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INFINITUM has cemented its association with The European Tour group after becoming the latest venue to join the European Tour Destinations network. Located on Spain’s Costa Dorada, INFINITUM is one of Europe’s premier golf, lifestyle and real-estate resorts, presenting championship golf facilities, modern gastronomy and a multi-award-winning beach club. Home to 45 holes of championship golf, the venue has long been closely associated with The European Tour group, successfully hosting the DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage for a seventh time this November as part of a new extended three-year partnership. INFINITUM also played host for the DP World Tour’s ISPS Handa Championship in 2022. With a close relationship already in place, joining European Tour Destinations was a natural step for INFINITUM as the resort joins a global network of world-class golf venues across 21 countries on three continents. Ian Knox, Head of European Tour Destinations, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming INFINITUM into the European Tour Destinations family. “Having hosted DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage on seven occasions, and with at least the next two iterations of the tournament being held here, the resort has already built up a close association with The European Tour group. We look forward to this new partnership, working with the team on the ground and showcasing the outstanding experience at INFINITUM to our wider network.” The network includes some of the most prestigious golf and lifestyle resorts in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean, with many of the venues home to courses, which consistently feature prominently in international rankings. By joining, venues create a unique partnership which ensures that all guests can enjoy the outstanding experience to be expected from the family of one of the game’s foremost organisations. Joaquín Mora Bertrán, deputy general manager at INFINITUM, said: “Becoming part of the European Tour Destinations network is an important milestone for our resort. It recognises the quality of our courses, our facilities and the hard work of our entire team. We look forward to welcoming players and guests from around the world and continuing to showcase INFINITUM as one of Europe’s premier golfing destinations.” Joining the European Tour Destinations network is not only a sign of the quality of INFINITUM’s golf facilities, but also a reflection on the overall quality of the venue. Xavier Lozano, director of Real Estate Development at INFINITUM, said: “Joining European Tour Destinations reinforces our commitment to creating a best-in-class lifestyle environment for current and future homeowners. For prospective property buyers, it provides an additional layer of trust and international recognition, an assurance that they are investing in a community aligned with one of the most prestigious organisations in world golf.”

Viya has strengthened its long standing relationship with European Tour Destinations with the addition of Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club to the network. The partnership already included three of Viya and Dubai’s most recognised golf venues Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Resort and Jumeirah Golf Estates and now extends across the United Arab Emirates through Viya’s two championship venues in Abu Dhabi. Host to the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a World Top 100 course and the home of links golf in the Middle East. It combines world-class design, outstanding playing surfaces, and an authentic coastal challenge that has helped elevate the region’s international reputation. It remains one of the most admired and influential golf venues in the Middle East. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is a luxury beachfront destination and the first Audubon certified course in the United Arab Emirates. Set along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, it reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and offers a relaxed, yet refined, playing experience framed by panoramic sea views. It is regarded as one of the country’s most scenic and environmentally conscious golfing venues. Christopher May, CEO of Viya, said: “Expanding our relationship with European Tour Destinations through the addition of Yas Links and Saadiyat Beach represents an important step in the continued international development of our portfolio. We have seen the value of this partnership first-hand through our clubs in Dubai and we remain committed to strengthening our collaboration with the group. This expansion also brings meaningful benefits to our members by providing access to a wider network of world class destinations and enriching the overall value of their club experience.” Ian Knox, Head of European Tour Destinations, added: “Viya has consistently demonstrated a clear commitment to world-class experiences across its venues and we are very pleased to welcome Yas Links and Saadiyat Beach into our network. The existing partnership with Viya’s Dubai clubs has already shown the strength of our collaboration and the addition of these two acclaimed Abu Dhabi courses creates one of the most comprehensive collections of member venues within our portfolio. It also provides an excellent motivation for members from across the network to visit the United Arab Emirates and experience the very best of this exceptional golfing destination.” The expanded partnership provides all five Viya venues with access to European Tour Destinations expertise across tournament strategy, operational development and global marketing. Clubs also benefit from ongoing support in areas such as guest experience, course conditioning and long term planning, with Viya teams gaining year-round development through European Tour Destinations workshops, audits and conferences that help refine standards, accelerate innovation and strengthen the global positioning of each venue. Members of the above Viya clubs will enjoy preferred access to leading destinations within the network, including former Ryder Cup venues Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy and Le Golf National in France, as well as 2031 host venue, Camiral Golf & Wellness in Spain.

