The Algarve – one of Europe’s finest golf holiday destinations – will put an extra spring in the step of the European Tour schedule as the Portugal Masters makes a seasonal switch for the 2021 Race to Dubai.

Traditionally hosted in the autumn in recent years, the annual 72-hole battle over the challenging Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course will now take place from April 28-May 2, 2021 as part of a revamped schedule of tournaments.

Alongside the recent positive news on vaccines, the announcement represents some extra encouragement for golfers to plan their own spring return to the Algarve’s cherished fairways. The spring season is traditionally hugely popular with visiting golfers, thanks to the destination’s warm temperatures and manicured courses.

The Portugal Masters is one of the big-hitting events on the Tour and was praised for its superb organisation in 2020, where a successful Covid testing programme allowed the event to run smoothly and also saw the European Tour host its pilot pro-am event, supported by the Algarve Biomedical Centre.

The Algarve has implemented extensive Covid measures in recent times for guests to feel safe as possible on the stunning southern Portugal coastline and to maintain their confidence in the destination.

A spokesperson for Algarve Tourism said: “It is always an honour to host one of the European Tour’s most popular events and everyone took great pride in the way the tournament was staged in September with so many new safety measures in place.  

“This is extra recognition of the trust placed in us to deliver another safe and successful tournament for many of the world’s top golfers and we look forward to welcoming them all once again to the Algarve in April.”  

Additional incentive to visit the Algarve this spring is being provided by the tourist board’s “Golf Clubs are on Us” promotion, which covers the costs of golfers taking their clubs on flights for travel up to the end of May. Bookings, however, must be confirmed by 31 January to avail of the offer.

www.visitgolfalgarve.com/en/golf-bags-are-on-us/