Tag: Portugal

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A Breath of Fresh Air in Portugal’s Golf World – Part 2

The Old Course in Vilamoura and Palmares Ocean Living & Golf (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The Old Course in Vilamoura and Palmares Ocean Living & Golf (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Heading south on cruise control

From PGA Aroeira Lisboa, we take the quickest route to the Algarve, where the Details – Hospitality, Sports & Leisure Management company is realising further impressive projects. It takes just over two and a half hours to reach the Dom Pedro Resort & Golf in Vilamoura via the A2 motorway, which carries very little traffic and has a maximum permitted speed of 120 km per hour.

Vilamoura was created in the 1960s as a modern holiday resort to offer a wide range of leisure activities and recreational opportunities. It was created as an exclusive holiday destination that stood for luxury and lifestyle. The management company Details is now building on this to attract new, upmarket target groups to the resort. The aim is to develop it into one of the leading golf destinations in Europe. The current portfolio that Details manages here includes various hotels, golf courses, an equestrian centre and the marina.

As a first step, the existing assets of the Dom Pedro Hotel & Golf Collection were revalued. As part of a multi-year development project, these will now be renovated, remodelled, replaced or expanded with new units. The plan is to place them under internationally recognised premium brands, such as Hyatt and Hilton. This should also increase the attractiveness of Vilamoura as a high-quality leisure and lifestyle destination.

Other planned measures include the expansion of the equestrian centre. This will have a capacity for 1,000 horses and will be suitable for Grand Prix events for professionals. A high-end multiple sports centre is also planned, which will attract attention as a real game changer in the region.

Centrally located with great views

We are staying at the four-star Dom Pedro Marina Hotel & Golf. It immediately catches the eye with its terraced architecture and reddish-brown colour. From our 49 square metre, one-bedroom suite with balcony on the seventh floor, we enjoy an excellent view of the pool below and the beach within walking distance.

Renovated Dom Pedro Marina Hotel (Photos: Dom Pedro Hotel)

On the other side of the hotel, built in 1988, it is just a stone’s throw from the marina. During the adaptations initiated by Details, numerous renovations were carried out without the hotel losing any of its original charm.

Pure golfing pleasure

The Dom Pedro Group in Vilamoura has five golf courses in the immediate vicinity: the legendary Old Course, the Laguna, Millennium, Pinhal and the Victoria Course.

The Victoria Course is currently closed. It is due to reopen next spring after being completely remodelled as the first private members’ club in the Algarve. The former world number one, South African Ernie Els, has been brought in as architect and namesake. It will be his first golf project in Europe. The other courses are also being continuously upgraded.

The grande dame of the Algarve

We are lucky enough to get to know the current jewel among the aforementioned golf courses in Vilamoura. The Old Course is the second oldest course in the Algarve and is considered the “grande dame” of the courses in the south of Portugal. It is a real gem – prestigious and beautiful.

A smooth start to the round (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

As soon as we enter the club premises we are struck by a feeling of “wow!”. A member of staff is waiting for us in a buggy to take us to the entrance of the newly renovated clubhouse. This is where tradition meets modernity. Everything is new. We enjoy the luxurious ambience in the pro shop, the restaurant, the bar and on the inviting terrace. With its dignified atmosphere, it is reminiscent of a traditional British pub and pays homage to the course’s first architect Frank Pennink, who designed the course in 1969.

Brand new clubhouse (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Hawtree & Sons made extensive changes to the course in 1997, including the introduction of a new irrigation system. Now, in addition to the clubhouse, the putting green has also been renovated.

The view from the terrace over the huge practice green, the first and tenth tees and the driving range conveys the feeling of endless expanse. The fairways through the hilly terrain are wide and surrounded by pine trees on both sides. The paths have been redesigned and are now of the same high standard as the rest of the course. To describe it as well maintained would be an understatement. It often gives the impression that the greenkeepers have been at work with nail scissors.

After a smooth start, the first interesting par 3 awaits us with hole four. It is not only visually extremely appealing but is also a delight to play. Water at the front, a tree in the centre of the fairway and the green protected by plenty of bunkers, – what more could you want as a golfer?

Danger lurks on all sides (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

As the course progresses, the bunkers are just as impressive as the huge, fast greens.

