There aren't too many golf holiday destinations that allow you to sample the delights of a richly historical capital city as well as a diversity of golf second to none. Lisbon is one of them.......
Often rated behind its sibling, the Algarve, Lisbon offers so much to the golfer. Like so many European capital cities, Lisbon has its roots touched by the Roman Empire, but much of its traditions and architecture is influenced by the later arrival of the Moors.
From a golfing perspective the region can be loosely split in two. Noth Lisbon & the Estoril Coast and south Lisbon.
My first port of call was to the stunning course at Oitavos Dunes in Quinta Da Marinha, a small and affluent area of Cacais
Arthur Hills designed the course, which has risen to one of the most popular tracks on the European Tour rosta, and his name should tell you most of what you need to know about Oitavos Dunes. Hills' design awards are legendary in the US, and the fact that he was tempted to over the Atlantic for the project suggests he fell in love with this corner of Western Europe.
The course feels linksy and with wind a daily factor, its a challenging test. All the Par 3's are stunning, the third being a typical links par 3. The stroke index 1 Par 4 6th is a brute in to the prevailing wind. The flyover course guide does not demonstrate how tough the 14th is in to the wind, with the Pro's often hitting 1 Iron's in to the green - one of the best 3's in the world.
The clubhouse is beautiful and is brilliantly designed to ensure shelter out side from whichever way the wind is blowing.
All in all, Oitavos Dunes is one of the finest golf courses in Europe, let alone in Portugal and with around 16,000 green fees played per annum its not crammed with players, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views, fast greens and challenge that is Oitavos.
1 comment:
Golf Holidays in Estoril is beautiful and is brilliantly designed to ensure shelter out side from whichever way the wind is blowing.
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