When it comes to golf Lisbon has always been a popular destination for tourists from the UK but it is now starting to really take off as a premier golfing holiday destination. The usual excuse for that is that the temperature isn’t as warm as it is in the Algarve but in fact its only 2 degrees colder on average and in the summer months it’s a much nicer climate to play in.
If the weather isn’t an issue, then it can only be a lack of knowledge of the area that is preventing golfers travelling. There are some fantastic golf courses to play on at very reasonable prices and there is no shortage of excellent accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets so there is every reason to make your next golfing holiday to Lisbon and the surrounding area.
The Top 10 Golf Courses in Lisbon:
- West Cliffs
- Praia D’El Rey
- Oitavos Dunes
- Troja Golf
- Royal Obidos
- Quinta Da Marinha
- Aroeira 1 & 2
- Penha Longa Golf
- Belas Golf Club
West Cliffs Golf Course at Praia D’El Rey
This is without destined to become one of Europe’s very top golf courses. Its hard to believe it has only recently opened as it sits in the landscape so naturally. It’s a wonderful piece of land to build a golf course on and the Architect Cynthia Dye has made the most of it. Virtually every hole offers views of the sea and each hole is a design masterpiece. Be aware though that from the very back tees there are some long carries but there are 5 tees to choose from and if you pick the right one you will have one of the best golfing experiences available in Europe.
- Par 72
- 7003 yards
- Opened 2017
- Designed by Cynthia Dye
Praia Del Rey on Lisbon’s Silver Coast
Praia D’El Rey is an interesting mixture of design styles that come together to make a wonderful golf course. The early holes are played through lush vegetation and pine forests and are in contrast to the back nine which has a more links like feel as the holes 12 to 15 run alongside the sea and the fairways wind through sand dunes. There are some spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean and its fair to make a comparison with the famous Pebble Beach course on this stretch of holes. There are so many good holes on this course that its hard to pick just one out it’s a must play course and a great golfing experience.
- Par 73
- 6734 yards
- Opened 1997
- Designed by Cabell. B Robinson
Oitavos Dunes, near Cascais
Oitavos Dune is a very good golf course and our opinion of it has increased every time we have played it. It’s an interesting links course that takes advantage of the natural terrain and has three distinct phases. The opening holes fairways are lined with large umbrella pines, the second phase sees the fairways winding through the dunes and there is an open area alongside the coastline. This course is definitely worth playing not just for the quality of the course but also for some of the spectacular views that are available from most of the holes
- Par 71
- 6968 yards
- Opened 2001
- Designed by Arthur Hills
Troia Golf
There are not many courses where you have to arrive by ferry but that’s not the only interesting thing about golf at Troia .Its setting is spectacular with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Estuary on the other and providing you select the appropriate tees to play from it’s a very enjoyable experience. Designed by Robert Trent Jones it has many of his trademarks with raised greens protected by bunkers, dog legs that wind through large pine trees and greens that need carefully reading. It hosted the Portuguese Open in 1983 and its definitely a course that requires thoughtful golf rather than sheer power.
- Par 72
- 6908 yards
- Opened in 1980
- Designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr
Royal Obidos
One of the last courses designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros and unlike some of his designs its very playable for golfers of all standards provided that you choose the right set of tees to play from. Water comes into play on at least twelve of the holes but the fairways are invitingly wide so you can get yourself into position to attack the greens. However as well as the water they are also protected by some severe bunkering and there are several risk and reward holes especially the par 5’s where you have to clear some bunkers short of the green if you fancy going for it in two.
- Par 72
- 7321 yards
- Opened in 2012
- Designed by Severiano Ballesteros
Quinta Da Marinha
One of the oldest courses in the area it has staged several professional tournaments and is another typical Trent Jones Snr design. It’s a very good quality Resort style golf course with several memorable holes. Indeed, the third hole overlooking the Atlantic Ocean was the poster hole for promoting golf in Portugal. The eighteenth is a cracker of a par 5 with two lakes on the left-hand side and close to the green that have to be avoided. Scenically it has views of the Atlantic on one side and the Sintra mountains on the other.
- Par 71
- 6419 yards
- Opened in 1990
- Designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr
Aroeira Golf Resort
Only 20 kms from Lisbon, Aroeira has two very good golf courses that are well worth a visit. The fact that Aroeira 1 it has staged the Portuguese Open on more than one occasion despite its relative shortness of length is testament to the design skills of Frank Pennick who has produced what is a very English style course.
Aroeira 2 is the longer of the two courses and unlike its sister course the trees are not the only hazard to avoid as here there are several strategically placed bunkers to avoid from the tee. Water is also prevalent as the five lakes come into play on at least nine holes. A classic design by the renowned architect Donald Steel.
Aroeira 1
- Par 72
- 6044 yards
- Opened in 1972
- Designed by Frank Pennick
Aroeira 2
- Par 72
- 6963 yards
- Opened in 2000
- Designed by Donald Steel
Penha Longa Golf
The Atlantico course has staged several professional tournaments and has never been overwhelmed by Europe’s leading professionals. Its set in a valley and the fairways wind up and down and there are several viewing points where you can see the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby coastal towns of Cascais and Estoril. When the wind blows it’s a tough test to keep the ball on the fairway and avoid the water hazards and lush vegetation and then the greens have some interesting undulations that have to be noted. There is also a nine-hole course at the Resort, again designed by Trent Jones Snr.
- Par 72
- 6878 yards
- Opened in 2000
- Designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr
Belas Golf Club
Probably not as well known as the other courses in the list, Belas deserves to be visited by more players as it’s a very good test of golf. Its an undulating track with the opening holes winding round a rocky outcrop with not much room if you miss the fairways. The later stages are a little different with more tree lined fairways and you need to be able to play from sidehill, uphill and downhill lies to hit greens that are either below you or elevated above you. Its an ideal course to play either coming from the airport or on your way home.
- Par 72
- 6680 yards
- Opened in 1997
- Designed by Rocky Roquemore
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