Europe's leading golf destination 2012
For the sixth year running the Portugal Masters will attract some of the best golfers in the world to the Algarve. Taking place as always at Vilamoura on the Oceanico Victoria golf course, which was designed by golfing legend Arnold Palmer and has the ideal layout for a tournament.
This event is a major part of the pro golf calendar and brings a crowd of dedicated golf fans as well as the world media to this corner of Europe.
Oceanico Victoria Golf Course
Last year, 20 year old Tom Lewis won the Masters title here, it was this young rising star’s first professional win at Vilamoura and he returns to defend his title against Ryder Cup European champions Martin Kaymer, José María Olazábal and Francesco Molinari.
During October the Algarve still boasts a fantastic climate and the reliable sunny weather are what players say makes it a great destination for themselves and spectators alike. Nearby accommodation is of an exceptional quality with a good variety of choice. Portugal has just also won Europe’s Leading Golf Destination at the World Travel Awards that took place in nearby Quinta do Lago.
Vilamoura has had some exceptional players achieving scores of 20 under par in the past and Tom Lewis hit birdies on five of the last seven holes he played in 2011. The Victoria course is a par 72 of 18 holes with long fairways and water features.
For the spectators there is a tented village with areas for food and drinks, a shop and screens to view the play live. It is expected that the event will attract roughly 40,000 people over the four-day period and as a golf tournament it is one of the most important on the European tour season calendar. The prize money of €2, 250,000 will certainly makes it worth their while.
As it is one of the most important sporting events on the Algarve calendar it is certainly worth a visit and a great opportunity for golf enthusiasts to see professionals technique up close.
Details of the competition and features of the golf course can be found on the European Tour website where you can also buy tickets and find more information for visitors. The tournament takes place over four days.
Portugal Masters 2011 winner Tom Lewis
Some Golf tips for the novice spectator:
At the event, the golf course will be roped off so that crowds do not wander onto the course. You can either get a map of the course or simply follow the crowds!
During the tournament, competitors play the course in pairs and move around the course together. Golfing fans often pick their favourite player and follow their progress around the greens but bear in mind it could take 5 hours for one golfer to do a full 18 holes! Some of the teeing grounds (starting point of each hole) have bleachers for spectators to sit on. It is a good idea to time your arrival at the tee before the players get there so you can find yourself a good view.
When a golfer is about to ‘tee off’ course marshalls standing nearby will hold long signs up in the air to indicate for spectators to be silent. It is respectful to do so in order that the players can concentrate on the game and remember, they have golf clubs. It is also usual that cameras are prohibited and mobiles are put on silent (they can be confiscated if not!) so as not to disturb the players at this crucial point.
It is probably a good idea not to wear high heels if you are walking the course as you will be walking in the verges where the grass is usually longer and ground rougher. The same applies to beach wear and flipflops.
In hot weather you may also want to bring a hat and sunscreen if you are there all day.
Algarve has some of the best courses in Europe
