Review of the 2019 Masters Tournament

This Sunday saw the close of an exciting Masters tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club. The winner was Tiger Woods — with his first major win since the 2008 U.S. Open.

So like millions of others, I was astonished by Tiger Wood’s comeback by winning the Masters at 43 years old. I believe everyone, golf and nongolfers can appreciate this triumphant, after he went through four back surgeries and the global tabloid exposure of his martial cheating. This was arguably one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history.

Tiger Woods’s Record

Tiger Woods has now won 15 major championships and has had 12 finishes in the top five for his 22 appearances at the Augusta National Golf Club. This was his fifth win at the Masters, which means he has the second most wins of all golfers, just behind Jack Nicklaus — who won six Masters and a total of 18 major championships. Tiger Woods was previously tied for second most wins with Arnold Palmer.

Masters Scores 2019

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods gained a final score of (-13) 70-68-67-70.

Three golfers tied for second — the most runners up in Masters golf history:

Dustin Johnson (-12) 68-70-70-68
Xander Schauffele (-12) 73-65-70-68
Brooks Koepka (-12) 66-71-69-70

Fifth place

Jason Day (-11) 70-67-73-67
Webb Simpson (-11) 72-71-64-70
Francesco Molinari (-11) 70-67-66-74
Tony Finau (-11) 71-70-64-72

British Airways Golf Club Charges

British Airways Golf Clubs Charges

BA’s rules with sporting equipment are like those of Lufthansa, you can take your golf clubs as a part of your hold luggage allowance (not in addition to).

You can take your golf clubs as long as they do not exceed the dimensions of 190 x 75 x 65cm (I’m sure they won’t!) Also, they cannot exceed the weight allowance of 23kg.

If you want to take a suitcase as well as your golf clubs on your holiday, you always have the option to pay for additional luggage. When travelling in Europe to/from London Gatwick or Stansted airports, you will have to pay £36 for any additional bags. All other routes carry a charge of £60 per additional bag (prices are charged each way).

See here for more info.

Round Breakdown

In the first round, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka (the current PGA Championship and U.S. Open champion) together took the lead with 66 (-6). Tiger Woods and Rickie Fowler (both pre-tournament favorites) ended the round tied for 11th place with a score of 70 (-2), along with eight other players.

The second round saw Jason Day and Francesco Molinari (both of whom ended up in fifth place) rise to first place with 67 (-5). Also leading at the end of this round were Brooks Koepka (one of the runners up) with a score of 71 (-1), Louis Oosthuizen with 66 (-6), and Adam Scott (the 2013 champion) with 68 (-4), the second-best round of the day.

As per Masters golf rules, all players have to be within 10 shots of the leaders to make the 36-hole cut. A total of 65 succeeded (including four amateurs), which was a record number since the rule was introduced in 1957. Tiger Woods scored 68 (-7), putting him in joint sixth place.

In the third round, Francesco Molinari was still holding on to the lead, ending the round with 66 (-6). Tony Finau scored 64 (-8) and Tiger Woods scored 67 (-5), moving the two of them into joint second place.

At the start of the final round, it seemed as if Francesco Molinari would be the winner of the Masters tournament. In fact, he maintained his lead for the first 11 holes, but his shot at the 12th hole came up short and rolled in Rae’s Creek.

This gave Tiger Woods the chance he needed to rise to first place. He ended up winning the 2019 Masters by just one stroke, at 13 under par. This was the first time he has won a major championship after trailing for 54 holes.

The Rewards

In addition to a fifth green jacket and a Masters golf trophy, Tiger Woods will be taking home a large amount of cash.

The prize fund from the Masters tournament this year is $11,500,000 with a winner’s share of $2,070,000. This is up from a prize fund of $11,000,000 and a winner’s share of $1,980,000 in 2017 and 2018. The amount is larger than other golf events, simply because there are fewer contenders. This year, 87 golfers took part in the Masters. In comparison, the regular PGA tour and the other three majors see 156 players on the field.

After Tiger Woods receives his cut, the remaining amount will be divided among the other winners. The three runners up will each receive $858,667. The golfers in fifth place will each receive $403,938. The amount continues to decrease until 62nd position, with these four golfers each receiving $25,415. As per United States Golf Association rules, amateurs are forbidden to accept any prize money. Four amateurs placed in the 2019 Masters — in joint 32nd, joint 36th, 55th, and joint 58th places.

The Location

The Masters tournament was held at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. One of the most famous clubs in the world, it opened in 1933 and has been the host of Masters golf since 1934. For the 2019 Masters tournament, the fifth hole (called Magnolia) was lengthened by 40 yards to 495 yards. This resulted in a total length of 7,475 yards. The course has a par of 72.

The Top Five Best Golf Courses in Algarve, Portugal

Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal, is exceptionally well-known for a number of things – their beaches, sandy coves, five-star villas, and more. But when it comes to golf courses, they definitely peak as one of the best locations in the world.

Whether you’re planning a trip for business or leisure, you simply won’t make the most of your time in this coastal destination without having tried one or more of these best golf courses in Algarve.

1. Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course

Course Type: 18-hole golf course

Payment: £142 for 18 holes

Time to Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course from Faro Airport: 23 minutes (25.9km))

Accommodation near Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course: Antatara Vilamoura Algarve Resort

A pristine golf course in Vilamoura, Algarve, this course has 18 holes and a par of 72. It opened its door in 2004 and is now considered one of the most sophisticated golf courses in Europe. It’s also home to the European Tour Portugal Masters since 2007.

