DESTINATIONGOLF . TRAVEL
LISBON / ALENTEJO
Comporta Dunas
Oitavos Dunes
Oitavos Dunes lies within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park , only 30 minutes west of Lisbon Airport . It is set among pine woods and reforested dunes , in an area of great natural beauty . Being a seaside golf course , the ocean views prove dramatic although there is also fantastic scenery across the Sintra mountains and Cabo da Roca , which is Europe ’ s most western point . It is visible from holes 9 , 10 , 11 and 14 . The layout has been carefully crafted by the renowned Arthur Hills , who has created a 6,303-metre par-71 course , while maintaining and preserving the unique characteristics of the land . Oitavos Dunes was the first golf course in Europe , and the second in the world , to be awarded the Gold Signature Sanctuary status by Audubon International , in recognition of the highest levels of conservation .
Troia
Designed by the famous golf course architect , Robert Trent Jones , Troia is a real gem . It is often described as one of the most fascinating in Portugal , and rated as high as No . 25 by Golf World , in their Top 100 courses in the world ranking . The championship course is located 30 minutes south of Lisbon and about two hours north of the Algarve . It is not overplayed and has a wild but natural beauty . The rustic style clubhouse boasts stunning views from the terrace overlooking several holes and miles of unspoilt sandy beach .
Santo Estêvão
The newest course in the Costa Azul region , Santo Estêvão opened in 2004 and is set in the fertile rolling landscape of the Northern Alentejo region . Designed by Donald Steel , the course plays to more than 7,000 yards , with well-designed , strategically placed bunkers and greens offering a layout that will challenge golfers of all abilities . The gently undulating land makes for an easy , pleasant round of golf .
Montado
Set over smooth terrain , the Montado has been built to the south of Setúbal , in a landscape planted with old cork-oaks , young olive trees , chestnuts and pines , whilst all around it wind a series of creeks and natural lakes . A feature hole at Montado is the scenic 13th , a par-4 which promises fine views of Palmela castle and an excellent opportunity for birdie . Surrounded by the famous muscatel vineyards that were first planted here more than a century ago , the Montado course has hosted international tournaments , such as the Axa Challenge Tour and the Grand Final of the European Challenge Tour ( 1997 ), and has received praise from the best players in Europe .
67