The number of keen golfers maintains an extraordinary annual growth rate.
70 million people in the world practise this sport regularly, 40 million of whom live in the United States of America.
In response to this demand a large number of golf courses have been inaugurated in various countries, including Portugal. Portugal, with its mild climate, invested early in this type of infrastructure and today, with its 80 courses, it is regarded as one of the most interesting golf destinations. In fact, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) has just named Portugal the Established Golf Destination of the Year 2006, the second time it has received this distinction.
Two Portuguese golf courses are listed among the best 100 in the world, according to GOLF DIGEST classifications – with San Lorenzo in 39th and Vilamoura Old Course in 84th place.
During the winter season when cold and snow close many courses in Europe, more than 400,000 golfers head happily for Portugal.
