Algarve, Portugal: Salgados Golf Club has announced a €3.2 million facility renovation initiative that will include upgrades to its 18-hole golf course and golf facilities, plus a new golf cart fleet.

The four-month course renovation began November 1, 2024, and will be completed next month.

Simon Doyle, Troon’s Vice President of Agronomy, along with the Troon Design and Development team, will oversee the course renovation work, including the unveiling of a new island green signature hole as part of an expansion of on-course lakes to increase habitat for birds and flora.

The course renovation project includes installing a new state-of-the-art irrigation system by Rain Bird – replacing the property’s 30-year-old system – and will optimise use of regional gray water for irrigation.

Salgados is the only golf course in Portugal to utilise 100% effluent/non-potable water in its golf course irrigation system. In addition, all tee boxes will be laser levelled, and bunkers will be reshaped and receive new sand for improved playability.

During the expansion of the lakes for more wildlife habitat and water capacity, crews will transform the par-three 12th hole, which currently incorporates an existing lake, into a full island green surrounded by water on all sides.

Reminiscent of other famous island greens around the world and bordered with native rock, the new layout will range from 96 metres from the forward tees to 135 metres from the back tees and will add to the drama and beauty of the course.

Since January 2023, Highgate Portugal has been reinvigorating the golf and hospitality experiences at the resort destination set along Portugal’s Atlantic Ocean coastline.

In August 2023, Highgate appointed Troon to oversee golf operations, course agronomy along with sales and marketing efforts. Additional enhancements are planned for the property’s three hotels and world-class conference centre, with the appointment of the Marriott and Westin brands for the on-site venues.

“We are thrilled to announce this investment into the renovation of Salgados, marking a new chapter for the course and our commitment to providing memorable destination facilities. With Troon’s proven track record in management and course development, we are confident this project will upgrade the Salgados experience for golfers and visitors alike, while enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape,” said Sérgio Leandro, COO Highgate Portugal.

In addition to the four-month renovation and property improvement project, Salgados Golf Club will also take delivery of a new fleet of Club Car golf carts, including a beverage cart, in February. The new carts will improve the golfer experience and ensure availability for every visitor; with the aluminium chassis protecting against ocean-front corrosion for a long, high-quality life. 

“This project is yet another exciting milestone in our relationship with Highgate Portugal,” said Troon Senior Vice President Ricardo Catarino. “Since the onset, the goal has been to elevate the golf experience at Salgados and cement its position as a course to play in the Algarve.

“We are very pleased with our partnership with Highgate and look forward to expanding our footprint in Europe even further. Our goal remains to deliver on Troon’s core values of providing operational excellence and great customer satisfaction,” he added.

Salgados Golf Club features 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 players.

With multiple surrounding hotel partners including the Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf Resort & Conference Centre, Marriott Residences Salgados Resort, Algarve and Westin Salgados Beach Resort, Algarve, Salgados Golf Course is a popular choice for local golfers and tourists.

*Troon, Rain Bird and Club Car are all Executive Members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.