Ribagolfe, one of seven courses managed by ORIZONTE – Lisbon Golf, is set to open talks with the European Tour with a view to extending its role as a venue for European Tour qualifying.

Hailed as the 'Valderrama of Portugal' and situated only 40 minutes from the Portuguese capital, the stunning venue's Ribagolfe I course has hosted the first stage of the European Tour Qualifying School every year since 2009.

Ribagolfe's current seven-year contract with the European Tour will end this autumn but representatives from ORIZONTE and the Tour are poised to meet later this year to discuss extending the partnership into 2016 and beyond.

European Tour Qualifying School director Mike Stewart said: “Ribagolfe 1 is one of the best courses in Portugal. The setting is very tranquil and picturesque and the layout of the golf course if of a very high standard. It offers a first-class test of golf for the qualifying school where the cream always tends to rise to the top.

“This will be the seventh year at Ribagolfe and the last under our current agreement. The club have always been strong supporters of the European Tour and our qualifying school and we will be discussing an extension to the existing agreement later this year.”

ORIZONTE has been in charge of the 36-hole complex for the last two seasons and, following a recent site inspection visit from Stewart, will work closely with the European Tour's agronomy team to ensure the 7,310-yard layout is in first-class condition ahead of the 72-hole event in September.

Set in a unique and natural setting and created out of a cork oak forest, Ribagolfe I was designed by Peter Townsend and European Golf Design and features superb, oversized greens and narrow landing areas for long and straight hitters.

A shorter test than its sibling but still measuring more than 6,800 yards and featuring the same indigenous cork oak canvas, Ribagolfe II was designed by former Ryder Cup player Michael King in conjunction with European Tour Design – and both courses at the impressive venue are available to play from €48 through the ORIZONTE Lisbon Golf Passport.

ORIZONTE – Lisbon Golf offers the chance to play some of the leading courses in close proximity to Portugal's capital together with exceptional value for money on a wide range of accommodation options across the region.

In addition to Ribagolfe's two courses, Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club has hosted several European Challenge Tour events while Aroeira features two championship layouts including Aroeira I, venue for the Portuguese Open in 1996 and 1997.

Golfers can also enjoy the 7,000-plus yards challenge at Santo Estevão and the 9-hole course in Oeiras, which is located just 15 minutes from Lisbon's centre, while the extensive practice facilities available across the venues help make ORIZONTE the ideal option for individuals and groups looking to book a stay, play and learn package.

For more details about ORIZONTE – Lisbon Golf, please e-mail info@orizontegolf.com or go to www.orizontegolf.com

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Press release written and distributed by the Azalea Group.

For further information or pictures please contact Pete Simm on 01730 711920 or email petes@theazaleagroup.com