Palheiro
Porto Santo
Palheiro
Spreading out over the idyllic island of Porto Santo, the layout
of the course was planned in such a way as to blend seamlessly
with the landscape and to respect the island’s ecosystems,
taking advantage of the native plant species and the various
lakes already existing there. It is an extensive and demanding
course set in a spectacular landscape, one that is capable of
attracting not only professional players, but also less experienced
golfers, being divided into two different areas. The southern
course comes close to the traditional style of the best American
courses, with a number of lakes and the island’s long beach as
a backdrop. The northern course is made more difficult by high
cliffs and combines the best features of British links courses with
spectacular scenery, providing an excellent challenge for golfers.
Situated close to the famous gardens of Quinta do Palheiro,
which date back to the beginning of the nineteenth century
that are famous for their wide range of exotic flora, the Palheiro
course offers fabulous views over Funchal bay, the sea and the
Ilhas Desertas in the distance. The par-72 course was designed by
the architect Cabell Robinson, a former assistant of Robert Trent
Jones, who had already done work in Portugal and took care to
make the most of the hills, mountain peaks and deep valleys that
are a typical feature of the Madeira landscape, in order to provide
golfers with an exciting and competitive round.
The layout of the course was
planned in such a way as to blend
harmoniously with the landscape and to
respect the island’s ecosystems.
The Palheiro course offers fabulous
views over Funchal bay, the sea and the
Ilhas Desertas in the distance.
89