The Estoril Open de Portugal will return to the Penha Longa Hotel Spa & Golf Resort from April 1-4 to find one of continental Europe’s most avant-garde golf venues following a €2 million refurbishment programme that made the resort’s famous Atlantic Course an irresistible choice for The European Tour to host Portugal’s national open.
Situated amongst the magnificent landscape of the Sintra Hills, with the beautiful Atlantic ocean in the distance, the Penha Longa Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, which is operated by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, hosted the Open de Portugal in 1994 and 1995 when Welshman Phillip Price and Scotsman Adam Hunter respectively took the title.
Europe’s top players will return to find a fresh and contemporary Robert Trent Jones Jnr layout at Penha Longa after the completion of extensive refurbishments that now guarantee the best possible turfing, bunkering and irrigation along with the world class practice and hotel facilities on site.
For the fourth successive year, the event will be supported by the Estoril Tourist Board (Turismo Estoril) when Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey defends the Estoril Open de Portugal following his thrilling play-off victory over Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño last season.
Duarte Nobre Guedes, President of Turismo Estoril, said: “We have enjoyed working closely with The European Tour over the past three years and are delighted to be returning to the Penha Longa Hotel, Spa and Golf resort after three successful visits to Oitavos Dunes.
“Penha Longa is on the ‘jewels in the crown’ of the Estoril and Sintra Region, and the natural, magnificent setting is now enhanced by all the impressive refurbishment which the Resort has undertaken in order to raise the bar even higher. We are looking forward eagerly to welcoming back The European Tour professionals to enjoy the facilities.”
Ana Gorjão Henriques, General Manager of the Penha Longa Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, said: "We are very honoured to host the 2010 Estoril Open de Portugal. After undertaking such a high level of refurbishment at the resort, it is fitting that we are hosting such a prestigious event. We are working very closely with The European Tour team to prepare the site and guarantee a successful tournament."
Peter Adams, Championship Director of the Estoril Open de Portugal, said: “The European Tour is delighted to return to the Penha Longa Hotel Spa & Golf Resort after a 15 year absence. The refurbishments that have been undertaken at the Resort are extremely impressive and we are confident that The European Tour players will be excited by the new challenge and world-class facilities on offer in this beautiful part of Portugal.
“Over the past few years we have developed a close relationship with the Region and we are pleased to continue this association with Turismo Estoril when we return to Penha Longa in April.”
