What
better place to experience captivating
golf courses and an IVHE luxury
home exchange than Portugal.
I
was fortunate to interview professional golfer and former tour player, Byron
Easterling, who frequented Portugal while pursuing the European SPGA tour. The qualifying school for the senior tour was
held at Pestana Resort courses: Vila Sol Golf, Pinta Golf, Silves Golf. Quinta
do Lago and Pinheiros Altos Golf Resort.
Byron
enthusiastically shared with me his fondness for the golf community in the Faro
district in southern Portugal. He says, “Faro
is the main city. You can see Algarve on
the map, there’s a lot of golf courses in there. People from all over Europe come to
play. It’s a hot spot for golfers, especially
in the winter.”
Doesn’t
surprise me that Byron has a liking for Portugal since there are some similarities
between Faro and his hometown, Santa Barbara, California. He explains, “It’s very temperate. Same temperature all year. Not a lot of fluctuation.”
The
southern part of Portugal is adorned with breathtaking countryside, countless
foothills, lots of palm trees and you’re continually close to the water.
Byron
shares, “There’s that ocean feel on the golf courses, not necessarily links, it’s
that you’re never more than 20 minutes from the water. Portugal has exquisite
sunsets, thanks to its ocean surroundings.
I’d catch them in the evenings when I’d be at the range practicing.”
Southern
Portugal is known for their community vibe, warmly welcoming visitors. With the added bonus of the senior tour
qualifying rounds being held in the area, the Portuguese communities embrace
these golf tournaments as part of their cultural society. “I made great relationships with
non-participants”, reminisces Byron.
Quaint
streets uphold the famous small town European cobblestone flare, with
pedestrians and bicyclists enjoying leisurely promenades.
Yah
but ,what about food? Ok ok, I’ll get to the yummy part!
Byron
shares, “My favourite choice of beverage is wine which they have both local and
international wines available. And of course Port, a great way to finish a
meal. Their port wines are very
good.”
The
restaurants are a collection of diverse culture, a flavor of European cuisine. Inviting patios and stunning marinas
contribute to an irresistible atmosphere.
Right off the bay area, close to the boats and docks, are numerous
restaurants and pubs to choose from.
“I
enjoyed going to a British pub to watch the soccer game, have a good beer and
eat fish and chips. My caddy and I also
found an Italian restaurant where their wines and food were marvelous!” Byron
adds, “You’d sit in these places and sure enough people from various different
countries would show up, coming down for golf tours to play together with
friends and families. We’d end up enjoying festive evenings with great people;
people from all over the world!”
Of
course, we must not forget the friendly cafés and delicious specialty
coffees. Byron had a routine: “I had a
café after every round. I’d hang by
myself. They got to know me on the waterfront. I’d have a coffee and a pastry and sit and do
emails and catch up and chat with the locals.”
I
asked Byron why he’d encourage people to vacation in Southern Portugal. He says, “The culture and the atmosphere are
so inviting and the people are very warm and of course the courses are great. Really good golf courses. People need to go just to experience the atmosphere.”
And
which golf courses do you recommend, Byron?
“Karen, I’d promote all the golf courses”, he states confidently.
He
adds, “There’s a real honour there amongst the golfers. And they really do honour good golf. They welcome everyone and anybody to
play. They make it fun. They really do make it fun there.”
Thanks
Byron for the inspiration. I think
Portugal is calling my name…
Karen Thrall Business Coach | Golf Fanatic | www.karenthrall.com
