another golden year for golf on the Algarve with the 50th anniversary celebrations planned, including the 10th edition of the Portugal Masters at Oceânico Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura.”