The Audi National Final of the World Corporate Golf Challenge Portugal brought together the country’s top corporate teams at Praia d’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort in Óbidos on 2 and 3 July for two unforgettable days where golf, networking, and organisational excellence once again reinforced Portugal’s position as one of the premier destinations on the international WCGC circuit.
The experience began on the evening of 2 July with the exclusive Welcome Cocktail by RFM, bringing together players, partners, sponsors, and guests at the Praia d’El Rey Clubhouse. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the venue provided a spectacular setting, while DJ Pedro Simões and a truly unforgettable sunset created the perfect atmosphere to kick off the most anticipated event of the season. Between reunions, new connections, and the exchange of experiences among business leaders from across the country, it quickly became clear that the World Corporate Golf Challenge is far more than a golf tournament—it is a unique platform for building meaningful business relationships.
The following day, the challenging Praia d’El Rey Golf Course tested the finalists in demanding conditions, with high temperatures adding to the difficulty of play. Competition remained exceptionally close throughout the day, with the National Final ultimately decided only after a thrilling play-off between two teams that finished tied on 45 points, highlighting the outstanding level of competition in this year’s edition.
In the end, Bluetriumph, represented by João Paulo Pingo and Luís do Pão, claimed the national title and secured the honour of representing Portugal at the World Final of the World Corporate Golf Challenge, which will take place in October in Beijing, China. Simetrifloor, represented by Pedro Araújo and Lourenço Themudo, finished as runners-up, also with 45 points, while Iconiq Fleet, represented by Manuel Mariano de Carvalho and Tiago Costa, completed the podium with 42 points.
Still celebrating their victory, the new national champions reflected on the journey that had begun just days earlier at the final qualifying event:
«It all started there, and it was a fantastic event. To arrive at Praia d’El Rey and now win the National Final is the icing on the cake. It was a highly competitive tournament, and we faced outstanding opponents in the play-off. We can only congratulate the entire organisation for delivering such a truly memorable day.»
Their focus now turns to China.
«Representing Portugal at a World Final is already a tremendous honour. We’ll be competing against teams from all over the world and players of exceptional quality, but we’ll go with determination, passion, and the fighting spirit that defines the Portuguese as we aim to achieve a great result.»
For AUDI, the competition’s naming partner, this year’s edition once again confirmed the international stature of the project. Alexandre Pina expressed his pride in supporting the team that will represent Portugal on the world stage.
«For AUDI, it is above all a privilege to be part of a tournament that brings together so many countries and to help the Portuguese team arrive in China ready to showcase its talent. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. The National Final was decided on the very last shot, in an extraordinary setting here in Óbidos, with outstanding facilities and flawless organisation.»
Another highlight of the National Final took place on the 14th hole, where Spanish golf professional Ivan Ballesteros once again challenged participants in the now traditional Beat the Pro contest. A firm advocate of golf as a powerful tool for building business relationships, he explained why he believes no other environment brings people together in quite the same way.
«On a golf course, you truly get to know the people you’re playing with. In a meeting room, there’s always a degree of formality; here, everything happens naturally. You discover who is more competitive, who is more relaxed, and that creates very strong relationships built on trust.»
He also shared a message of encouragement for the Portuguese representatives heading to the World Final:
«The most important thing is to enjoy the experience. Of course, everyone wants to achieve a great result, but simply taking part in a World Final in Beijing is already something extraordinary. Make the most of every moment and play the best golf you can.»
WCGC Portugal Executive Partners Ana Massapina and Estela Sargento also reflected positively on both the season and the National Final.
«It has been an incredibly rewarding journey from the very first tournament through to today’s National Final. We also faced particularly demanding conditions, with very high temperatures making play even more challenging. Even so, two teams finished level, and the title had to be decided in a play-off, which speaks volumes about the exceptional standard of this year’s final.»
The choice of Óbidos as the host destination was also widely praised.
«Praia d’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort and Praia d’El Rey Golf Course are the perfect combination. We have an outstanding hotel, a technically exceptional golf course, highly professional teams, and first-class facilities. But Óbidos offers so much more than golf. It is a destination that brings together heritage, culture, gastronomy, beautiful beaches, and unique festivals. As a tourism destination, it provides everything a major international event could ask for, making it the ideal venue for a National Final and, who knows, perhaps even a World Final in the future.»
With another successful edition of the World Corporate Golf Challenge Portugal now concluded, all eyes turn to Beijing, where João Paulo Pingo and Luís do Pão will carry the responsibility of representing Portugal among the world’s leading corporate golf teams. Their objective is clear: to once again establish Portugal among the leading nations in international corporate golf and compete for another world title.
The organizers would also like to express their sincere appreciation to all the partners whose support ade this event possible: AUDI, LG, Município de Óbidos, Turkish Airlines, Visit Azores, Axis Hotéis, CC Viagens, Associação de Promoção da Madeira, Madeira Golf Passport, IB Putter Sweetspot, Ivan Ballesteros Golf Design, Câmara Municipal de Sesimbra, Octant, Vista Alegre, BDR, Distintus, Simõe e Guerreiro, Fitness Nestlé, Sogenave, Scoop N’Dough, Cigala, Nicola, Poças, Ursu, Uriage, Santos e Vale, Fundação S. João de Deus, Floor Sensation e Câmara de Comércio e Indústria Luso-Chinesa, Município de Ponte de Lima, Federação Portuguesa de Golfe, Executive Digest, RFM, Viagens & Resorts, Evoque Mag, Analógica Group, TNews, Revista Business Portugal, Wherever Magazine.
