Portugal Masters Signs New European Tour Deal as New Sponsors are Revealed

The Portugal Masters will remain at the Oceânico Victoria Golf Course for at least another three editions after a new agreement was confirmed, extending the current deal until 2016. 

Oceânico has hosted every one of the previous seven editions of the prestigious tournament, providing not just an excellent golf course but warm hospitality for players, staff and spectators.

The deal is one of several new agreements for the tournament, which yet again has a strong field confirmed for its eighth edition, from October 9-12.

World-leading airline Emirates will be the event’s Official Airline until 2017, while three-year agreements have also been signed with Tivoli Hotels (Official Hotel of the Portugal Masters) and Bobby Jones (Official Clothing).

In addition, the Portugal Masters has also announced Your Golf Travel as the Official Golf Travel Partner for 2014 and 2015, and MARKA wines as the Official Wine for this year’s event, which carries a prize fund of €2million.

Christopher Howell, Oceânico Group Chairman, said: “The Oceânico Group remains committed to supporting one of the most recognised tournaments on The European Tour calendar and will yet again see one of its seven championship venues offer a stern test to a field packed full of players looking to surge up The Race to Dubai.

“Investment in golf has been at the very core of Turismo de Portugal’s tourism strategy and nowhere has this been more evident than on the Algarve. Oceânico’s partnership with both The European Tour and Turismo de Portugal and their joint commitment to golf at all levels has provided the ideal platform to stage the Portugal Masters, which now celebrates its eighth successive year as one of the most popular stops on The European Tour calendar.

“Regarded as one of the finest golfing regions anywhere in the world, the Algarve has some of the finest courses on offer. Spearheaded by Oceânico’s portfolio of seven championship courses, the demand for high-class golf from a wide variety of markets continues to flourish on the Algarve.

“With attendance expected to surpass 40,000, and with more interactive activities for all age groups than ever before, organisers and partners are confident the 2014 Portugal Masters will be the best to date. This event only strengthens Portugal and Oceânico’s position as major players in golf around Europe and the rest of the world.”

David Quito, Emirates’ Country Manager Portugal, said: “Engaging with our customers and fans through sports has been part of Emirates’ brand strategy since our early days. It makes sense for us – as an airline that connects the world – to align our brand with prestigious golf tournaments where the world’s most talented players come together.

“We are excited to be a part of this exciting tournament here in Portugal and wish all competitors the best of luck.”

Alexandre Solleiro of Tivoli Hotels said: “We are very proud to host the Portugal Masters at Tivoli Victoria, which has been Official Hotel to this event since its opening in 2009. Portugal Masters has played a key strategic role in the hotel’s success as the Algarve’s leading golf hotel.

“We are thrilled to confirm our partnership with The European Tour, for these next three years. It is sure to be a unique showcase for the Tivoli Victoria’s outstanding facilities and services as well as for the Algarve’s golf courses, to Europe’s finest golfers.”

Grahame Jenkins, Director of International Business for Bobby Jones, said: “The Portugal Masters is one the most highly anticipated events on the European Tour calendar, so we are delighted to become its official apparel partner.

“This is the first time that Bobby Jones has supported a European Tour event and this three-year agreement gives a clear indication of how important Europe is to the Bobby Jones brand. We are very much looking forward to seeing the action unfurl at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Club this October.”

Euan Gillon, Your Golf Travel, said: “Your Golf Travel can make a real contribution to the Portugal Masters on a number of fronts, driving spectators through the gates and adding value to their experience. Our sponsorship of a flagship European Tour event at the heart of European golf tourism is a natural fit.

“Come to the tournament and you’ll have the chance to claim a free beer at each of Your Golf Travel’s bars – during the day at the event or later at Vilamoura Marina. We look forward to working closely with The European Tour in the coming years.”

The 2014 Portugal Masters will be played a fortnight after The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, and two members of the European team – Frenchman Victor Dubuisson and Scot Stephen Gallacher – will tee it up at Oceânico Victoria.