Impressive layout and state of maintenance (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

The par 73 championship course, which is 6,254 metres long from the back tees, is a joy to play, thanks to the great layout and the well-kept condition. This outstanding course and the free shuttle are also included in the hotel’s Stay & Play packages.

Palmares Ocean Living & Golf Resort

From Vilamoura, we continue westwards on the A22 motorway, where Details’ next project awaits us near Lagos. The Palmares Ocean Living & Golf resort is located here in complete tranquility, with the bay and Meia Praia Beach stretching out in front of it like an amphitheatre.

We check into our room at the five-star Beach House Hotel. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is not located directly on the beach, but high above it. Its 20 rooms offer a sensational 180-degree view that stretches from the town of Alvor on one side to Lagos on the other.

Beach House Hotel (Photos: Beach House Hotel and Juergen Linnenbuerger (right) )

The view is like a painting. Whether at sunrise or sunset, we savour every one of these moments (see photo at the beginning of the article). In 2025, work is set to begin on integrating it into a new hotel with around 150 rooms.

If you are looking for absolute tranquility, this is the place for you. As an alternative to the hotel, there is a range of exclusive Signature Apartments available to book. According to the masterplan, the resort will one day have 460 residential units, which will be carefully integrated into the existing landscape.

Number one in Europe

The impressive clubhouse, which has just been voted the best golf clubhouse in Europe at the World Golf Awards 2024, towers above the hotel. Designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning company RCR Arquitectes, the steel and glass building integrates an unrivalled accent into the coastal landscape. The spectacular views from its terrace over the golf course to the sea are just as impressive as its location, design and extraordinary atmosphere.

A dream made of steel and glass (Photos by Azalea)

The warm, red-brown colour of the building is fascinating both inside and out. The high, angled interior areas surprise with their asymmetrical layout and always offer unique views through the huge glass fronts.

Fine dining at the highest level

However, it is not only its location and architecture that are impressive, but also its gastronomic offering. The AL SUD restaurant in the clubhouse was awarded a Michelin star just five months after it opened. Head chef Louis Anjos spoils guests with fresh seafood specialities and Portuguese dishes. The use of local products is a high priority. The hotel’s own oyster farm is just 200 metres away.

The main restaurant of the clubhouse and of the Beach Hotel are also under the management of Louis Anjos and are also characterised by freshness, sophistication and quality. With a chilled Vino Verde, the savoury of the Camarāo Piri Piri (prawns) and the Peixhinos da Horta (green beans in tempura) are a delight.

Pure enjoyment (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Fantastic views

Originally designed by architect Frank Pennink, the golf course was opened in 1975. It was redesigned and extended in 2011 by world-renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Junior. The nine holes of the Alvor, Lagos and Praia loops each have magnificent layouts with considerable differences in altitude to overcome. The constantly impressive views of the sea link all three.

Challenging tee shots deep into the fairways (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

The Alvor and Lagos nines are laid out as parkland courses, and we are particularly impressed by the tee shots into the fairways deep below. While some of their holes run through the hilly terrain behind the clubhouse, we can look down from its terrace and that of the Beach Hotel onto the Praia Loop below.

Some of its holes lead over sandy, natural terrain, which, separated only by the dune, reaches as far as the sea. The waste areas and large bunkers, some of which run directly into them, give them a links feel. Railway tracks and a road separate the holes here from the rest of the course. The final hole is magnificent, a steeply rising par 5 that ends with a shot into the hidden green below the clubhouse.

Picturesque final hole (Photo: Azalea)

While the greens are in good condition, the maintenance of the rest of this loop does not yet reach the high quality of the Alvor nine during our visit but this will soon change. As part of a longterm plan, Details will be carrying out significant upgrades on all loops, which will also raise this facility to a leading level in Europe. Its co-CEO and head greenkeeper have already demonstrated this impressively in their previous roles at Costa Navarino in Greece.

Sustainability is a top priority

Environmental aspects play a key role here, with the reduced use of water in course maintenance being an important factor. The remodelling of the rough, which currently still requires a lot of water, into less water-consuming areas should contribute to this.

Convincing concepts promise success

Extraordinary developments cast their shadows ahead. We were able to see this for ourselves during our visits south of Lisbon and at the Algarve. We gained the impression that the ambitious plans of the prominent company Details – Hospitality, Sports & Leisure will be successfully realised in the coming years. The speed and quality with which the first steps have been achieved leave us in no doubt about this.

