Lisbon is becoming a real hotbed for golf and the "main stream" golfers head to either south of Lisbon or Westerly to the Cascais and Estoril coast. However if, after negotiating the life-threatening Lisbon airport roundabout, you find you way over the amazing Vasco De Gama bridge you cn close in on one of the best kept secrets in Portugal.
Ribagolfe is situated about 40 minutes from the centre of Lisbon, close the small provinical town of Santo Estevao. The area is, in truth, fairly non-descript. But that is changing.
The "resort" boasts two very good golf courses, and dont be put off by the current (2009) infrastructure. The clubhouse is a not very glorified restuarant, and you're transported a couple of miles to the first tee. Arriving on the first tee, you may be forgiven for feeling a little let down.
The "resort" was due to have low density property development alongside a state of the art Clubhouse and facilities. Legal wrangles, however, have put paid to that. Development on the "resort" has only just commenced. However, the golf courses are well established and may yet tank the legal wrangles that have allowed it to mature well and develop some of the best greens to be played upon in Europe.
The Ribagolfe I Course is from Peter Townsend and European Golf Design and is set amongst the beautiful corks. Its feature is its greens. Wide and undulating in places - true and fast all over.
The second hole is a tempting par 5, drive to the top of the hill and a narrowing fairway, and the dogleg opens up to the right with raised green and two bunkers welcoming the big hitters. the 7th, a strong par 4 of 450 yards, brings you in sight of the first water - a natural lake running alongisde the fairway.
The 12th is a fabulous par 5, short enough to entice the big hitters and be playable for the average handicapper. The two tiered green is well protected by a lake and huge bunker.
The 14th is a great little par 4 with a stream running through it, tempting for the long drivers, but with enough hazards for errant irons off the tee. This hole is backed up with the terrific par 3 15th, aqua surrounded and a massive green.
Ribagolfe II lies alonside the formidable first course, and presents a shorter and slightly lesser test. The fairways are more forgiving, and at 6,846 yards, the course is considerably shorter than its neighbour, but the array of lakes and pot bunkers makes it extremely interesting.
Designed by Michael King, it is another European Golf Design production
Carved through beautiful groves of cork oak trees, Ribagolfe's second course is a real pleasure to play during a golf holiday in the Lisbon area of Portugal.
