Destination Golf Portugal 2016 * | Page 63

Quinta da Marinha Penha Longa (Monastery) Penha Longa (Atlantic) This nine-hole golf course is part of the Penha Longa golf resort. This is a perfect sister course to the Championship Course (Atlantic Course) - equally pretty but a fraction less demanding. Situated on the site of an ancient monastery, after which it is named, this course now offers golfers a fresh alternative and guaranteed game, should the Atlantic Course be busy. The Monastery Course (also known as Mosteiro course) plays 2,588 meters par-35 and is generally less undulating than the its sister course. Its lakes also provide their own special beauty and testing hazards. Located in the Sintra Natural Park, this course is ranked in the top 30 Courses in Continental Europe. The Atlantic Course designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones Jnr, is escapist golf at its best. With its bold drives, courageous approaches and artful greens, it is both an adrenalin rush and a soothing journey through one of Portugal’s most inspiring landscapes. The opening holes and the final flourish share a wooded vale in the shadow of the rocky mountains, while others arc and plunge over scented hillsides. Exciting at every turn, this championship test and host to the Portuguese Open, is a master of variety and thrills. Paco do Lumiar Quinta da Marinha Located in the heart of Lisbon, this friendly 9-hole course is designed for those who are looking for a leisurely game. Paco Do Lumiar is more than a golf course, as local families would congregate here for social functions and gatherings. The course is located in beautiful surroundings and is always kept in good condition. Golfers come here to make use of the practise facilities, get a lesson of the club pro and perfect their game before taking on the bigger courses. Located close to the lively towns of Estoril and Cascais and the majestic beach of Guincho is the Quinta da Marinha golf course. The Quinta da Marinha course forms part of a luxury development, where you can relax for a few days. Besides a great golf course, there also is the possibility to do horse-riding around the thousands of pine-trees or walk along the coast with the Atlantic Ocean as your constant companion. Built by the architect Robert Trent Jones Snr in 1984, the course is 6,100 metres long across generally flat terrain. Only 4 years after opening, it held the Portuguese Ladies Open (1988). This 339-metre hole slopes down towards the sea with the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop. 61