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Europe Travel

A Breath of Fresh Air in Portugal’s Golf World – Part 1

PGA Aroeira Lisboa No. 1 (photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
PGA Aroeira Lisboa No. 1 (photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)

New Impetus through Details

In 2023, the Portuguese company Details Hospitality, Sports & Leisure Platform, which is backed by the Arrow Global Group, took over responsibility for the management of several top golf addresses in Portugal. In total, Details manages numerous hotels, real estate projects and nine golf courses, some of which I present in this and my following report. 

It is well known that a fresh breeze is always blowing on the Atlantic. This is also the case in the golf destinations we visited. The first significant investments have already been made after decades of stagnation in some cases. The results are already making the golfing world sit up and take notice.

The vision here is to permanently increase the attractiveness of these locations and develop them from seasonal to year-round destinations. Details aims to develop the clubs into the leading ones in Portugal through the measures already implemented and those planned. Furthermore, the facilities are to be raised to an internationally competitive level in order to attract an upmarket clientele.

Endless Beach near Lisbon

As early as the mid-1970s, numerous residents of the Portuguese capital were drawn to the nearby Costa Azul across the wide Tagus estuary. The rugged west coast of Portugal begins just 20 kilometres south of the city on the Setúbal peninsula. The coast owes its name to the ultramarine colour of the Atlantic and the azure blue of the sky, which complement each other perfectly. The microclimate here is ideal for year-round visits. 

This is the first stop on our round trip. It takes us half an hour by rental car from Lisbon’s international airport. The drive over the third longest suspension bridge in the world, the Ponte 25 de Abril (2,278 metres), which spans the Tagus, is enough to get us excited.

The Costa da Caparica is located on the northern stretch of the Costa Azul. Just a few minutes by car from the kilometre-long sandy beach, two iconic championship golf courses have been created on an area of 365 hectares. The Pines Classic of the Aroeira Golf Club, designed by the renowned golf course architect Frank Pennink, was opened in 1972. Eighteen fantastic avenues of golf wind their way across the sandy soil through the dense, tall pine forest. Each hole is different from the others and has its own charm. Its layout is one of the best in continental Europe.

It was nicknamed ‘Wentworth of Lisbon’ by the British press, as the parallels to the routing of the course in Surrey in England were unmistakable. It became internationally famous when it hosted the Portuguese Open as part of the European Tour in 1996 and 1997.

Close to the Atlantic (photo Azalea)

The layout of the second course, the current Pines Challenge, is thanks to Donald Steel. His 18-hole, par 72 gem was opened in 2000 and is longer than its twin brother. It measures 6,367 metres in white, 5,903 metres in yellow and 4,805 metres in red. It also leads through the dense pine forest through the slightly hilly terrain, which is criss-crossed by six large lakes. 

PGA Aroeira No. 1 

Thanks to Details and its recent partnership with the PGA, the club has been given a new identity and a huge upgrade. Its renaming to PGA Aroeira Lisboa goes hand-in-hand with a massive investment in the golf and leisure activities of the course, which sets new standards in Portugal. The aim is to attract golfers from all over the world. The only PGA resort in Portugal now joins the illustrious circle of former Ryder Cup hosts such as Gleneagles in Scotland and The Belfry in England. 

The Pines Classic has become PGA Aroeira No.1. After just four months of remodeling, it was opened in October this year. All the fairways were turned upside down, the undergrowth and bushes under the pine trees were removed and the holes were reseeded with Bermuda grass.

This is closely in line with the club’s sustainability concept, which also includes the newly installed state-of-the-art irrigation system and drainage. Optimizing water usage is a key aspect of the club’s future direction.

Four new tee boxes on each fairway give the tees a new look. Some are arranged in a terraced pattern, others flat one behind the other. It has a length of 6,044 metres from the back white tees, 5,740 metres from the yellow tees and 5,186 metres from the red tees.

Impressive view from the back tee of the first tee (photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)

The green bunkers have been redesigned and filled with brilliant white sand. The greens are covered with Bent grass, they are fast and true.

The pine trees have been cut back without losing the character and charm of the originally designed course. The areas under and between the trees have been cleaned up, making it much easier to find balls in them. However, if you do get lost, in most cases you won’t have to accept losing your ball, just a recovery shot through the pine trees back onto the fairways.

