Scottsdale, Arizona, United States: Troon has been appointed by Highgate, the new operator of Salgados in Portugal, to manage Salgados Golf Course in Albufeira, Algarve.

Troon International will oversee golf operations, agronomy and marketing for the course set along Portugal’s Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Salgados Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 layout originally designed by Pedro Vasconcelos in 1994 and renovated by renowned landscape architect Álvaro Mano in 2012.

Set against the stunning natural backdrop of the Algarve Coast and located near Salgados Beach and Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve, golf holes are flanked by multiple water features, making accuracy key for golfers.

With multiple surrounding hotel partners including Salgados Palace, Salgados Dunas Suites and Salgados Palm Village, Salgados Golf Course is a popular choice for local golfers and tourists. 

The course is also globally recognised as the first golf course – and one of the few in Portugal – to use recycled water for 100 per cent of its irrigation needs.

Spearheading the transition of Salgados joining the Troon family is Ricardo Catarino, Senior Vice President at Troon, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Catarino, a Portuguese native, brings 30-plus years of expertise from Troon’s Florida office. He has been instrumental in securing this partnership between Highgate and Troon.

Catarino said: “Troon is delighted to be back in Portugal. Salgados is an extremely busy facility and we look forward to working with the existing team to enhance all areas, leveraging Troon’s expertise for the benefit of Salgados, its guests, associates, and ultimately to achieve the goals of our owner-partners.”

In January, Highgate, a leading hotel management, investment, and development company, announced the launch of HG Portugal, a portfolio of 18 hotels spanning the Algarve, Lisbon, Porto, and several other markets throughout the country. 

Highgate brings to the Portugal market global experience as an owner/operator in leisure destination markets as well as in branded, lifestyle, and city-centre hotels, and adds distinct value to its managed hotels through a platform designed to optimise operational efficiencies, distribution, and hotel concept development.

On the appointment of Troon, Alexandre Solleiro, CEO Highgate Portugal, said: “At Salgados, we’re creating an unparalleled resort destination – comprised of three hotels and a world-class conference centre. With the addition of Salgados Golf Course, in partnership with Troon, we look forward to expanding the potential of these assets.”

DJ Flanders, Senior Vice President of Troon International, said: “We are delighted to be entrusted by Highgate to bringing this club to new levels through enhanced course conditions, operational service excellence, and Troon’s sales and marketing resources to aid financial performance.”

Troon has been organically expanding on the Iberian Peninsula over the past couple of years, with Salgados joining Las Colinas Golf & Country Club in Alicante, Spain; Aloha Golf Club in Marbella, Málaga, Spain; and Finca Cortesin in Casares, Málaga, Spain.