Golf in Portugal to get 50 Million Euro Investment; Masters Event Planned for October

(PRWeb) January 16, 2007 -- Portugal's climate and topography make for a great golf environment. Some regions of the country experience 300 days of sunshine per year -- ideal conditions for golf lovers, who currently have more than 70 courses from which to choose. The climate, combined with investments in the golfing infrastructure in recent years, has turned the country into a golfing haven. Portugal was recently named "Best Golf Destination 2006" by readers of Golfers Today, a British publication.

ITP wants to build on this success and work to promote golf opportunities in each region of the country. The Algarve and Lisbon regions, as well as Madeira and the Azores, will be priority markets for high-end events, attracting visitors from the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. The unique features of Portugal's other regions will also be promoted with events throughout the seasons.

A key part of the plan is the Portugal Masters event, that will occur between October 18 and 21 at Victoria Clube de Golfe in Vilamoura. The event, part of the PGA European Tour, is expected to happen once a year until 2009 and to attract thousands of foreign visitors and an estimated 1.7 million golf matches, with worldwide television broadcasts. The Portugal Masters prize will be 3 million Euros, making it one of the most important competitions worldwide.

The Portugal Masters joins other important established golf events in Portugal--the Madeira Island Open in March, the Nations Cup in the Algarve region in March, the Estoril Open in April, the Ladies Open of Portugal in the Algarve in May, and the Azores Seniors Open in June.

Fourteen of Portugal's courses are rated in the top 100 best in Europe. Portugal is also a great location to learn the game and perfect technique. Many resorts offer classes with the pros. Courses can satisfy the most demanding golfer, while newcomers won't be intimidated, unless they find the beautiful landscapes and stunning vistas distracting to their game. Out on the many fairways, golfers will have views of dramatic red sea cliffs, bright blue seas, or, perhaps, a grove of mature pine trees.

For more information about golfing in Portugal visit www.visitportugal.com.

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