Arrow Global Portugal hosts Innovation Challenge for the third time
Aroeira golf course to be the first PGA National in Portugal
Aroeira Golf, one of the most famous courses in Portuguese golf, will enter a new stage in its history with a rebranding and a new name: PGA Aroeira Lisboa. The new partnership with the PGA will see Aroeira’s two 18-hole courses renamed, respectively, PGA Aroeira 1 (previously Aroeira Pines Classic) and PGA Aroeira 2 (previously Aroeira Challenge).
The renaming of this 36-hole venue in Lisbon and its two courses comes at the same time as the investment made in improving its leisure sports facilities, creating the only PGA National course in Portugal, bringing it up to the level of other PGA resorts worldwide, such as the PGA Catalunya Resort in Spain or The Belfry in England.
“This is the beginning of a new era for Aroeira, which fills not only golfers from all over the world with excitement, but also everyone who knows Herdade da Aroeira,” comments Nuno Sepulveda, co-CEO of Details – Hospitality, Sports, Leisure, the company that manages the PGA Aroeira Lisboa golf course. “Our ambition is for PGA Aroeira Lisboa to set a new standard for golf in Portugal, combining the tradition and innovation of the renowned PGA brand with world-class facilities and two fantastic golf courses,” he adds.
Richard Barker, PGA Executive Director of Business Development, said: “We are delighted to welcome Aroeira to our portfolio of PGA National Branded Properties, marking a significant step forward in the development of golf in Lisbon. PGA Aroeira Lisboa stands out as a first-class destination, now competing with the best offerings in Portugal. This exceptional development will elevate the golfing experience for visitors from all over the world, whether for travel, tournaments or training, and we are excited to share this experience with our PGA members. In addition, our partnership with Details Group promises significant support for PGA members as we work together to host future PGA events in Portugal over the coming years.”
PGA Aroeira 1, twice host of the Portuguese Open, in 1996 and 1997, is considered one of the best layouts in continental Europe. Designed by Frank Pennink with paths lined with a tall pine forest and surrounded by wildlife, the 6,080-square-meter layout reopened on October 13 after an extensive refurbishment. As for PGA Aroeira 2 – formerly Aroeira Challenge – which is set in the same setting as PGA Aroeira 1, it will receive a similar upgrade next year.
The course upgrades, which include remodeled tee boxes and bunkers filled with new sand, began in June. As part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, a new state-of-the-art irrigation system was installed to improve the putting surfaces and drastically reduce the amount of water needed. The greens have benefited from the introduction of bentgrass to create fast surfaces, while the fairways have been planted with Bermuda grass to further reduce water consumption.
The landscaping of the entire area has also undergone interventions, maintaining the natural beauty characteristic of the countryside and respecting the environment and native wildlife.
Famously recognized as the “Wentworth of Lisbon” after its inauguration in the 1970s, the partnership with the PGA further strengthens the reputation of one of Portugal’s leading golf destinations.
In addition to the improvements to the golf courses, Herdade da Aroeira is set to see the creation of new real estate projects, including villas and apartments, designed by renowned architects and ideal as an investment opportunity, main residence or vacation home. These will be complemented by a variety of sports and leisure facilities, including restaurants, a café and a new clubhouse.
Details – Hospitality, Sports, Leisure, the platform responsible for managing Arrow Global’s hospitality, sports and leisure areas in Portugal, took over the management of Aroeira at the end of 2023. In addition to PGA Aroeira Lisboa, Details manages seven other golf courses in Portugal, including Vilamoura, Lagos (Palmares) and Vale Pisão. The group also manages 19 hotels across the country.
