The Portugal Masters 2017

18 April 2017

Prepare to Emulate Your Idols on Our Celebrated Championship Course

This September, the PGA European Tour returns to the Algarve; as some of the world’s finest golfers prepare to do battle in their quest to be crowned Portugal Masters champion for 2017.

In last year’s fiercely contested tournament, Padraig Harrington shot an impressive score of 23 under par; fending off defending champion Andy Sullivan (22 under par) for his first victory since lifting the third of his three major titles at the PGA Championship in 2008. When talking about his triumph, the former world number 3 was full of praise for the crowd: “there were so many Irish people in the crowds. In fact I always felt like this place was a home away from home, so it’s great to have won the tournament” adding “I’ve always had a bit of an affinity for Portugal. It’s a place where I’ve always felt very well received.”

What’s in Store for 2017?

While we can’t say for certain who will be playing come September, it’s likely Harrington will be back defending his crown. Other probable competitors include last year’s runner-up Andy Sullivan, who has enjoyed good success at the Portugal Masters, winning the tournament in 2015. Álvaro Quirós, Robert Rock, Anthony Wall, Raphaël Jacquelin and Marcel Siem are also among those who enjoy playing at the tournament – never missing a cut in all 10 editions.

What we do know is that the Portugal Masters is a pivotal competition for a lot of players on the PGA European Tour. The event is the penultimate tournament of the regular season; meaning that chances are quickly running out for those attempting to play their way into the top 60 – where a place on the Final Series in the Race to Dubai looms. Players who have yet to win enough money to secure their playing privileges for the following season will also be present, as they compete for their PGA European Tour lives.

Another certainty is that the 40,000 strong crowd will be out in force in Vilamoura, cheering on competitors in the amiable Algarve sun.

The Magic of the Portugal Masters at the Oceânico Victoria Course

With an abundance of championship courses and glorious beaches in close proximity; it’s easy to see why the Portugal Masters has become one of the most cherished destinations on the European Tour, for players and fans alike.

2 time major winner and former Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, Martin Kaymer, is one such advocate: “It’s a very good tournament, and it should get more credit than it does. The course is brilliant, and then when you’re done for the day, it’s very nice to visit the marina at night.”

The former world number 1 joins a long and illustrious list of other past players; including the likes of 2009 winner Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Rory McIlroy and Tom Lewis – who celebrated his maiden professional win in Portugal, and was crowned Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year in an intrepid 2011.

Legend of the game, Arnold Palmer, is another past patron at the Vilamoura course; himself involved in the designing of Oceânico Victoria, who can be accredited with the signature 17th hole. Aptly named ‘Cataratas Victoria’ (Victoria Falls) – the par 5 is the longest hole on the course; boasting the smallest green on the course, and the profusion of water hazards and bunkers provide a stern test for even the most accomplished of players.

Watch the Action and Emulate Your Idols with a 5* Stay at Penina

Ultimately, the Portugal Masters reflects the quality of golf facilities and tourism infrastructures that now reside in Portugal… especially in the Algarve; which, with its presence on the PGA’s European Circuit can now be revered as one of the world’s leading golf destinations.

The Portuguese Open (Open de Portugal) is another such tournament on the European Tour that highlights the Algarve’s sterling selection of golf; which Penina’s Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course – the first 18-hole golf course in the Algarve – has proudly hosted on 10 occasions.

When Sir Henry Cotton opened his Championship Course way back in 1966, even he couldn’t have foreseen how golf would flourish in the Algarve; but we’re glad it did… and after days spent watching the Portugal Masters you can emulate your idols on our Championship Course; considered among the finest courses in the region.

A five-star stay also awaits you at Penina Hotel & Golf Resort; so when you’re not on the course or watching the Portugal Masters: state-of-the-art amenities, outstanding fine-dining and exceptional evening entertainment abound to make your Algarve escape an unforgettable one.

See our range of Best Rates Guaranteed Offers that are only available from the Penina website.