DESTINATIONGOLF. TRAVEL
LISBON / ALENTEJO
Montado
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.
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.
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.
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.
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