Say Fore In Portugal

Contrary to popular belief, across the pond golf, isn’t only limited to the cool, damp and windy climates of Northern Europe. A perfect example is Portugal’s Algarve region, located in the most southerly point of the country. Along with its colourful history, rich cultural heritage, superb resorts, fine gastronomy and more days of sunshine each year than California, the region is now a leading global golf destination.

The Algarve has numerous courses, ranging from rugged links to lush parkland style, many designed by famous golf architects such as Robert Trent Jones Jr., Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros, and Henry Cotton.

In 2017, Portugal was awarded the world’s best golf destination at the World Golf Awards, for the fourth time in a row.

So, it wasn’t a great surprise that when Baxter Media decided to expand its renowned Travel Industry Golf Tournament to include a new European destination, it chose Portugal’s Algarve region.

“Baxter Media is thrilled to partner with TAP Air Portugal and the Portuguese National Tourist Office on our inaugural golf tournament in Portugal,” David McClung, president of Baxter Media, said of the event. “This exclusive golf experience is an opportunity to introduce leaders of the Canadian travel industry to the stunning scenery, cuisine, and golf courses of the Algarve region.”

“We were delighted that Baxter Media chose Portugal’s Algarve region to invite leading Canadian travel agents and tour operators to play in their Inaugural European Golf Tournament at our world-class courses as well as a unique opportunity chance for them to sample a little bit of everything special that the Algarve has to offer visitors,” said William Delgado, country manager, Canada, for the Portuguese National Tourist Office.

The Algarve Golf Adventure (Saturday & Sunday)

As everyone boarded the TAP Airlines Airbus 330 for their trip across the pond, all were looking forward to this very special mid-winter break. In addition to the inaugural three-day golf tournament, the agenda promised some interesting side trips and the opportunity to enjoy the mild weather.

Guests would also have ample opportunity to enjoy Portugal’s delectable cuisine and exceptional local wines. After landing, the group drove from Lisbon to the Algarve. Spring was definitely in the air with many fruit trees in bloom and newborn lambs playing in the fields. Sights included dramatic cliffs, hills and valleys.

At their destination, they checked into the Sao Rafael Atlantico Resort, an ultra-modern and stunning five-star hotel set high above the Atlantic Ocean on beautifully landscaped grounds with fabulous ocean views

Following a quiet and relaxing afternoon, the rejuvenated Baxter group gathered for cocktails at a special event hosted by the Albufeira Promotion Bureau to meet some of the local tour operators, offering a variety of tourist adventures from scuba to parasailing. Then everyone enjoyed the welcome dinner in the hotel’s beautifully appointed Seven Seas Restaurant.

While enjoying a delicious fresh fish dinner, the Baxter Media Portugal Golf Tournament teams were announced. Teams include:

Team One

Christine James, Vice-President Canada, TL Network Canada

Deana Murphy, Vice President of Sales, Sunwing

Denise Harper, Director of Sales Canada, G Adventures

Al Valente, President, Valente Travel

Team Two

David McClung, President, Baxter Media

Jeff Element, President, The Travel Corporation

Man Ching Jor, Cruise Holidays of Scarborough

Rod Thornton, Writer, Baxter Media

Team 3

Wolf Paunic, President, Trafalgar Canada

Mitchell McClung, Account Executive, Baxter Media

Chris Nowrouzi, CEO, Fly GTA

Wayne Noseworthy, Manager of Product, Hosted Villas

Antoine Laroche, Voyages Gendron

Stay tuned, there’ll be more from Portugal!