Some holes are uphill, others downhill, others completely flat. Water also comes into play on some holes. 

Danger lurks on all sides (photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)

A special attraction is #17, a short par 4 that runs as a dogleg left. The tee shot must be played from the raised tee deep into the hollow, from where it continues uphill to the raised green.

Lay up or over the trees? (photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)

We enjoy the round and are pleased that we don’t end up in any fairway bunkers. No wonder, because a special feature of this course is that it doesn’t have a single one. This also contributes to the fact that the course can now be regarded as a typical resort course, to which one likes to return after a satisfactory score, just like us. Then the fairways, whose grass is currently still in the development phase, will certainly be cut shorter and allow more roll. 

The quaint, traditional clubhouse has a special charm. On entering the restaurant, the bright turquoise colour of the stylish bar catches our eye, as do the magnificent floor tiles and some vintage furniture. From its inviting terrace, we have a great view of the rising 18th fairway and its huge green (see photo left at the beginning of the article).

Lots of charm from the outside and inside (photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)

PGA Aroeira Nr.2

We are also looking forward to the remodeling of the Aroeira Challenge, which has already begun. It will be closed for a few months from May next year and be renamed PGA Aroeira No. 2. It will receive the same upgrade as its older twin brother. 

The challenges for the remodeling are not insignificant, as the course does not have the same sandy soil as No.1, but rather a ground that cannot absorb water as easily.

In sporting terms, it is the more challenging of the two courses, which is due to the narrower fairways as well as the numerous water hazards and fairway bunkers. The greens are already at a top level and are blazingly fast.

Surrounded by dense trees (photos Azalea)

The current state of maintenance cannot quite keep up with that of No.1, as all available capacity has been invested in its redesign. But this will change next year at the latest. Nevertheless, a round on this challenging course is always worthwhile. 

New villas and flats will be built on the premises as well as a new clubhouse, restaurant and café. It is pleasing to note that although the neighbouring buildings on both courses will be visually in play, they will not be disturbed at any time. Sufficient distance ensures this.

Pleasant Hotel

We are staying at the chic four-star Aroeira Lisbon Hotel, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the courses. It has 66 modern rooms and two suites. The spacious lobby with bar invites you to linger. From here, we look out through the large window front onto the pool in front of it.

Bright and friendly (photos Aroreira Lisbon Hotel and Juergen Linnenbuerger (right))

The hotel’s shuttle offers a free transfer to the nearby courses and driving range. The two courses currently share one. 

As part of the expansion, Details is planning to build a new hotel in this area. This is intended to meet the expected increase in demand. 

Attractive play and stay & play packages can be found here: https://pgaaroeira.com/

We leave this new Portuguese golf jewel satisfied and head south to Vilamoura in the Algarve. Here, Details is already working intensively on other projects and we are very excited to see how they progress. I will report on this shortly in part two of my experience report.

Juergen Linnenbuerger
Cologne, November 2024

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Travel

Strategic Challenges Await at Algarve’s Faldo Course Designed by Nick Faldo

(Image: Faldo Course)

The Faldo Course is located in Alcantarilha, in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is a premier golf destination known for its demanding layout and strategic challenges. This championship course, measuring 6578 meters with a par of 72, was designed by Nick Faldo, one of the sport’s prominent figures. The Faldo Course has gained significant accolades, including the title of Portugal’s Best Golf Course in 2016, awarded by the World Golf Awards.

Strategic Play and Scenic Challenges at Algarve’s Faldo Course

The course design emphasizes precision and strategic play, requiring golfers to carefully position their shots to achieve good results. The opening hole challenges players immediately with an uphill par 4, setting the tone for the round ahead. The first few holes weave through mature trees, presenting several “risk and reward” opportunities that test the decision-making skills of players. Particularly noteworthy is the massive par 5 thirteenth hole, which descends with the wind at the players’ backs, demanding consistent shot-making to reach the green successfully.

In addition to the course itself, the Faldo Course is part of the Amendoeira Golf Resort, which houses the Amendoeira Golf Academy. The academy offers a comprehensive array of training programmes catering to men, women, and juniors. These programmes are designed to meet the needs of all golfers, from beginners to amateurs, competitors, and touring professionals. This broad range of training options ensures that golfers of any age or ability level can find suitable instruction to improve their skills.

