There are twelve top notch golf courses examples in the Lisbon area offering lots of opportunities for teeing off. Many of the best ones are between Estoril and Sintra and late October or early November golfers arrive here in their droves for Estoril's International Golf Week.
The most famous course is at the upmarket Penha Longa Golf Club in a former monastic estate, designed by Robert Trent Jones and that has hosted the Portuguese Open. The par-5 6th is benign and seems easy, but beware of being short of the two-levelled and very fast green beyond the lake and before the ruins. On the back nine, like in almost every great golf course, the three last holes are excellent. The 16th, a long par 4 invites players to drive over a valley, this being followed by a rather hard shot, to an elevated green protected by a bunker at the front. The 17th is a 187-metre par 3 that requires great accuracy. Finally, the 18th is a par 5 with a birdie chance depending on the wind strength and direction.
Belas Golf Course 3rd - Belas/Sintra, photo by Estoril & Sintra Golf Coast
The Estoril Golf Club, right on the A5 motorway from Lisbon to Cascais, has 27 holes designed by McKenzie Ross. This also hosts the Portuguese Open and international competitions and Quinta de Marinha, just outside Cascais on the Guincho road, was also designed by Robert Trent Jones and is part of a holiday complex, featuring a driving range, six tennis courts and a hotel.
Lastly, another good option is Campo de Golfe de Belas, near Queluz-Belas train station, a Championship-standard golf course designed by William Rocky Roquemore.
More information: The Portuguese Golf Club
ATOP members: Classic Collection Holidays, Destination Portugal, Keytel International, Leisure Link Golf Holidays International
