Golf in Portugal: Lisbon and Central Golf Courses
In Lisbon you can find all the attractions of any European capital - stunning architecture, museums and galleries, health spas and restaurants, and enough shopping to last a lifetime.
Within a very short distance there's also wonderful beaches, shopping, the largest casino in Europe, and great golf, and of course the weather is great all year round. Further inland enjoy national parks, historic villages, castles, monasteries, and the natural beauty of one of the least 'touristed' parts of the Iberian peninsular.
Of the 20+ courses in the region, almost all are on the coast within a few hours drive of Lisbon. Here's a rough guide to some interesting ones:
Praia d'el Rey (Par 72 6405m) is one of the top links courses in Portugal with spectacular views of the Atlantic and the Berlenga Islands. It was rated the seventeenth best course in Europe by Golf World magazine, and should provide a challenge for players of all abilities.
Tróia (Par 72 6320m) was designed by Robert Trent Jones junior and is considered to be one of the most challenging courses in Portugal. With the magnificent Arrabida mountains as a backdrop it features wide fairways but small, bunker protected greens and pine trees. The architect considered Tróia's third to be one of his best designed holes.
There are two courses at Quinta da Marinha, one called Quinta da Marinha and the other Quinta da Marinha Oitavous, commonly known as Oitavos. Quinta da Marinha (Par 71 6071m) is a flat course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. It has hosted several Championships and is setagainst the twin backdrops of the Atlantic ocean and the Sintra mountain range.
Oitavos (Par 71 6303m) lies within the Sintra Cascais National Park and is arguably the most picturesque course in Portugal. It was designed by Arthur Hills, a prestigious American architect with a reputation for courses playable by players of all levels.
The name Lisbon Sports Club (Par 69 5233m) may not sound very golf-oriented, but it's a beautiful and very popular course. The course requires skill and imagination and includes water hazards on almost every hole. It is also one of the most easily accessible.
At Penha Longa there are two courses, the 18 hole Atlantic Course (Par 72 6298m) and the 9 hole Monastery Course (Par 35 2221m). The Atlantic Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and set in the same national park as Oitavos, has hosted the Portuguese Open twice and was voted one of the best courses on the tour by European Tour professionals. The Monastery Course, by the same designer, is flatter and easier, but still has some uncomfortably narrow fairways and lightning greens.
Estoril Golf Club (Par 69 5200m) is one of the oldest courses in Portugal and has hosted the Portuguese Open on many an occasion. A tree infested inland course it is shorter than many of its neighbours, but still provides a welcome challenge to any player. Estoril is home to Europe's largest casino, and this course is just 2 km away.
One of Central Portugal's few truly inland courses, Ammaia (Par 72 6036m) is almost in Spain. It is set in beautiful surroundings and is linked with 3 neighbouring courses on the other side of the border.
Belas Clube de Campo (Par 72 6128m) is just ten minutes drive from Lisbon yet (one nine) offers an untouched natural environment. Set in the Sintra mountains it was designed by Rocky Roquemore and offers fantastic views.
Vimeiro (Par 34 2350m), designed by Frank Pennink and set by the banks of the Alcabrichel River, is another 9 hole course and has a reputation for being kept in excellent condition.
Telephone Details for Featured Courses
Praia d'el Rey: 262 905 005
Tróia: 265 494 112
Quinta da Marinha: 214 860 100/180
Oitavos: 214 860 600
Lisbon Sports Club: 214 310 077
Penha Longa: 219 249 011
Estoril Golf Club: 214 680 054
Ammaia: 245 993 755
Belas Clube de Campo: 219 626 640
Vimeiro: 261 980 800
Algarve Golf Courses
Northern Portugal Golf Courses
