121 - Penha Longa Atlantico Golf Course

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Rating: 8.0

I really believe this could be an incredibly good course. Definitely not saying the course was in bad condition, in general I thought it was relatively good but with a bit more effort put into the maintenance this place could be exceptional. The design is great, lots of very contrasting holes and the scenery is stunning with the hills and valleys in the backdrop of many greens and fairways. The course had a similar feel to Quinto do Peru but with a few more and more drastic changes in elevation. It is a very hilly course, it is quite a walk with elevated tees and greens so would probably recommend a buggy on a warm later morning/early afternoon round but going out first thing in the morning I just about missed it.

There are some stunning holes! When you turn around from the 3rd green the backdrop is something out of a movie. The 3rd is a dog leg left with an elevated tee down onto a twisting fairway with a steep rise to the green. The 5th is a steep downhill par 3 to a green surrounded by trees and bunkers. The 6th is a dog leg right par 5 with more stunning views and an old ruin comforting the green with water down the left hand side. I could go on…

The design is magical and the serenity of the course is wonderful and with a bit more attention to the finer details on the maintenance it could be a very special venue.

Other than the course itself, the practice facilities were good, there is a driving range hitting off the grass and a nice putting green in front of the clubhouse and at €63 a round it’s very good value for money!