116 - Estela Golf Club

Location: Estela, Portugal

Rating: 8.2

Golf is hard, is mentally challenging and very frustrating but I don’t think I’ve been so at ease with playing badly as I was here. Estela is set literally a stone’s throw from the beach and the soothing sounds of the ocean can be heard on every hole.

About a 45-minute drive north of Porto is this beauty of a course. In beautiful condition with narrow fairways, soft but quick greens and sandy run off areas it’s not a ridiculously tough course but with thick bush in all the right areas you have to be precise with your play.

The one 9 runs north up the course and then back down adjacent and slightly more inland and the back 9 runs south of the clubhouse and again back inland adjacent. The design maybe could offer a little more as the holes are relatively straight but in reality you’re probably just admiring the beauty of the surroundings and the calming sounds of the ocean crashing into the shores.

The nude beach running along the back 9 was quite the eye opener, made the round a little more entertaining, especially having to dash down to grab one of my errand drives.

If you’re in the area of Porto or north Portugal I would definitely recommend stopping by. I think the €65 is certainly worth it and the practice facilities are great, grass area to hit off on the driving range and nice chipping and putting greens.