Top three secure spots in The Open after impressing at International Series Macau presented by Wynn

 

A place in the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July was a fitting reward for the stellar golf played by Carlos Ortiz, Patrick Reed and Jason Kokrak, the top three players at International Series Macau presented by Wynn which concluded on Sunday.   Three spots were up for grabs for the fourth major of the 2025 season at the second of 10 elevated events on the Asian Tour, after the Macau date was named on this year’s Open Qualifying Series. A strong field containing 17 LIV Golf League players, including three major winners, and a host of former champions on the Asian Tour, responded in kind with some quality golf around the Macau Golf and Country Club from 20-23 March.

Mexican Ortiz, who carded rounds of 67,61, 66 and 64 for a 22-under total and a three-shot win, was delighted with the prize which added to 180 rankings points, taking him joint top of The International Series Rankings with Ollie Schniederjans, winner of International Series India presented by DLF. The Torque GC player said: “I think it's great from The R&A to recognise the level of playing, which is bringing good players to these tournaments and it's nice to see them giving three spots.” Ortiz has extensive experience on The International Series, and last year’s International Series Oman champion has been impressed with the rising standard of golf on the Asian Tour. That was underlined on Sunday by late pushes from Canada’s Richard T. Lee, Taichi Kho of Hong Kong and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond that took all three into the top 10. Travis Smyth of Australia, Charlie Lindh of Sweden and Dominic Foos of Germany, all regulars on The International Series, finished in a group on T10.   Ortiz said: “I think it is great. I always love coming to these tournaments. The competition is strong, and it is good for us (LIV Golf) and good for them (Asian Tour). “We have some of the top players in the world, and we get to play with some of the best players from the Asian region too, so it is a win-win situation. I have some friends playing here on the Asian Tour, and it is nice seeing them play well too.”   Ortiz also moved to the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit with the win. Reed, the 2018 Masters champion and winner of the Link Hong Kong Open at the end of last year, posted rounds of 63, 64, 67 and 67. He had led for the first two days before LIV Golf rival Ortiz reeled him in and pulled away. The 4Aces GC player admitted he had been going all out for a spot on The Open. He explained: “Last year was the first time I was not in all four majors. I was on 42 straight until last year, and so, you know, being at Augusta this year, now being in The Open, that is great. Hopefully play some good golf, you know, getting to the other two and getting back on being in all four is the goal.” Kokrak, who plays for Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC on the LIV Golf League, was pushed all the way by 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia but just held onto the third and final qualifying spot by one shot after the Spaniard somehow missed the shortest of putts on the last. Garcia would have qualified ahead of Kokrak on countback through his higher world ranking had that putt dropped. A delighted Kokrak, who shot a 68, 64, 65 and 67 over the four rounds, said: “I knew we had three spots, and I knew I needed to shoot under par, like three, four, five or six, to even scare the lead or to get a spot. “The pins were tough but I knew that there were three spots, and I knew I had to finish top three to secure that spot, and I knew Sergio was going to give it a push, as he did. I was kind of leaking oil coming in, but I got it done.” Kokrak was in the field the last time The Open was held in Royal Portrush, in 2019, when Irishman Shane Lowry completed an emotional win. He said: “I love Portrush, I love the area. Obviously, my (Smash GC) teammate Graeme McDowell is a local there. They named one of the holes after him, so I have heard a lot about Portrush. Brooks’ caddie is from that area too, so looking forward to playing a few practice rounds with my teammate and Ricky, and getting together and having a little bit of fun and competing for The Open trophy.” Next up on the Asian Tour is the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in Korea from 1-4 May, with a brand-new event, International Series Japan, taking place the following week at the Caledonian Golf Club on 8-11 May. For more information on The International Series please visit: www.internationalseries.com

 

Vilamoura Golf courses awarded GEO Certified® status to strengthen reputation as sustainability leade

 Vilamoura Golf reinforced its sustainability credentials when the stunning resort’s four courses were each awarded two of the highest ESG accolades in recognition of a dedication and commitment to biodiversity and strong environmental strategy.

The Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium and Laguna courses now all have GEO Certification and are Biosphere Certified after a number of projects garnered praise for their reduction in water usage and chemicals as well as respecting and enhancing the local environment in the Algarve resort.

The GEO Foundation confirmed all four courses achieved GEO Certified® status for their outstanding work to foster nature, conserve resources and support the community. GEO Certified® is the most respected certification for golf, based on a credibly and transparently developed modern sustainability.

