Portugal

Portugal has seen a great deal of activity for us over recent years. More sites have been visited & layouts designed there than in any other country outside of England.

The courses at Vila Sol, Aroeira II, Campo Real & Santo Estêvão are those which have come to fruition so far but numerous other projects are in the pipeline, including some sites that are amongst the best to be found in the world.

8th Hole

Aroeira II, Caparica, Lisbon

April 2000 saw the President of Portugal officially open Aroeira II. The course complements the older Frank Pennink designed layout to give a wonderful 36 hole complex at this very attractive golf and residential community. The course lies very close to the coast and benefits from sandy soil as a result. Pine trees and lakes give the course a very mature feel. A hotel is planned at the centre of operation of the two courses.

Vila Sol, The Algarve

26th Hole

The original 18 holes at Vila Sol were designed by Donald Steel in 1990 and establishment was so successful that the Portuguese Open was held there in 1992 and 1993. Another nine holes opened in 2000 providing maximum flexibility with three loops of holes on beautifully undulating terrain with all of the holes framed by mature umbrella pines. The residential sales have been extremely successful and a 5 star hotel was opened in 2004.

Santo Estêvão, Benavente

18th Hole

The stately cork oaks of Portugal are, quite rightly, fiercely protected by law so it was imperative that the layout design of the course at Santo Estêvão, which is close to Lisbon, respected them completely. This was achieved and the oaks provide a wonderful frame for the entire course which was opened in 2004.

The finished result provides a vivid contrast between the green of the irrigated playing areas and the golden colours of the natural grasses in the rough. Lovely spring flowers add to the natural beauty. There is one huge lake which has been formed as part of the overall development making a beautiful backdrop for the 11th green.

Campo Real, Torres Vedras

General View

Campo Real is an extremely successful development forty minutes drive north of Lisbon. Houses and apartments look down onto the course from one side of the estate and a hotel operated by Westin is to be built next to the clubhouse. The layout makes the very best use of the rugged terrain with numerous spectacular shots to play as well as glorious vistas to behold.