Sir Nick Faldo’s Ponta do Pargo course will elevate Madeira’s golf scene in 2026 with dramatic views and bold design.
Perched 300 meters above the Atlantic Ocean on Madeira’s western cliffs, the new Ponta do Pargo course by Sir Nick Faldo promises a breathtaking golfing experience. With sweeping ocean vistas and cliffside fairways that seem to pour into infinity greens, the 120-hectare layout is set to become a showpiece for the region. The elevation difference between the highest tee and lowest green is a staggering 180 meters, offering dramatic shot-making opportunities.
Faldo’s Atlantic Masterpiece
Slated for completion in 2026, Ponta do Pargo will join Madeira’s existing trio of Palheiro, Santo da Serra, and Porto Santo. The course, originally conceived in 2007, faced delays due to the global financial crisis and the pandemic. Now revived, it aims to set new standards in sustainability and design. Regional president Miguel Albuquerque hopes it will become a flagship project for the island, thanks to eco-friendly irrigation systems and native Kikuyu grass that reduces water usage.
Designing for Drama and Playability
Faldo describes the site as ‘dramatic and breathtaking,’ with each hole crafted to match the natural beauty of the surroundings. Some greens, especially those on holes 14 to 18, had to be softened to remain playable under harsh ocean winds. Faldo even teased a challenge to Bryson DeChambeau on hole 14, showcasing the course’s bold character. The greens demand precision and creativity, making the course both a visual and technical marvel.
Madeira: A Unique Golf Destination
Despite its mild climate, Madeira’s rugged, volcanic terrain poses challenges for course design. Yet this topography also enables extraordinary layouts. Ponta do Pargo joins a distinguished lineup that includes Cabell Robinson’s Palheiro, Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s Santo da Serra, and Seve Ballesteros’ Porto Santo. With its dramatic setting and thoughtful design, Faldo’s latest creation is poised to make Madeira a must-visit destination for golfers worldwide.