The "Biosphere Certified" distinction is a certification that recognises destinations and organisations implementing sustainable tourism practices and is a guarantee they are fulfilling commitments related to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

All four courses received warm praise from the GEO Foundation. Specific projects highlighted by the inspection team included improved irrigation systems, reduced water usage and chemical dependency, and fostering long-term ecological health.

The Old Course, the second oldest in the Algarve, was praised for its strong commitment to sustainability, and initiatives such as a new pump station to reduce energy consumption, a pine management program and its positive impact on local biodiversity, and a proactive approach to resource efficiency.

The Millennium was cited as ‘an example of environmental stewardship in the golf industry’ for its focus on water-efficient irrigation systems and strategic tree management as well as a determination to reduce its ecological footprint.

The Laguna received recognition for protecting local ecosystems as well as a renovated irrigation system, achieving a 20% reduction in water consumption, while the Pinhal was praised for its social initiatives, such as supporting golf education for young people and collaborating with local organizations to help create lasting positive impacts on the community.

The Vilamoura Golf courses are all overseen by the management platform DETAILS and co-CEO Nuno Sepúlveda said sustainability and enhancing the natural environment were the highest of priorities.

“Vilamoura has some of nature’s most stunning settings, and we feel a great weight of responsibility to make sure it not only is maintained but flourishes for generations to come.

“Understanding the importance of sustainability and avoiding waste of any sort is a key part of our business strategy and also increasingly important for our customers and visitors. We are grateful to receive these very prestigious accolades and are determined to ensure we continue to be the leader when it comes to setting a strong environmental agenda.“

DETAILS manages all Vilamoura Golf’s course operations, operating under the ownership of Arrow Global’s vision, and retain the goal of solidifying Vilamoura’s reputation as a world class sports and leisure destination.

Milestones include the rebranding of the Dom Pedro Vilamoura hotel to a Hyatt Regency, unveiling of the first Els Club in Europe, development of an international sports facility, and the renovation of the Equestrian Centre, which will return to the global showjumping circuit later this year.

**For more information and latest news on Vilamoura Golf, please visit www.vilamouragolf.com or follow @vilamouragolf on Instagram.

El Santander Golf Tour abre la puerta al Tenerife Women’s Open

 

El Santander Golf Tour 2025 está a punto de comenzar su décima edición con más emoción que nunca. En un anuncio que refuerza el compromiso del circuito con el desarrollo del golf femenino, se ha confirmado que la jugadora que lidere el ranking tras las tres primeras pruebas de la temporada obtendrá una invitación para disputar el Tenerife Women’s Open, torneo del Ladies European Tour (LET) que se celebrará en Abama Golf (Tenerife) del 5 al 8 de junio.   La carrera hacia este gran premio arranca esta próxima semana, los días 20 y 21 de marzo, en el recorrido links de Empordà Golf, (Girona). El formato elegido para el evento es el Birdie Challenge, modalidad que fue novedad en el circuito el año pasado y tuvo gran éxito entre las profesionales, premiando a la jugadora que consiga más birdies en el global del torneo. Para incentivar un juego aún más ofensivo, las jugadoras tienen el par garantizado en cada hoyo. En caso de que alguna no consiga hacer ningún birdie en los nueve primeros hoyos, su resultado en el hoyo 9 será un bogey, y lo mismo ocurrirá en la segunda vuelta. Esta modalidad permite que las golfistas ataquen cada bandera sin miedo a cometer errores, ofreciendo un espectáculo dinámico y lleno de emoción desde la primera jornada de competición. María Herráez, actual campeona del ranking del circuito, se alzó con la victoria en esta misma sede el año pasado.   El segundo torneo de la temporada se disputará en el Club de Golf El Saler (Valencia), los días 9 y 10 de abril, bajo formato stroke play. Considerado uno de los mejores campos de España, su diseño combina zonas de dunas junto al Mediterráneo con tramos de pinos, ofreciendo un desafío donde la gestión del viento y la precisión en los golpes largos juegan un papel fundamental de cara al resultado final.   El tercer y último torneo antes de definir a la jugadora que accederá al Tenerife Women’s Open será el torneo match-play en el Real Golf de Pedreña (Cantabria), del 14 al 16 de mayo. Este evento, convertido en un clásico del Santander Golf Tour, celebra su primera jornada en formato stroke play, y las dieciséis mejores avanzan a la fase eliminatoria, donde se enfrentan durante los dos últimos días en un emocionante cuadro de match-play hasta coronar a la campeona.    El Tenerife Women’s Open representa de este modo una gran oportunidad para las jugadoras del Santander Golf Tour de competir en un evento de primer nivel, novedad este año en el circuito europeo. Abama Golf, sede del torneo, es un campo diseñado por Dave Thomas, caracterizado por su diseño técnico y espectaculares vistas al Atlántico y La Gomera. Su recorrido exigirá a las participantes lo mejor de su repertorio, en una cita que contará con las mejores jugadoras del LET.   Con este anuncio, el Santander Golf Tour sigue consolidándose como un trampolín hacia la élite del golf femenino. Además, cabe recordar que la ganadora del ranking del circuito a final de año recibirá una invitación al Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España presented by Oysho, también perteneciente al Ladies European Tour, así como una plaza directa para la fase final de la Escuela de Clasificación del LET (Q-School), una oportunidad clave para acceder al máximo circuito del golf femenino europeo. ­