Championship golf, authentic Messinian hospitality and fairways overlooking the Ionian Sea combined to deliver another memorable week of action on and off the course at the AEGEAN Messinia Pro-Am 2025 – a headline event on the annual sporting calendar at Costa Navarino. Twenty-seven teams from 14 countries gathered at the sustainably driven destination for the finale to Costa Navarino’s golf season, in the breathtaking setting of Greece’s southwest Peloponnese. This year’s event took place from November 19-23 across three of Costa Navarino’s four 18-hole signature golf courses – The Dunes Course, The Hills Course and the International Olympic Academy Golf Course. Featuring a total prize fund of €32,000, professionals and amateurs were offered the chance to combine world-class golf with a wealth of unique experiences at the revamped The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.   Sanctioned by the Confederation of Professional Golf and supported by the Hellenic Golf Federation and the PGA of Greece, the AEGEAN Messinia Pro-Am 2025 attracted players from all over the world, with Spain’s Liam Murray claiming a popular two-stroke victory in the professional competition, which also featured a hole-in-one by Greece’s Dimitros Vlachos on the eighth hole of the International Olympic Academy Golf Course in the second round. Competition was strong with Spanish PGA Murray scoring a final one-under round of 70 enough to close out victory ahead of his nearest challengers, with Federico Elli (PGA of Italy), Christos Nikopoulos (PGA of Greece), Alessandro Tadini (PGA of Italy) and Matyas Zapletal (PGA of Czech Republic) sharing second place. Murray said: “It feels fantastic to win. I came close the last two times I was here so to win in this amazing place feels great. I only looked at the leaderboard on 16 after I made par. And then I looked again on 18 and it showed Zapletal had made birdie on 16. So, I realised I needed to make a birdie up the last to have a chance, and I managed to do that. “I’ve had a wonderful time this week. The hotel is amazing, the golf courses are great, and the views are stunning. It’s been such a memorable week, and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of coming.” There was plenty for the quartet of PGA of Greece professional Adam Kritikos, Theodosis Athanasopoulos, Paola Del Vecchio and Sandro Treve to celebrate in the team competition, as they took victory with a winning total of 261 Stableford points. Away from the course, competitors, friends and families had the opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy a rich and engaging programme of social events that highlighted the warm hospitality that Greece is renowned for, before the pro-am was brought to a memorable conclusion with a prize-giving ceremony hosted by Sky Sports Golf presenter Kit Alexander. The next edition of the AEGEAN Messinia Pro-Am 2026 that will be a 20 year anniversary tournament, will take place at Costa Navarino from June 24-28, 2026, and to pre-register, please click here. AEGEAN was the title sponsor and the official

“I really don’t like talking about myself,” admitted Franco Botha, Director of Golf Operations at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, at the start of our interview. It was an unexpected confession from someone recently crowned Golf Operations Manager of the Year at the 59Club Global Service Excellence Awards, but perhaps telling of Botha’s approach to leadership. “I won because of the team I have around me,” he said. “We won Golf Operations Team of the Year two years running at the 59Club MEA Awards in 2024 and 2025, so it’s a very talented group and we take great pride in what we do. To win that award once is great, but to retain it is special.” At the inaugural 59Club global awards, five managers in different areas of the industry were recognised for their ‘highest standards of professionalism, passion and innovation, inspiring their teams and setting a global benchmark for service excellence’. Validation “I’ve had moments in the past, as most people have, where I’ve doubted myself, but the award was like a validation, a confirmation that I’m heading in the right direction,” said Botha, who moved to the Middle East in 2010 from his native South Africa and held roles at Saadiyat Beach Club in Abu Dhabi, The Els Club in Dubai and Royal Golf Club, Bahrain before joining Jumeirah Golf Estates in 2023. “I’ve had the opportunity to work for some great leaders and others who were more challenging. Each experience offered valuable lessons. “I’ve been very fortunate that most of my superiors have been willing to invest time in my development – Paul Booth (currently General Manager at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah) in particular. He used to say he had no issue with people below him eventually overtaking him because it gives him great joy to see others grow and develop.” Motivation Botha believes he and his team “now have targets on their backs” as their competition in the region tries to match them. “It’s a good thing,” said Botha. “The UAE is pretty competitive. We all get along but we push each other.  “The work started as soon as I got back (from The Belfry). I believe the event is in Dubai next year and we have our sights set on retaining the awards.” Rutger Smits from The Dutch, who was named F&B Manager of the Year at the 59Club Europe Awards in March, also believes the awards provide motivation for him and his team. “The awards are purely based on the results of mystery shopper visits, so every day there’s a possibility of having one,” said Smits, who was previously a chef and restaurant owner before joining The Dutch 10 years ago. “It motivates you to be your best all year round. “We’re a private members’ club, so when you look at the other nominees on the shortlist – particularly those from larger, more commercial resorts, it makes me very proud to be considered among them. “To earn this recognition is

Cooler temperatures, longer days: Denmark’s unique golf offering At Lübker Golf & Spa Resort in Denmark, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Mark Dissing Bækgaard is already seeing the change on the ground.  “We’ve had a lot more visitors this summer from right across Europe, from Norway and Sweden to Germany and the UK. Golfers have been drawn to the milder climates in the Nordics,” said Bækgaard. “In Denmark, we have these incredible long summer days and bright evenings, and that’s becoming a major attraction.” He emphasised, however, that it is not about competing directly with Southern Europe, rather offering golfers experiences that are distinctly different. “Destinations like Spain and Portugal have their own unique selling points, which have attracted golfers over the years.  “What we’re providing is our own authentic experiences, focussing more on nature, fresh air, the long summer evenings and Nordic cuisine – showcasing the best of what the region has to offer.” Beyond the milder climate, Bækgaard believes Denmark’s position as a ‘hidden gem’ is part of its growing appeal.  “Golfers everywhere love to find hidden gems. Places they can go back and talk about before their friends do – and wearing a Lübker cap back home is the ultimate way to say you found this beautiful gem first. “I truly believe Denmark has everything to become the next big golf destination. Currently, it’s a place where golfers can be the first to experience something new: new landscapes, new courses and a new culture. It’s a major selling point for us.”   Austria’s Rise as a Summer Golf Destination Further south in Central Europe, Diamond Country Club, near Vienna, is also seeing its own spike in attention. The resort’s Office Manager and Tour Operator Relations, Nadine Steidl, says the appeal is growing year-round. “We actually have many Scandinavians coming to Austria to play golf, especially in the off-season when it’s too cold to play at their home courses,” Steidl explained.  “Germany is also a big market for us because it’s so easy to reach us by car. And the UK is a growing market as we’re seeing more golfers from there choosing Central Europe as an alternative to Spain and Portugal which can become very hot in midsummer.”  While Austria has long been considered an off-season destination, Nadine believes its cooler summers and cultural richness give it the potential to be considered as a premium summer choice. “We’re an amazing country to visit, especially in the summer,” she said. “We normally don’t have much rain and our temperatures rarely go above 30 to 35 degrees, which makes it perfect for golf. “Visitors arriving then are also requesting cultural add-ons to their traditional golf packages. “For example, the historical city of Vienna is only an hour away. And for our guests who love music, Salzburg is a short drive away. Guests can enjoy world-class golf in the morning and explore the country’s rich heritage in the afternoon. It’s a complete experience.” To capitalise on this growing interest, Steidl and

1. A masterplan that protects scarcity and lifestyle value Quinta do Lago was conceived as a planned resort, and its governance has consistently limited development footprint (preserving greenbelt and the adjacent Ria Formosa), maintaining a high bar for what is allowed inside the gates.  That restricted supply plus a protected environment translates into long-term exclusivity and premium pricing for golf real estate. The low-density environment also gives people a lot of privacy, which is often a non-negotiable for prospective buyers. 2. World-class golf  Quinta do Lago offers three contrasting 18-hole courses (North, South and Laranjal), providing variety for members and visiting golfers.  The quality of golf is a major draw for owners who want that genuine golfing lifestyle. Prospective buyers know that not only is superb golf guaranteed, they even have a choice of three very different courses. 3. Continuous reinvestment in hospitality The dining portfolio at Quinta do Lago has expanded to 14 restaurants – from fine dining to beachfront restaurants and family-friendly options, open year-round.  