Interview with Faldo Course

In one sentence: What are you particularly proud of at your golf club?

The Faldo Course was designed by Nick Faldo and is special because it requires precise shots to achieve a good result.

Our golf course is particularly suitable for…

Strategic play. This 6,578-meter, par-72 championship course demands careful positioning to score well.

What makes your signature hole special?

The course opens with a challenging uphill par 4, immediately focusing the player on the challenges ahead. The opening holes play through mature trees, offering several “risk and reward” opportunities.

The quick insider tip for your golf course is:

Mastering the massive par-5 thirteenth hole, which descends with the wind behind, requires consistent shot-making all the way to the green.

What special offers (green fee bargains, discounted memberships, etc.) or training classes does your golf club offer?

The Amendoeira Golf Academy offers a wide variety of training programs to meet the needs of men, women, and juniors. These programs cater to every type of golfer, from beginners to amateurs, competitors, and touring professionals. Whatever your age or ability, there is a program for you.

Anything you would like to add?

The Faldo Course won the title of Portugal’s Best Golf Course in 2016, awarded by the World Golf Awards.

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Travel

Aroeira Challenge: A Diverse Course with Major Renovations Slated for 2025

The Aroeira Challenge Golf Course. (Image: Aroeira Challenge )
The Aroeira Challenge Golf Course. (Image: Aroeira Challenge )

The Aroeira Challenge is a golf course located in Charneca da Caparica, Portugal. Situated within a vast pine forest, this course is recognized for its diverse terrain and the variety it offers compared to its older sibling, the Aroeira Pines Classic.

Aroeira Challange – The Greens are not to mess with

The course design accommodates players of all levels and ages, featuring a range of tee options and five lakes that impact play on ten different holes. A distinctive element of the Aroeira Challenge is its large, undulating greens, which feature several levels. Among its holes, the 17th stands out as one of the most challenging. Measuring 430 meters with a par of four, this hole demands two quality shots to reach the green in regulation. The green itself is protected by a steep slope on the left and two bunkers on the right, emphasizing the need for precision. This makes the 17th hole the signature hole on the course, which was designed by Donald Steel.

Looking ahead, the Aroeira Challenge is slated for significant upgrades in 2025. Planned renovations include extensive work on the bunkers, tees, greens, course landscaping, and the irrigation system. These improvements aim to enhance the playing experience, ensuring that the course remains attractive and challenging for future players.

The combination of challenging holes, diverse terrain, and upcoming upgrades solidifies the Aroeira Challenge’s reputation as a noteworthy destination for golfers. The proactive approach to course maintenance and the commitment to improving player experience underscore its status in the golfing community.

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Aroeira Pines Classic: Premier Golf Near Lisbon Set for Major 2024 Renovation

The Aroeira Pines Classic Golf Course in Portugal. (Image: Azalea)
The Aroeira Pines Classic Golf Course in Portugal. (Image: Azalea)

The Aroeira Pines Classic is located in Charneca da Caparica, Portugal, approximately 30 minutes from Lisbon. Situated in a vast pine forest, this golf course is renowned for its picturesque setting. The landscape and layout have often drawn comparisons to the prestigious Wentworth Club in England, earning it the nickname ‘the Wentworth of Lisbon’ among golf specialists.

Updates in Aroeira Pines – New Bunkers, Tees and More are Waiting

The course caters to golfers of all abilities and ages through a variety of tee options. It is known for being relatively flat, which provides an easy and pleasant walking experience for players. One of its standout features is the 14th hole, a par-three spanning 120 meters. This particular hole was not part of the original course but was added during a 1982 renovation. It requires players to execute a precise tee shot over a lake onto a small putting surface, adding a challenging yet rewarding element to the game.

Aroeira Pines Classic is also undergoing significant upgrades from June to October 2024. These renovations include comprehensive improvements to the bunkers, tees, greens, and course landscaping. Additionally, the irrigation system will be enhanced. These changes aim to elevate the playing experience further, ensuring that the course remains one of Lisbon’s premier golfing destinations.