Pie de foto: Póster oficial del Tenerife Women's Open.

El Santander Golf Tour es una apuesta firme de Banco Santander por el golf femenino profesional, y celebra su décima temporada en 2025. Con diez torneos por toda la geografía española -algunos de ellos enmarcados en circuitos superiores como el LETAS- cuenta con el apoyo de Santander Private Banking, Carmignac, y Santander Seguros como patrocinadores. Homenaje, Wilson Golf, Toa Shoes, y Estrella Damm son los proveedores preferentes. La Real Federación Española de Golf, junto con el resto de federaciones territoriales, suman el resto de apoyos imprescindibles para la celebración de este tour.

Els Club Vilamoura set to headline 2026 Vilamoura Pro-Am

 Following a spectacular debut that saw 84 players from 17 countries take on three of the Algarve’s most iconic courses, the Vilamoura Pro-Am is scheduled to return for a second edition in 2026.

Set to be hosted from 2^nd to 6^th February, next year’s Vilamoura Pro-Am will elevate the tournament to new heights with rounds scheduled to take place at the highly anticipated Els Club Vilamoura, as well as the prestigious Old Course Vilamoura and Pinhal Vilamoura.

The Els Club Vilamoura, soon to be the first private members’ club in the Algarve, will open in July 2025, offering an exceptional playing experience, alongside an exclusive clubhouse and premium guest services, redefining the standard of golf in the region.

The iconic Old Course also remains one of the most sought-after golfing destinations, celebrated for both its rich heritage and modern enhancements. Recent renovations such as the integration of cutting-edge TrackMan technology on the driving range, and an upgraded clubhouse have further elevated the guest experience, reinforcing its status among Portugal’s premier courses and offering players a world-class challenge in a truly unforgettable setting.

Participants in 2026 can expect an immersive experience both on and off the course. The week will be packed with social events, including a welcome reception, a dinner and drinks party, and a gala dinner to celebrate the tournament’s conclusion.

Golf Professionals and amateurs are now encouraged to register their interest for next year’s event. Players will be able to either enter their own team of four containing a professional or take up the option to play as an individual and be assigned a team.

Beyond golf, visitors can expect five-star hospitality such as the Hilton Vilamoura, home to the incredible 7 Seven Spa, and one of many luxury hotels in the area, as well the opportunity to explore Vilamoura’s stunning beaches, vibrant gastronomy, and rich cultural heritage, all just a short 20-minute journey from Faro Airport.

Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Vilamoura Pro-Am, Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO at DETAILS, said “The 2025 Vilamoura Pro-Am was a true celebration of golf, camaraderie, and the beauty of our destination. We look forward to building on this success for the 2026 edition, and with the introduction of the Els Club Vilamoura, we will continue to elevate Vilamoura’s reputation on the global golf stage.”

Managed by DETAILS, the Vilamoura golf courses have seen significant developments over the past year, enhancing its appeal as one of Europe's leading sports and leisure destination.

Key milestones include the rebranding of the Dom Pedro Vilamoura hotel to a Hyatt Regency, offering a new level of luxury to guests, the return of the upgraded Vilamoura Equestrian Centre to the international show jumping circuit with Grand Prix later this year, and the unveiling of a new state-of-the-art sports centre.

**For more information on the 2026 Vilamoura Pro-Am, please visit www.vilamoura-pro-am.com