By Dave Finn as published in the December issue of Golf Central Magazine
World Renowned Surfing in Peniche at Baleal Beach
If you are looking for perfect year round weather, delicious food, incredible wines, and an inexpensive winter getaway, look no further than Centro Portugal. Also known as the ‘Silver Coast of Portugal’, it is most famous for having some of the best surfing beaches in the world and more than a few excellent courses to test your game. Here are my favourite three:
Praia d’el Rey
Probably the most visually appealing of the seven courses I played, Praia D’El Rey Golf Course is a perennial favourite for visitors, and it’s less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon. The layout combines wide-open ocean links and tight, well-forested parkland style. In fact, over half the holes are either on the ocean or have magnificent sea views.
There are few fairway bunkers to contend with, and while I found the rough cut short, wander even a bit further astray, there is deep fescue, making it difficult to find your errant shots.
West Cliffs – 10th Hole
West Cliffs Golf Links is only 3kms away and one of the most anticipated courses I have had the privilege to play. It is currently ranked #2 in Portugal and was designed by Cynthia Dye, the niece of legendary architect Pete Dye. If she is anything like this course, I would say she is feisty and mischievous with a great sense of humour, but it takes you a little time to get to know her.
Most holes have forced carries over no man’s land, and the enormous greens have crazy undulations. This course is not for the faint of heart, so expect to lose a few balls along the way. I highly suggest you check your ego at the door and play from a more forward tee block to get the most enjoyment from your round.
Public tee times for either course range from US$125 to $180 + $50 for a shared power cart.
Royal Óbidos 18th Green
For good reason, Royal Óbidos has been host to The Portugal Open, part of the European Challenge Tour, since September 2020. Step into the clubhouse, and you’ll immediately come face-to-face with the fighting spirit of legendary, five-time Major Champion Seve Ballesteros and know you are in for a memorable encounter. Ballesteros designed this modern resort-style layout to take full advantage of the property’s proximity to the sea. The par-4s are long, the par-5s are very strategic, and the par-3s are incredibly challenging. I can guarantee that this course will test every club in your bag. Ballesteros imagined a tough but fair course, but even though he died before work on the course was completed, his vision lives on. Public green fees range from US$100 to $150 + $50 for a shared cart.
Royal Óbidos
Portugal remains one of Western Europe’s least expensive travel destinations, but it is still rich in history, culture, and local hospitality. All three courses are within striking distance of each other and offer affordable Stay’N’Play packages in 5* accommodations.
To read the entire Volume 35 Issue 9 of Central Golf Magazine click here:
Golf Central Magazine – Portugal pages 32-33
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