Oceânico Group, the leader in the golf, property and leisure markets in Portugal, welcomes Europe’s leading golfers to the Arnold Palmer designed Oceânico Victoria Golf course for the Portugal Masters this week as the 2008 season heads towards an exciting climax.
To celebrate the grand opening of the latest Oceânico resort at Amendoeira, many of Europe’s finest golfers were invited to a Pro Am and Gala Dinner at the start of the week at the spectacular new resort, located just 25 minutes from Vilamoura.
With two spectacular 18 hole championship courses, designed by six time Major Winner Nick Faldo and Ryder Cup legend Christy O’Connor Jnr, Amendoeira has been earmarked as one of Europe’s hottest new golfing destinations.
To officially launch the new 36 hole complex, Oceânico hosted a star studded International Pro-Am and culminated in a Gala Dinner in the dining room of the stunning new clubhouse. Distinguished guests included the Secretary of State for Tourism, Bernardo Trindade, the Civil Governor, Dr. Isilda Gomes and the Mayor of Silves, Dr. Isabel Soares. The evening also included appearances from Oceânico ambassadors Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke amongst others.
“It was a great day for us both personally and as a company. The Amendoeira resort is not only in a fabulous location but is a superb facility with two of the finest golf courses in Europe. We are extremely proud of everyone who has been involved in this and we are very excited about welcoming everyone to enjoy the Faldo and O’Connor courses,” commented Simon Burgess, Director and Shareholder of the Oceânico Group.
“This is a unique platform from which to demonstrate the strength and depth of the Oceânico golf portfolio and the attraction of Vilamoura as a destination. We have some of the strongest ambassadors in the golfing world, some of the best designers around and a quality and service that surpass anything else in Europe,” commented Chris Stilwell, CEO, Oceânico Golf.
On Tuesday 14th October, more celebrations are planned as Amendoeira plays host to a unique event - the Oceânico All Star Shootout. This will see Oceânico ambassadors take part in a six man greensomes charity skins shootout, pitting England (Lee Westwood / David Howell) versus Ireland (Darren Clarke / Rory McIlroy) and the Rest of the World (Charl Schwartzel / James Kingston) over a six hole course; combining three holes from the O’Connor Jnr course and three on the Faldo course. The event will be aired on Setanta Sports, raising money for the winning players chosen charities.
For Oceânico Group, the opening of Amendoeira is the next significant step forward in their ambitious plans for the Algarve and beyond. With further developments in the USA at Little River, Oceânico’s commitment to golf is unrivalled with sponsorship of top world class players, including Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke, grass roots and professional events, including the PGA EuroPro Tour Oceânico Algarve Championship, right the way through to the highest echelons of professional golf, with the Portugal Masters.