This golf course isn’t very hilly, making it a smooth yet long course. It has adequately-sized fairways and greens, and is suitable for all ages and genders. It’s surrounded by gorgeous lakes, and olive and almond trees, making it not only a great golf course in Algarve but also, a beautiful one.

Another great perk of this golf course is that they have many attractive offers. A game of 18 holes will cost you £142 but if you’d prefer an all-you-can-play game, you can pay £92 and enjoy the course as you like from 15.20 p.m. to 16.30 p.m. And if you book three plus rounds, you will receive an 18% discount, depending on the time of year.

They also offer golf lessons by a professional, so that’s something to think about if you’re new to the golfing game or feel like a brushing up on your skills.

2. Gramacho Golf Course

Course Type: 27-hole golf course

Payment: £72 for 18 holes

Time to Gramacho Golf Course from Faro Airport: 60 minutes (68 km)

Accommodation near Gramacho Golf Course: Pestana Golf Resort

Founded in 1991, Gramacho Golf Course in Algarve can be found in the Carvoeiro region. It has 27 different greens, making it an excellent place to experience different conditions such as bunkers, boulders and trees.

It’s considered one of the best golf courses in Algarve and has a par 72 course. It is quite a short course, in great condition, but don’t let that fool you into believing that it’s any easy course. In fact, it is exceedingly hilly and may be a little challenging for those who aren’t very fit.

In fact, one user commented: “Enjoyable holiday golf, not too difficult, but some challenging holes,” – so watch out for those.

This golf course also shows off a score of 8/10 from recent visitors, and has reception facilities, a pro shop, locker rooms, buggies, a club house with restaurant, and a driving range.

Here, you can also request a lesson or two from a professional golfer. And if you’re hoping to bring your little one along, there is a junior section for those 16 and under.

In terms of payment, you can expect to pay £72 for 18 holes.

3. Onyria Palmares Golf Course

Course Type: 27-hole golf course

Time to Onyria Palmares Golf Course from Faro Airport: 65 minutes (81.7 km)

Accommodation near Onyria Palmares Golf Course: Onyria Palmares Beach House Hotel

This ocean-view golf course in Algarve first opened in the 1970’s. Since, it has transformed into an even more spectacular spot for golf-enthusiasts. With over 90% of the course showing off sea views, you can enjoy the sport and a bit of nature.

It is a 27-hole golf course that has been described as quite challenging, despite the gorgeous views, as it was reconstructed by Robert Trent Jones II with “the highest level of international tournament golf in mind”.

This golf course in Algarve has been given an average rating of 4.1. out of 5, with golfers being quite impressed. Some comments from visitors include:

“Breath-taking, must-play course,” and “nice to play due to lovely sea views and a real links golf group of holes down by the beach and dunes.”

The golf course itself has a club house, a driving range, and several pitching and putting greens to encourage your very best game.

One handy tip: consider renting a buggy, as the course has many hills with long distances between holes.

4. San Lorenzo Golf Course

Course Type: 18-hole golf course

Payment: £122 for full 18-holes

Time to San Lorenzo Golf Course from Faro Airport: 20 minutes (18.4 km)

Accommodation near San Lorenzo Golf Course: Dona Filipa Hotel and Formosa Park Apartment Hotel.

This 18-hole golf course in Algarve opened its doors in 1988 and since has been a favourite for locals and tourists alike. It has a par of 72, and you can expect to pay £122 for the full 18 holes.

Interestingly, San Lorenzo Golf Course is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, and has won awards for its facilities. And despite each and every hole offering exquisite views, the final hole is the one that may just take your breath away.

At the location, you have access to a club house, a pro golf shop, storage facilities, a driving range, a practice bunker, two chipping greens, one putting green, and an array of golf equipment for hire. You can also request a golf caddy and the cleaning of your golf clubs.

One thing to note: At this golf club in Algarve, you’ll have to pay green fees. And if you are not a member of this golf club, you will only be allowed a game if you book your stay at the Dona Filipa Hotel, a five-star hotel that can be found nearby, or the four-star Formosa Park Apartment Hotel.

Alternatively, you could contact a golfing agency who could perhaps hook you up with a game.

5. Pine Cliffs Golf Course

Course Type: 9-hole golf course

Payment: £20 – £34 for full 9-holes

Time to Pine Cliffs Golf Course from Faro Airport: 32 minutes (35.2 km)

Accommodation near Pine Cliffs Golf Course: Pine Cliffs Golf Suites

This nine-hole golf course in Algarve can be found in the Albufeira region. It has a par of 33, and a game will cost you around £20 to £24.

Pine Cliffs Golf Course is extremely well-maintained and is basically situated on top of a cliff. It’s managed by Pine Cliffs Hotel, a luxury resort, and offers glorious views of the sandy beach and majestic pine trees.

Here, you can expect to play a fun yet somewhat challenging game of golf. In fact, its ninth hole is more commonly known as “Devils Parlour”. This is because it is played from a ravine that shows off sheer natural beauty.

This golf course in Algarve has a rating of 8.1/10 from users, with the majority awarding it five stars. If you decide to visit, you’ll have access to a driving range, a putting green, a chipping green, a pro shop, restaurants and bars, as well as a golf academy.

So, are you ready for a golf holiday of a lifetime? Enjoy one or more of these five best golf courses in Algarve and you’ll be rewarded with excellent facilities, great views, and lots of fun!