MADEIRA DESTINATION GOLF PORTUGAL 2022 / 23
Ponta de sao Lourenco , Madeira
Santo Da Serra
Host venue to the Madeira Open European Tour event since 1993 , this picturesque course is a Robert Trent Jones Snr design , which opened in 1991 . It offers fantastic panoramic views over the ocean and is one of the most breath-taking mountain courses in Europe . Because it is built on such irregular terrain , with acres of dense vegetation and at an altitude of 670 metres above sea level this project required a huge effort to see it completed . Nonetheless , Trent Jones succeeded in giving the 27 holes ( the third nine-hole loop was opened in October 1998 ) a logical , interdependent design . One of the most spectacular holes is the 4th ( on the Machico course ), a par-3 where your tee shot is played over a ravine to a green perched above cliffs .
Palheiro
Situated close to the famous gardens of Quinta do Palheiro , which date back to the beginning of the nineteenth century , 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 . He took great care to make the most of the hills , mountain peaks and deep valleys that are a typical feature of the Madeira landscape . His creation provides golfers with an exciting , competitive and highly colourful round .
Porto Santo
Beautifully located on the idyllic island of Porto Santo , the layout of this Seve Ballesteros course was planned meticulously . It blends seamlessly with the landscape , respecting the island ’ s ecosystem and taking advantage of the native plant species and the various lakes already in existence . It is an extensive , demanding but thoroughly enjoyable course set in a spectacular volcanic landscape . The two nines have distinctive character : the front-9 reflect the traditional style of the best American courses with lakes and the island ’ s long beach as a backdrop . The back-9 rises dramatically to high cliffs and combines the strong links features with spectacular scenery . Three holes are perched on the edge of the cliffs . There is also a 9-hole par-3 course which serves as a perfect warm-up .
“ It offers fantastic panoramic views over the ocean and is one of the most breath-taking mountain courses in Europe .”
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