Salgados Golf Club in Portugal has started work on a €3.2 million renovation of its 18-hole golf course, along with further investment in its golf facilities, including a new cart fleet.
The four-month course renovation began last month and is due to be completed in February.
Simon Doyle, Troon’s Vice President of Agronomy, along with the Troon Design and Development team, will oversee the course renovation work, including the unveiling of a new island green signature hole as part of an expansion of on-course lakes to increase habitat for birds and flora.
The project includes replacing the property’s 30-year-old irriggation system with a new state-of-the-art Rain Bird irrigation system that will optimise use of regional grey water for irrigation.
Salgados, which first opened in 1994, is the only golf course in Portugal to utilise 100% effluent/non-potable water in its course irrigation system. In addition, all tee boxes will be laser levelled, and bunkers will be reshaped and receive new sand for improved playability.
During the expansion of the lakes for more wildlife habitat and water capacity, crews will transform the par-3 12th hole, which currently incorporates an existing lake, into a full island green surrounded by water on all sides.
Reminiscent of other famous island greens around the world and bordered with native rock, the new hole will range from 96 metres (105 yards) from the forward tees to 135 metres (148 yards) from the back tees and will add to the drama and beauty of the course.
Since January 2023, Highgate Portugal has been reinvigorating the golf and hospitality experiences at the beautiful resort destination set along Portugal’s Atlantic Ocean coastline.
In August 2023, Highgate appointed Troon to oversee golf operations, course agronomy along with sales and marketing efforts. Additional enhancements are planned for the property’s three hotels and world-class conference center, with the appointment of the Marriott and Westin brands for the onsite venues.
“We are thrilled to announce this investment into the renovation of Salgados, marking a new chapter for the course and our commitment to providing memorable destination facilities. With Troon’s proven track record in management and course development, we are confident this project will upgrade the Salgados experience for golfers and visitors alike, while enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape,” said Sérgio Leandro, COO Highgate Portugal.
In addition to the four-month renovation and property improvement project, Salgados Golf Club will also take delivery of a brand new fleet of Club Car golf carts, including a beverage cart, in February 2025. The new carts will improve the golfer experience and ensure availability for every visitor; with the aluminum chassis protecting against ocean-front corrosion for a long, high-quality life.
“This project is yet another exciting milestone in our relationship with Highgate Portugal,” said Troon Senior Vice President Ricardo Catarino. “Since the onset, the goal has been to elevate the golf experience at Salgados and cement its position as a course to play in the Algarve.
“We are very pleased with our partnership with Highgate and look forward to expanding our footprint in Europe even further. Our goal remains to deliver on Troon’s core values of providing operational excellence and great customer satisfaction.”