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Europe

Madeira: Palheiro Golf Club – The funky course

Palheiro Golf Club on Madeira offers some stunning views across the ocean and the island. (Photo: Golf Post)

The first time you are amazed is before you have even really arrived at the Palheiro Golf Club. From a height of 500 metres, you look down steep cliffs in front of the clubhouse to Funchal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago. Behind the clubhouse, you are immediately amazed again, because the course goes steep uphill to the first green. There are a few surprises in the course of the round. The 18-hole course cannot be pigeonholed.

There are too many very different holes for that. The fairways are mostly relatively wide, but on some of them the landing zones from the tee are still very small due to the slopes. On others, you can only guess where to hit without knowing the course. Wooden stakes do help with orientation, but if you keep your ball within sight with an iron off the tee, you are certainly not at a disadvantage compared to driving into the unknown. At least not on the first round at Palheiro Golf Club.

Many different challenges

With improved course knowledge, you can approach the par-72 course quite differently. The first time, however, you need to make smart decisions. The length of the course is not a difficulty for any skill level. But those who miss fairways or greens will run into problems. This is not least due to the nature of the terrain. Cliffs, steep slopes and deep valleys are just waiting for a ball to miss the target – even if it is only half a metre.

However, the Cabell B. Robinson design is never unfair. Rather, the challenge is to adapt to the ever-changing challenges. On one of the high plateaus it can be very windy, on the next hole you need a good feeling for the length of your shots for the height difference between tee and green. In some other places, strategically placed trees form the biggest obstacle. Some greens are surrounded by bunkers. You never know exactly what’s coming next. But even on the greens you are not safe. Partially heavily ondulated and difficult to read, the putting surface sells for as much as the rest of the course.

At the moment, one still looks in vain for a driving range at the Palheiro Golf Club. While a short game training facility and practice greens are already in place, the range is still under construction. In general, a lot is happening at the club in the south of Madeira. All greens were renovated during the Corona pandemic. The first roughs have already been changed to a more water-efficient type of grass. More are to follow to make the entire club even more sustainable. However, irrigation is already done exclusively with rainwater.

Palheiro Golf Club (Photo: Azalea Group)

Unconventional and a dream for the eye

Unconventional is probably the simplest description of the Palheiro Golf Club. In positive terms, you could call it varied. Those who don’t enjoy it would probably criticise the lack of a clear line in the layout. However, no one will complain about the wide views over the sea that open up again and again. The fantastic view down to Funchal is also offered in several places on the course. Thanks to the subtropical vegetation, for which Madeira is famous, you get a real holiday feeling. But since everything here has its contrast, you also play your way past the island’s prison in the course of the round.

The topography of the course almost “screams” for a cart, but the terrain can also be mastered with a trolley. Only those who are absolutely physically fit should carry their bag. If you opt for a buggy (45 euros), this will spare your muscles, but you should keep your concentration on the sometimes rutted cart paths.

Palheiro Golf Club (Photo: Azalea Group)

One of the most beautiful spots in Madeira

On the club’s terrace, you can enjoy the excellent cuisine and the view over Funchal and the sea. Mediterranean dishes “with an oriental touch” are served by the neighbouring Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro, which runs the restaurant. Fish and seafood here are fresh and regional. Around a dozen desserts sweeten the memory, especially the Pastéis de Nata, for which Portugal is world-famous, should not be missed. The club terrace is definitely one of the most beautiful spots in Madeira.

The clubs terrace and its stunning view across Funchal. (Photo: Azalea Group)

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Europe Travel

Madeira: The flower island becomes a golf island

Madeira offers not only a variety of colours but also three very different golf clubs. (Photos: Azalea Group (left/bottom); Golf Post (right))
Many golfers know that a golfing paradise lies off the west coast of Africa. Too few, however, know that Madeira is one of them. The archipelago, which lies about 500 kilometres north of the Canary Islands, is only just learning to understand itself as a golf destination. Yet the autonomous region of Portugal has no need to hide at all. The climate is pleasant all year round (although it can be hot in summer), the vegetation is impressive and with three golf courses there is enough variety for a golf holiday. Especially as each of the three clubs has its own characteristics. There are also hotels to suit every taste and standard. Tourists of other sports have been here for many years. Bikers, surfers and hikers have long since discovered the main island of Madeira for themselves. On the golf courses, on the other hand, there are still many free tee times. This is probably one of the reasons why you play more relaxed rounds at Palheiro Golf Club, Santo da Serra Golf or Porto Santo Golf on the neighbouring island than further south.

