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Portugal: Golf Details
Day 2: Saturday, 23 September, Praia Del Rey Golf Course Respected American golf architect, Cabell B. Robinson, viewed being asked to design the 18 hole, 6467 meter, par 72 championship Praia Del Rey golf course as the opportunity of a lifetime. He said: "This is the kind of landscape we architects try to create, but at Praia Del Rey, it's all here, naturally. Now it's my responsibility to protect it". It is certainly one of the most picturesque layouts in Europe, set in extensive grounds of pine forest and undulating dunes with spectacular views over the Atlantic and the Berlenga Islands beyond. The course is visually stunning and tremendously exciting to play. It offers the complete golfing challenge with bold deep bunkers, undulating greens, and natural sand border areas contrasting sharply with the lush green fairways. The ladies' tees are also far enough forward to make sure that length isn't a problem. Rated 17th best course in Europe by Golf World magazine, it has become one of the major golfing destinations in Europe. We will lunch in the clubhouse restaurant after the round.
View of Berlenga Islands at 14th green. View of the varied ocean-side terrain
The course offers holes in the great Scottish links tradition.
Day 4: Monday, 25 September, Quinta da Marinha Golf Course Our second day of golf will be played just 15 minutes from our hotel, at the Quinta da Marinha Golf Course. This exciting, 18-hole course is designed by the internationally acclaimed golf architect Robert Trent Jones. At 6,014 meters with a par of 71, the unusual layout features six par 3´s and five par 5´s. The first nine holes are set in some of the most spectacular countryside in the area while the second nine are on the cliff tops, with sensa-tional views over the Atlantic. True to form, Trent Jones has laid plenty of traps. The course is studded with water hazards and its 18 undulating greens will challenge players of all levels, from the novice to the scratch golfer. Lunch will follow our round in the clubhouse restaurant.
View of the Atlantic from the 13th green.
Day 6: Wednesday, 27 September, Estoril Golf Course Only a few miles from our hotel in Cascais, is the world renowned Estoril Golf Course. It is part of the well known Estoril Palacio Hotel and Casino. Overlooking the village of Estoril and the sea, the 5,262 meter-long, par 69 course lies amidst eucalyptus, pine and mimosa trees, giving it a uniquely colorful touch. A masterpiece of the famous golf course designer Mackenzie Ross, this course, built in 1945, demands excellent tactics. The visually stunning par 3 holes, although they vary in length, all pose particular challenges. Two of the most important tournaments in the Portuguese golfing calendar have been held frequently on this course: the Portuguese Open (20 times) and the International Amateur Championship (62 times). Among the long list of famous golfers who have played Estoril are José M. Canizares, Seve’ Ballesteros, Neil Coles, Gene Sarazen, and Mickey Wright. After our round we will have lunch in the splendid clubhouse restaurant, with its long veranda and superb view, and where a variety of tasty Portuguese dishes is served.
Clubhouse from 18th hole One of the many tree lined holes
Day 8: Friday, 29 September, Penha Longa Our last golf day will be spent at the Penha Longa Golf Resort, about a 10 minute drive from our hotel in Cascais. At the foot of the Sintra hills, it is part of the Sintra – Cascais Natural Park. This 6,290-meter 18 hole, par 72 championship course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in 1992, is ranked among the best in Europe. It hosted the Portuguese Open in 1994 and 1995, the Estoril Challenge in 1997, and the Estoril Open in 1999. The major amateur circuits have also held their finals on this course. The course is a challenge for golfers of all standards. There are four sets of tees, the shortest playing 5076 meters. It blends in perfectly with its surroundings that even include part of a Roman aqueduct. There are breathtaking views both of the ocean with Estoril and Cascais in the foreground, and of the Sintra hills. Lunch will follow our round in the clubhouse restaurant.
Clubhouse from 18th fairway The uphill 16th hole Roman aqueduct on 6th hole
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