From global golf accolades and a historic surfing milestone to major equestrian upgrades and Vale do Lobo’s flagship Amateur Week
Four World Golf Awards for Details
Details, one of the golf world’s most influential golf companies and Portugal’s largest golf course management operator, was named ‘Golf Business of the Year’ at the 2025 World Golf Awards.
This top prize was one of four major accolades that the sports and hospitality platform, owned by Arrow Global Portugal, received at the 12th edition of the annual awards.
Furthermore, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf received the ‘World’s Best Golf Clubhouse’ award, PGA Aroeira Lisboa was named ‘Europe’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’, whilst the iconic Old Course in Vilamoura was elected ‘Portugal’s Best Golf Course’.
In Portugal, Details’ portfolio comprises 12 golf courses, including the iconic Vilamoura courses, two 18-hole courses at PGA Aroeira, 27 holes at Palmares, as well as Vale Pisão, Tróia Golf, Monte Rei, and San Lorenzo.
Algarve athlete among world surfing elite
Surfer Yolanda Hopkins Sequeira is the first Portuguese athlete to join the World Surf League Championship Tour.
Born in Faro, the 27-year-old made history by winning the Saquarema Pro in Brazil, the penultimate stage of the Challenger Series, the circuit that provides access to the world elite, thus securing the much-coveted qualification.
With this victory, she confirms her status as one of the leading figures in national and international surfing.
Having spent her childhood in Quarteira, Yolanda started surfing at the age of 8 at the Associação Dinamika de Quarteira.
Vale do Lobo’s 32nd Amateur Week
The prestigious Vale do Lobo Amateur Week returns for its 32nd edition from January 18 to 24.
Celebrated as one of the most iconic events in the resort’s golfing calendar, Amateur Week draws players from across the world for an unforgettable week filled with thrilling competition and a vibrant social atmosphere.
The tournament kicks off with a dedicated practice day, followed by several rounds of qualifiers and sub-competitions throughout the week. The event concludes with an awards ceremony and a cocktail reception for participants and guests.
World-class Equestrian Centre
The Algarve is set to take a leading role in the global equestrian scene with the reopening of the renovated Vilamoura Equestrian Centre, now in its final development stage.
Positioning Vilamoura among the world’s premier destinations for show jumping, the upgraded venue will host 11 weeks of international competitions and will feature the region’s first CSI5* (the highest class of show jumping).
The upgraded centre will include three new ebb-and-flow sand arenas, each over 6,500sqm, and a large 14,000sqm grass arena.
Major improvements include Europe’s largest covered free-training arena over 6,000sqm, a state-of-the-art veterinary clinic, over 1000 fixed stables, a 3km hacking path, a 30,000sqm grass free-training zone in a natural reserve, and more.
___
Follow Essential Algarve Magazine on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin for more news!
You might also like:
Golf: PT Tour 2026 dates announced, starting in January
NO COMMENT