Fulfil all five senses

In terms of landscape and vegetation, a comparison with the Spanish neighbours is also obvious. And here, only the northern half of Gran Canaria comes close. On Madeira, “something” is always in bloom; it’s no coincidence that it’s also called the flower island. The rugged volcanic rocks that stretch like fans from the centre of the island to the coast are also covered with lush green vegetation in many places on the southern slopes. While it often rains in the north, from which the south of the island also benefits in a sustainable way thanks to the irrigation canals, the weather situation on the two golf courses in the west is usually very stable.

Santo de Serra Golf – The sporting flagship

Santo da Serra Golf is located directly above the airport, which bears the name of the island’s most famous son – Christiano Ronaldo. The 27-hole course with over 80 years of tradition is the sporting flagship. Between 1993 and 2008 and later from 2012 to 2015, the Madeira Island Open on the European Tour took place here. It is not only the tour players who enjoy the spectacular panoramas of the green slopes opposite, across deep valleys and the views of the open sea at Santo de Serra Golf. Of course, given the topographical conditions, there are certain differences in altitude to be overcome on the course. At the Palheiro Golf Club, only a few kilometres away, the slopes are much steeper. The holes of the Santo de Serra Golf Club, on the other hand, are relatively level. The large, open clubhouse is a great place to enjoy traditional Portuguese and Madeiran food and drinks after your round.

Palheiro Golf Club – The Unconventional One

The clubhouse terrace of the Palheiro Golf Club is also an absolute must when on holiday in Madeira. It is located around 500 metres above the city of Funchal and offers an unobstructed view of it. On the unconventionally designed par 72 course, you also have a breathtaking view of the capital of the archipelago at some points. On the course, however, it’s better to concentrate on the essentials due to many blind shots and partly rutted cart paths. If you play carefully and precisely on the not too long course, you will have a lot of fun. Sometimes wide, sometimes narrow, challenging greens, large differences in elevation – you are constantly confronted with changing tasks.

Porto Santo Golf Course – “Seves” Legacy

The course on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, designed by Severiano Ballesteros, is completely different. It is not situated on the slopes of the steep lava cliffs like the other two clubs, but at sea level at the foot of the surrounding mountains. The course stretches almost the entire length of the small island from the dunes in the south to the basalt cliffs in the north. Thus, the course also divides into very different halves. While the northern nine shows off the coastline and sea views, the southern loop of the Porto Santo Golf Club is reminiscent of American parkland golf. There are many water hazards in play here and long hitters usually have a considerable advantage. Porto Santo is wonderfully suited for a day trip. It takes only 20 minutes by plane from Madeira. But it’s also worth taking the ferry at least one way. A maritime dinner on the ship makes a wonderful end to the trip.

Hotels are ready for golfers

With the Madeira Golf Pass you can play three or five rounds on the three courses for a fixed price, which is much cheaper than booking a green fee each. The number of rounds you play on one of the courses is freely selectable. In the course of the expansion of golf tourism on Madeira, some hotels now also have a golf consierge available to assist with booking tee times and organising transfers. These hotels include the Galo Resort (5 stars), a spa and wellness hotel that claims to be climate neutral. The standard rooms are quite small, but the suites are all the larger. The location of the bar and restaurant, which are built directly on the steep cliffs, is outstanding. Here you can enjoy drinks and food with an unobstructed view of the ocean, whether indoors or on one of the terraces. The Galo Resort (Photo: Azalea Group)

Bright and colourful

Also right on the coast is the Melia Madeira Mare Resort (5 stars). Here, too, sea views are standard and the hotel is geared towards golfers. Even if the hotel has perhaps one star too many, you can spend relaxing hours here. In addition to golf, many holidaymakers oganise numerous other sporting activities. Both hotels are only about 15 minutes away from the island’s capital Funchal and thus invite you to make excursions to the coastal city. Besides the colourful flora, the brightly painted doors of many residential houses are a particular tourist magnet. One of the best places to get to know the extent of the island’s diverse vegetation is the Palheiro Garden, which borders directly on the golf course. The oldest trees have been here for almost 200 years. Thanks to the subtropical climate, there are different flowers to admire in every season. Palheiro Gardens (Photo: Azalea Group)