Palheiro Golf to flower with new autumn tournament

Golfers across the UK and Europe have added incentive to head to Palheiro Golf in Madeira this autumn with the launch of a new event that showcases some of the finest experiences that the award-winning resort has to offer on and away from the fairways.

Taking place from October 1-5, the inaugural ‘Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic’ combines world-class golf with the opportunity to sample a slice of the islands’ famous culture and history – including Madeira’s globally acclaimed annual ‘Festa da Flor’ Flower Festival.

Costing just €110 per person to enter or free when purchasing a three or five-day Madeira Golf Passport beforehand, the event features a pre-tournament sunset welcome party before players compete in an 18-hole individual Stableford competition on Palheiro Golf’s acclaimed championship course, with unique giveaways and a prize-giving ceremony with cocktail included at the famous Palheiro Gardens.

A trip to the island’s capital of Funchal to the Madeira Flower Festival follows the day after the tournament with free golf also included in the event package, while on Monday, October 4, there will be a special visit to the famous Blandy’s Madeira Wine Lodge in Funchal including wine tasting.

Regularly ranked among the top 100 resorts in Europe, Palheiro Golf is one of three outstanding golf venues in the archipelago of Madeira.

Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, the venue’s par-72, 6,656-yard (6,086m) course is situated within the magnificent Palheiro Estate, which is more than 200 years old. At nearly 1,640ft above sea level, the location enjoys dramatic views of Madeira’s mountainous skyline and the ocean, as well as – nestling below, just 10 minutes away – the island’s capital, Funchal.

Taking place this year from October 1-24, the Madeira Flower Festival offers visitors the unforgettable chance to experience a kaleidoscope of colour and the magic that runs through the municipalities of the Madeira archipelago with an array of unique exhibits made totally from flowers.

Palheiro Golf and the other two-18 hole courses in Madeira and her islands, Clube de Golfe Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golf have enjoyed a steady increase in overseas bookings in the last 12 months with growing numbers of European golfers eager to experience the many benefits of playing first-class golf in a safe and secure environment.

Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – the island destination, named as the world and Europe’s leading island destination at the 2020 World Travel Awards, enjoys an amazingly mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity, making it the perfect year-round location for a golf break.

Visiting the islands has never been easier, with a wide range of flights operating on a daily basis from all over the UK and Europe, and Madeira. Belongs to all – the consumer-facing brand of the Madeira Promotion Bureau – has taken every step to ensure the safety of every resident and visitor.

Since the start of the pandemic, the archipelago has been considered one of the safest destinations in Europe and has been widely praised for its handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Madeira has recently been named as one of the safest destinations for 2021 by European Best Destinations and has worked closely with SGS, the world’s leading certification company, to ensure safe practice across the destination and minimise risk in regard to Covid-19.

Under the umbrella brand “Madeira Safe to Discover”, Madeira. Belongs to all has published updated guidelines for all incoming visitors, including for people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19.

The green corridor already exists at Madeira airport for those who arrive with a vaccination certificate or with proof of a negative PCR test done within 72 hours. Alternatively, visitors can take a free test at the airport on arrival. One free PCR test per visitor is offered, to be taken on arrival or departure, with results in 12 hours.  There are also discounts on offer for any further tests required, with PCR tests from €90 and antigen tests from €18.

In addition, a tourist or individual who has tested positive in the last 90 days may be excused, if they are provided with a medical document that proves and certifies that this carrier is recovered from the disease Covid-19 and that it has occurred in the last three months. Incoming visitors will also be subject to thermal screening, even if they carry a negative test for Covid-19.

The best way to enjoy the archipelago’s golf is with a Madeira Golf Passport which, providing holders with an unrivalled golf experience, is available to both individuals and groups and can be booked on a three or five-round basis.