Ribagolfe Attracts International Field for European Tour Q-School

Regarded as the ‘Valderrama of Portugal’ by many, Ribagolfe deserves its reputation as one of Portuguese golf’s leading venues and a high-class international field is guaranteed an all-round test of their skills when the Lisbon course hosts the first stage of the European Tour Qualifying School this week.

The stunning venue’s Ribagolfe I course, which is managed by ORIZONTE – Lisbon Golf, has hosted the first stage of the European Tour Qualifying School since 2009 and competitors from 21 countries from across Europe and beyond will take part in the event from September 30 to October 3, with the top 25 players moving a step closer to earning their European Tour card.

The tournament has attracted a strong entry of 99 players from countries as far afield as Slovenia, Russia, USA, Canada, Australia and South Korea, as well as competitors from England, Wales, France, Spain, Holland, Switzerland, all the Scandinavian countries and the host country Portugal.

Jose Maria Cazal Ribeiro, director of golf at Ribagolfe, said: “Everyone at the club is very excited and proud to be hosting European Tour qualifying again and the players will find the course in fantastic condition.

“There is a tremendous international flavour to this year’s tournament. I’ve never seen the course looking better and it has been set up so that good play will be rewarded, but any errant shots will be punished severely. I’m looking forward to another fantastic week.”

Working in close association with the European Tour since the spring, Ribagolfe head greenkeeper Martijn Huinink and his team have produced a course in optimum condition, with greens expected to be running as fast as 10.5 on the stimpmeter for the 72-hole event. 

Set in a unique and natural setting just 40 minutes from Lisbon and created out of a cork oak forest, Ribagolfe I was designed by Peter Townsend and European Golf Design and features superb, oversized greens and narrow landing areas for long and straight hitters.

A shorter test than its sibling but still measuring more than 6,800 yards and featuring the same indigenous cork oak canvas, Ribagolfe II was designed by former Ryder Cup player Michael King in conjunction with European Tour Design – and both courses at the impressive venue are available to play through the ORIZONTE Lisbon Golf Passport.

Launched earlier this year, ORIZONTE – Lisbon Golf offers the chance to play some of the leading courses in close proximity to Portugal’s capital together with exceptional value for money on a wide range of accommodation options across the region.

In addition to Ribagolfe’s two courses, Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club has hosted several European Challenge Tour events while Aroeira features two championship layouts including Aroeira I, venue for the Portuguese Open in 1996 and 1997.

Golfers can also enjoy the 7,000-plus yards challenge at Santo Estevão and the 9-hole course in Oeiras, which is located just 15 minutes from Lisbon’s centre, while the extensive practice facilities available across the venues help make ORIZONTE the ideal option for individuals and groups looking to book a stay, play and learn package.

For more details about ORIZONTE – Lisbon Golf, please e-mail [email protected] or go to www.orizontegolf.com