Destination Golf Portugal 2016 * | Page 81

Praia D’El Rey Golf do Botado Praia D’El Rey Part of the Atlantico Golfe Hotel, the 9-hole course is located 80km north of Lisbon in the quiet fishing port of Peniche. This is a hidden gem, and any who travel to play here are always surprised by its quality. It is a links style course, benefiting from its location beside the sea and natural terrain. There are some well positioned water features on the course as the course demands accuracy from the player. Bunkers are plentiful and wind always plays a factor. When in the area, a 2 hour break to play this course is not a bad idea. Boasting one of the most idyllic natural settings of any golf course, Praia D’El Prey is set between the sea on one side and a patch of green countryside on the other. This golf course stretches over dunes, cliffs and pinewoods, forming a natural backdrop for a game of golf on one of the sunniest stretches of the Portuguese coast. The Praia D’El Rey course is full of surprises: on the 2nd hole, you play with a view towards the nature reserve of the Berlengas Islands; on the 12th, the Atlantic Ocean is your constant companion; while, on the 14th, golfers have to contend with the changing moods of the wind. This is a must play when in the Oeste region, the panoramic views from the clubhouse after your game make it all worth while. Vimeiro Another 9-hole resort course, Vimeiro is attached to the Hotel Golf Mar and is part of their facilities. This is a short course and golfers generally have a good chance of beating their handicap. Trouble on this course comes in the form of River Alcabrichel, which runs parallel to one side of this course. Accuracy is key at this course and its enjoyable for all levels of golfer. The feature hold would be the 191 metre par-3 9th, which require an uphill shot to a tight green. This golf course stretches over dunes, cliffs and pinewoods, forming a natural backdrop for a game of golf on one of the sunniest stretches of the Portuguese coast. 79