GOLF | FEATURED GOLF COURSE- SANTO DA SERRA
The third and fourth holes of the Machico nine are the signature holes of the championship course. The drive at the par 5 third, 521yards from the championship tee, is along a ravine while the second presents a choice- play safe along a similar line or attempt to go for the green in two across the ravine. The tee shot on the fourth, a par 3 of 190 yards from the championship tee, requires considerable control to carry the ravine and a bunker guarding the front left of the green, and stay short of the back bunker or, even worse, a rapid descent down the mountainside if long.
If you feel these tough holes may require a little loosening-up, the practice ground may be the perfect solution. Over 300 metres long, it should cope with most big hitters and has a variety of driving bays, some of which are covered. There are two putting-greens, a chipping green, a practice bunker, and if you really want to improve your game you can enrol in the Peter Mitchell academy and benefit from the experience of a past winner of the Madeira Islands Open! The friendly pro-shop offers the latest in golf fashion, modern golf equipment, rental clubs, trolleys and buggies.
The comfortable clubhouse, opened in 2000 and extended at a cost of some £ 1million, with its panoramic restaurant, lounge, bar and terrace with stunning sea views, provides the perfect location at which hopefully fond memories of an enjoyable round and a spectacular golf course can be enjoyed.
In May 2012 The Madeira Island Open returned to Santo da Serra, after a three year spell at the Porto Santo course, and was the first European Tour event since 1992 to be won by a Portuguese player- 29 year old Ricardo Santos won by 4 shots largely due to a 9 under par final round of 63!
42 | Summer 2012 | www. madeira-life. net |