Penha Longa Spa and Golf Resort re-launches Golf Courses

Sintra, Portugal, 15 July 2009 – Following a €2 million investment program, Penha Longa Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort is proud to unveil two newly renovated golf courses. All 27 holes—the 18 hole, par 72 championship course Atlantico and the nine-hole, par 35 Monastery course—offer unparalleled golf experiences in the serene and lush environment of the Serra da Sintra, just 30 minutes from Lisbon.

 

The renovation also included the preservation of the natural beauty, the protection of wildlife habitat and a sustainable water and resource conservation management. Penha Longa’s efforts  to obtain sanctuary status on its courses has just been recognized for Environmental Stewardship by Audubon International. Penha Longa is the 1st course in Portugal and the 711th in the world to receive the honor to be a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary".

 

"Penha Longa has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property," said Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Programs. "To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas," explained Sluiter. These categories include: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management.

 

Designed by Robert Trend Jones, Jr., the drainage and irrigation systems of both courses have been improved, using new technology and a more eco-friendly use of valuable water resources, including a computer-controlled sprinkler system, allowing the immediate adaption of actual wind and water need conditions.

 

All tees and greens underwent a full ventilation, environmentally friendly fertilization and top dressing to improve the root growth, overall quality of the plant, and the general condition of the surfaces.  All bunkers were reshaped to increase protection from wind and water erosion, equipped with new white silica sand, and a more Floridian-style design has been adopted so the bunkers’ aesthetic appeal enhances the overall presentation of the golf courses thus providing maximum playability.

 

In an effort to improve the length of the course, new tees were added to the nine-hole Monastery course thus allowing golfers to explore the historical and palatial buildings of Penha Longa. Lakes play a major role in golf course design; they may be hazards for golfers and make a course more challenging. However, they also serve as water reservoirs which add to the landscaping while blending in harmoniously to the course. Thus, a new lake has been crafted on the Monastery course.

 

The new Faldo Academy will cater to new and existing golfers to develop and improve their golf skills. The academy includes a practice facility, indoor teaching school, driving range, and short game area.

 

The first phase of the 12 month-long renovation marked the summer 2008 opening of the Golf House’s new Arola restaurant by Spanish Master Chef Sergi Arola. It is the second partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company following the success of his eponymous Arola at the Hotel Arts, Barcelona. The venture brings a new level of culinary delights, design and ambience to the Sintra region. Innovative, fashionable and defiantly cool, Arola is a relaxed and stylish restaurant featuring unobstructed views onto the greens of Atlantico while enjoying the soothing music by the resident DJ during the summer months. The menu offers a creative and contemporary twist to Portuguese cuisine, mixing tradition and heritage with the chef’s inimitable modern approach.