Oceanico welcomes families for World Golf Kids Championship

KEEN young golfers are being offered the chance to receive a true tour player experience at the Oceânico World Kids Golf Championship (OWKG), being hosted for the sixth time at the Algarve’s Amendoeira Golf Resort.

Taking place from 21-25 July, the tournament regularly attracts entries from as far afield as Asia, as the stars of the future gather to compete over one of Portugal’s most celebrated new golfing venues, combined with a memorable family holiday in one of Europe’s longest-established destinations.

The championship will be contested over three rounds of the distinguished Oceânico Faldo Course and O’Connor Jnr course, before the winners are crowned at a glitzy prize giving and closing ceremony in the magnificent Amendoeira Golf Resort Clubhouse.

Juniors between the ages of seven and eighteen are invited to compete within their relevant age and gender categories, with the lowest three scores to par in each category being awarded prizes. Children aged 10-and-over will compete over 18 holes on each of the three tournament days, while the nine-and-under contest will be fought out over three nine-hole rounds.

With a strong family-theme, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to get involved in the event, with invites to the opening and closing ceremonies, and entry into the pre-tournament Par-3 Parent/Child contest at the Amendoeira Golf Resort Academy Course.

Amendoeira’s outstanding accommodation and facilities also lend themselves to the perfect family getaway, with preferential rates offered to OWKG participants. The resort offers spacious two-bedroom apartments for families of four; two-bedroom apartments with mezzanines; and luxury villas for larger groups. All apartments boast modern amenities and appliances, and are surrounded by landscape gardens and a communal pool.

Additional to the two 18-hole golf courses, visitors can take advantage of the state-of-the-art practice facilities at the Amendoeira Golf Academy & Fitting Suite, including a driving range, putting green and the nine-hole, par-3, floodlit course, Oceânico Academy.

The Oceânico Faldo Course bears all the hallmarks of the six-time Major Champion and provides a stern but fair test of golf, whilst the Oceânico O’Connor Jnr. course demands accuracy off the tee to avoid the numerous water hazards. The magnificent clubhouse features a restaurant, lounge and bar, a spike bar and pro shop. Amendoeira Golf Resort also offers a wealth of sporting facilities at the Amendoeira Sports Club: two five-a-side Astroturf football pitches, six tennis courts, beach volleyball/football, a gymnasium, shop and bar.

Oceânico Golf’s CEO, Chris Stilwell commented: “With our tremendous facilities for golfers and non-golfers alike, Oceânico and, in particular, Amendoeira Resort is an ideal destination for families to enjoy a memorable perfect summer vacation.

“The Oceânico World Kids Golf Championships provides them with the ideal opportunity to combine their 2014 summer holiday with competing in a unique and fun-filled championship, which welcomes the whole family to experience the world-class accommodation and incredible variety of facilities available at this revered venue.

“Young golfers will take great pleasure in being part of a tour-standard event, while Oceânico’s five prestigious courses in nearby Vilamoura and all of the aspects that make the Algarve one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations will ensure each member of the family enjoys their visit to Portugal immensely.”   

This championship is part of a series of important events on the Oceânico 2014 calendar, including the European Tour’s Portugal Masters and the Grande Troféu Vilamoura – a season-ending event for keen amateur golfers - which demonstrates the group’s dedication to golf at all levels of the game.

With the backing of the Portuguese Golf Federation and R&A, the OWKG playing a significant role in developing grass roots golf by providing a high standard of competition for the next generation for golfing enthusiasts with under 14, 16 & 18 categories earning points for the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Entry fees range between €110-240 depending on the age the child.

Visit the Oceânico World Kids Golf Championship website to enter and for more information.