Golf Inspiration in Portugal…

We are often asked ‘what are the best golf courses in Portugal’ by our customers, so we have put together some of our team’s top picks. It is in no particular order and includes firm favourites as well as some new courses you may not have tried yet, so read on to discover some of the best golfing destinations in Portugal.

Situated in a secluded coastal setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, The Dunas Course is an 18-hole championship course at Terras da Comporta and is sure to be quickly recognised as one of the best courses in Portugal.

This brand-new course offers a choice of six tees available on each hole, and it’s the perfect place to play as part of a mixed group of handicap golfers on your golf holiday in Portugal and indeed, is already receiving some fantastic reviews and feedback. Whilst the par-3’s are a challenge, the par-5’s do provide a good opportunity to make your score back if you’re able to get your drive into position.

The 18-hole course which could easily be in the running for best course in the Algarve, meanders through the hills north of Loulé, it was built with nature in mind with as much of the natural surroundings untouched, which help to produce breathtaking views throughout the round of golf.

Ombria is an 18 Hole, Par 71 course that plays 6343 yards. The design of the course was made with accuracy being paramount, as the tight undulating fairways and strategic bunkers will give any level of golfer a few dilemmas over shot selection. It could be argued that the front and back nine have been swapped which you may notice when you play this course. 

Troia Golf Course is a really unique option for those visiting the Lisbon area, not only because of the course itself but the journey to this fascinating Peninsular which is an area of outstanding natural beauty just an hour south of Lisbon. Certainly considered as one of the best courses near Lisbon and designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr the course is an unusual mixture of links and parkland, with rows of magnificent pine trees bordered by sand.

Rough areas of wild plants are also off the fairway which naturally punish any wayward golf so the best thing is to keep your ball on the fairway or you’ll be playing from the wild dune areas. Water rarely comes into play, but the bunkers and the trouble off the fairway will keep your mind on the course and away from the views out to sea and across to the mountains.

The O’Connor Jnr Course was designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr, as the name suggests. Complementing the neighbouring Faldo Course, the course benefits from the fertile valley it is located in. This helps to promote the natural plant life that surrounds the course and maintenance of the course is very much designed to get the best out of the location.

Skilful landscaping has helped develop an expansive oasis-like setting with an abundance of mature palm trees sweeping throughout the course. As golf courses in Portugal go, these two courses don’t always spring to mind but they should be in your mind for your next golf break to Portugal.

All golfers are challenged by the various water features spread throughout the entire course, and  the tees are generally well connected to the fairways, but it’s the longer overall distance, water hazards and imposing greens that provide this course’s challenge.

As mentioned, The Faldo course neighbours The O’Connor Jnr Course, and again as the name would suggest, this course was designed by Nick Faldo with strategic play in mind.  This 6,604 metre par–72 championship course demands careful positioning to score well.

In a modern twist of a traditional recipe, cacti and wild herbs are the order of the day and desert scrub bunkers of crushed limestone make up this golf course that revels in the classic principles of strategic play. The Faldo is well worth considering for your next golf escape and a favourite amongst the team.

This is one for lovers of tough par-3’s, with 2 short holes of around 200 metres, the 8th and 16th, which are both over water to get the pulse rate up. With the Arrabida mountain range as a backdrop this can be a very underrated course but well worth playing in our opinion. This course is loved by low and high-handicappers alike and has a well-earned reputation for good maintenance, friendly staff and quality playing conditions.

Located on the south side of the River Tagus from Lisbon and is within comfortable driving distance of Lisbon and the Aroeira courses, Quinta do Peru has been designed for amateur players but also for the requirements of some professionals so it will give you a tough but fair test of your golf. This is a quality option for those looking for golf courses near Lisbon and a course you’ll enjoy but want to play again to right some wrongs.

The course is designed for the long hitter which is shown by the first three holes that presents a Par 5 of 473 metres, a Par 3 of 186 metres, and then a Par 4 of 368 metres so time to open up those shoulders and let rip.