On the day that UK golfers were allowed back onto golf courses for the first time in seven weeks, news of golfers getting back into the swing of things in Europe is also emerging.
Golf courses in the Portgual’s Algarve region – voted the world’s favourite golf destination 2020 by the golf tourism industry – re-opened their doors on May 4, with local golfers rediscovering courses presented in excellent condition at what is an optimum time of the year for play.
Each golf venue is following strict public health guidelines and has implemented new measures under the Portuguese Golf Federation’s ‘The Game’ guidance, to ensure safety and responsibility for players and staff, with the initial demand for tee times proving very encouraging.
President of the Algarve Tourism Bureau (ATA), João Fernandes, commented: “We are delighted that our trusted golf course partners have shown such resilience and diligence in preparing our golf courses and implementing changes, which allow all golfers in the Algarve to play safely and enjoy the game.
“Coupled with the new national ‘Clean & Safe’ certification stamp from Turismo de Portugal for tourism-related businesses, we are making a huge effort to bring confidence and security to our incredible golf tourism industry.
“Portugal – and particularly the Algarve – has been relatively lightly affected by the coronavirus. However, for now, the message from the Algarve to all its admirers is to follow the rules on social distancing and to protect the most vulnerable in their communities. Then, when the time is right, we will meet again under the sun.”