High-quality facilities raise the day-to-day appeal, and Quinta Do Lago are always looking for ways to improve. Food is extremely important to property owners and guests, so they have always ensured that they offer a wide range of dining options catering to every taste. Whether that’s an informal bite to eat or a high-end experience for a special occasion, owners and prospective buyers know they have a fantastic choice. 4. Sport and wellness The range of sports and activities at Quinta do Lago is second to none, with The Campus offering a ‘hub of active living’ for everyone from elite athletes to beginners. The breadth of the facilities at The Campus broadens the buyer base. From families who want to improve their children’s swimming, and active, health-conscious retirees, to second-home owners who play high-level racket sports – the resort provides the state of the art facilities and the best coaches to service these needs. 5. Security A managed, secure environment with professional estate services is a persistent selling point for overseas purchasers in particular.  Recently there has been a significant increase in prospective buyers from the United States. That likely stems from new direct flights from New York to Faro which began in April 2025.  Americans tend to be more security-conscious than Europeans, so the fact a resort can offer an array of services including surveillance, first response and 24-hour medical assistance through its long-term partner Team 6 Vigiquinta is a major draw. In summary… Quinta do Lago’s success over such a long period of time centres around continuous investment in the things that make life for their guests exceptional. The resort protects and enhances value for owners by staying ahead of the curve and offering what buyers want, to a very high level.

The Infortar Estonian Challenge will form part of the HotelPlanner Tour (formerly the Challenge Tour) schedule, with a total prize fund of €300,000 – a record-breaking amount for Estonian sporting events. The overall winner will receive €48,000 in prize money. According to Ain Hanschmidt, president of the Estonian Golf Association (EGL), hosting a professional tournament in Estonia is a landmark step in the development of golf across the country. “For Estonian golfers, it is a window into the professional world; for fans, an opportunity to witness top-level golf firsthand; and for Estonian sport as a whole, another international high-class event alongside the WRC Delfi Rally Estonia, Swedbank Tallinn Marathon, and Ironman – one that will help make our country and our players more visible on the global stage,” Hanschmidt said. “Estonia will become the 52nd country in the history of the series to host a HotelPlanner Tour event, and the first new country since 2020. A total of 156 top-level players from around the world will come to Estonia – both rising stars and golfers who have already earned millions of euros over their careers,” said HotelPlanner tour director Sam Townend. The first Infortar Estonian Challenge will take place from July 30 to August 2, 2026, on the Sea Course at the Estonian Golf & Country Club (EGCC), a European Tour Destinations venue since it opened in 2000. The EGL has signed a three-year agreement with the European Tour Group, with the total cost of organising three stages exceeding €1.5 million. Organising the event gives the Estonian Golf Union 50 participation slots that can be exchanged with other tournament organisers. This will allow Estonian golfers to begin their professional journey from the second tier of European professional golf. HotelPlanner Tour (formerly known as the Challenge Tour) is the second-highest level of European professional golf and his been held since 1989. It serves as a launchpad for players striving to reach the world’s elite. The top 20 players of each season advance to the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour). To date, 231 former HotelPlanner Tour players have won a combined total of 618 tournaments on the DP World Tour. The Estonian Golf Association (Eesti Golfi Liit) is the national governing body for golf in Estonia, bringing together the country’s golf clubs and courses. Its mission is to promote and coordinate the development of golf across Estonia, while representing the interests of its members both publicly and in collaboration with domestic and international sports organisations. Infortar operates in seven countries, with core business areas in maritime transport, energy, and real estate. The company holds a 68.5% stake in AS Tallink Grupp, full ownership of AS Elenger Grupp, and manages a diverse, modern real estate portfolio totalling approximately 141,000 square meters. In addition to its main sectors, Infortar is active in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other industries. The Infortar Group comprises 110 companies and employs 6,866 people, excluding affiliated entities.