ESTORIL & CASCAIS GOLF COURSES
Including: Oitavos Dunes, Quinta da Marinha & Penha Longa.

On the sandy soils between Cascais and the Atlantic Ocean, Oitavos Dunes is a smouldering beauty, waiting on the rocky coastline like a Siren to passing golfers. Starting out with a couple of tight Fairways through the pines, the course soon reveals its true colours as it opens out amongst the low dunes under the blue skies. It then wends its way out along the coast to the furthest point near the beaches of Guincho before turning back for home past the (rather unsightly) hotel bordering the closing holes. The views along the way of coast and open Ocean are inspiring however, with nothing between you and the USA aprt from 3,000 miles of Atlantic, it's usually a little breezy! A thoroughbred amongst links courses that is undoubtedly one of the finest in Portugal, if not Europe. Clubhouse is a very modern affair all galss, decking and canvas that makes the most of the abundant sunlight.

Hand a tract of virgin bush (and a large budget) to Mr. Trent Jones and it is not surprising that he creates another visual delight and golfing masterpiece. Behind Cascais and Estoril the land rises up to the hilltop citadel of Sintra; Penha Longa lies on the first slopes of these hills (beside the motor racing ciruit) so the land here has plenty of relief. Mr. Trent Jones has used these elevation changes to great effect and has created some outstanding vistas from the Tees of neatly groomed fairways, bedizened with white sand in closely-cropped bunkers reaching towards distant rolling Greens.  Penha Longa is an absolute must even if you are not staying at the luxury hotel on-site. (Another must is a buggy for most!).

A Portuguese golf course designed in the classical style: dense rows of Parasol Pines and intricately shaped bunkers line every hole.  The front nine is the more building free, the back nine edges towards holiday homes with the occasional glimpse of the Atlantic through the pines. Around the course you will also encounter some generous water hazards and teasingly borrowed Greens that will keep you entertained.  A reasonably level course for walkers, although buggies are in good supply should you require it.  There is a hotel complex by the Clubhouse and another about half-way around so the course has a real holiday feel to many parts.

Belas has a blistering start with the first five holes swooping through wild open country of hills and untouched forest. After these the course takes on a more predictable and residential mantle as it enters an area with more houses around. Buildings never encroach to close to the course however so you will not be troubled by the residents!  Belas is sure to test your game with its demanding driving - length is not paramount off the Tee: position vital.  Quite a few long walks between Greens and Tees over hilly terrain, so please ask us to reserve buggies for you if you feel they may be required.

N.B.  Great value 36-hole day with Lisbon S.C. (right next door) available - including buggy!

Estoril is another member of the Portuguese 'Old School'.  A fine course that swoops through the pine, mimosa and eucalyptus clad hills just behind Estoril.  Twenty times host to the Portuguese Open, the course has seen its fair share of drama.   Although it is too short now for major events and sadly is split into two sections by a road (there is a bridge and the Club runs a free golf-taxi service to the far side). The Clubhouse is unchanged and staff are crisply attired in white tunics, so pleasingly Estoril retains most of its peaceful nature and olde worlde charm.

A very approachable course, where par-fours are always reachable in two and par-fives provide some birdie opportunities (allegedly!). Beloura is a fair course that twists and turns amongst brightly coloured houses that are never intrusive in your game; what is intrusive sadly, is the motorway flyover that now cuts right across the course.  That apart, Beloura provides a relaxed, well rounded game of golf.

A step back in time to the first Golf Club to be created in Portugal. As one might imagine, a course of this vintage is fairly short by today’s standards, but a great fun course, where the hills and valleys have dictated the layout of these fairly tightly-knit holes. The Members have added a few yards where they can, however we think it's more fun (and more interesting) to play it from its original Tees, maybe with a round across the road at Belas afterwards? Clubhouse is a wonderful old colonial affair and you are sure to enjoy your time on the balcony overlooking the action.

N.B.  Great value 36-hole day with Belas C.C. (right next door) available - including buggy!

Other courses to consider - see our Obidos and Setubalpages for details of:

Praia d'el Rey, Royal Obidos, West Cliffs, Troia, Ribagolf, Quinta do Peru and Aroeira.