The Oceânico World Kids Golf Championships (OWKG) is consolidating its reputation as one of the most exciting tournaments for young golfers as a strong field of aspiring young talent descends upon Oceânico’s Amendoeira Golf Resort until 26th July. Entries have come from as far afield as Peru whilst home grown talent is represented by as many as thirty players, making up almost one third of the field and speaking to Oceânico’s continual support of grassroots golf, inspired by brand ambassador and European Tour star Ricardo Santos.
In its fifth successive year, the tournament is the ideal introduction for junior golfers to true championship golf, featuring a grand-opening ceremony and a Gala Dinner finale at one of Europe’s premier golf and leisure facilities. Testing the next generation of golfing stars, the tournament will take place over two of Oceânico’s finest championship golf courses designed by Ryder Cup legends – the Oceânico Faldo Course and Oceânico O’Connor Jnr. Course.
The tournament itself is made up of a variety of age groups for boys and girls between the ages of seven and eighteen. Competition categories are determined by both age and gender, producing a tournament as comprehensive as any on the golfing calendar. Children aged ten years and over will compete over 18 holes on each of the three competition days, while children under ten will play 9 holes. Creating the feel of a professional ‘Tour’ event the tournament counts each player’s gross score towards their Championship total and prizes will be awarded to the first three competitors in each age category, for both boys and girls.
The popularity of the tournament is best highlighted by the families who return year after year, taking the opportunity to combine the event with their family holiday and enjoying the wide range of leisure facilities at the resort and its luxurious accommodation. Parents also have a chance to compete in the championship-opening par 3 parent/child event.
“It is an honour to welcome back another international golf event and play a part in the development of these young golfers’ early careers.” commented Chris Stilwell, Oceânico Golf’s CEO. “We have eagerly anticipated the opening of the event and once again showcasing all that Amendoeira Golf Resort has to offer for golfers and families.”
The tournament demonstrates Oceânico’s dedication to supporting golf across all levels of the game from grass roots during the Oceânico World Kids Golf Championship to the world’s elite Touring Professionals during the European Tour’s Portugal Masters, set to return in October. As the OWKG grows in stature year on year, Oceânico continues to build on a reputation as Europe’s most complete family friendly venues.
Accommodation is available on-site at Amendoeira Golf Resort at special tournament rates. The resort offers spacious two bedroom apartments which sleep four people and two bedroom apartments with a mezzanine bedroom and luxury villas with private pools for larger groups. The apartments boast all modern amenities and appliances and are surrounded by landscape gardens and a communal pool. In addition to the two 18-hole golf courses, the resort boasts state-of-the-art practice facilities at the Amendoeira Golf Academy & Fitting Suite, including a driving range, putting green and the 9-hole, par 3, floodlit course, Oceânico Academy.
The Oceânico Faldo Course, designed by the six-time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo, has an Arizona desert feel, especially with the beautiful terracotta colour of the earth. This challenging layout is in pristine condition throughout the year and demands careful positioning from the tee to score well. The back 9 provides some breathtaking views over the entire resort.
The Oceânico O’Connor Jnr. course, designed by Irish Ryder Cup hero, Christy O’Connor Jnr. presents a perfect complement to the neighbouring Oceânico Faldo Course. Taking full advantage of being situated in a fertile valley, it features lush landscapes and orange groves in a low lying valley where large areas of lakes and watercourses demand accurate positioning.
The magnificent clubhouse features a restaurant, lounge and bar, a spike bar and pro shop. Amendoeira also offers a wealth of sporting facilities at the Amendoeira Sports Club: two five-a-side Astroturf football pitches, six tennis courts, beach volleyball/football, a gymnasium, shop and bar.
Oceânico Golf www.oceanicogolf.com