PENHA LONGA GOLF CLUB
Where is it? 25km west of Lisbon.
What's it like? This is a tough course with roller coaster fairways, elevated greens and great views over mountains and the sea. The test is intensified by the prevailing westerly wind or by racing cars whining their way around the adjacent test track. Robert Trent Jones Junior created 27 holes: the 18-hole Atlantic course regularly hosts PGA European Tour events, while the nine-hole Monastery parkland layout caters for less ambitious players. For convenience, stay on site in the 159-room Caesar Park Penha Longa.
Address: Penha Longa Golf Club, Estrada da Lagoa Azul, Linho, 2714-511 Sintra.
Contact: tel +351 21 924 9011,www.penhalonga.com.
Price: €82 weekdays, €105 weekends/holidays.
Can I rent clubs? Yes, Calloways (€45).
Club hours: 0730-1900 (winter), 2100 (summer)
Minimum handicap: 28 (men and women). Certificate may be required.
Facilities: 18-hole Atlantic course, par 72, 6290m, plus nine-hole Monastery course, driving range and practice area.
After golf: A new restaurant serves Portuguese cuisine, and a bar with terrace opens this year.
BELAS GOLF CLUB
Where is it? 18km west of Lisbon.
What's it like? A favourite among locals, Belas is set in rolling countryside with fine views of the Sintra Mountains. On contrasting front and
back nines, the challenges range from subtly sloping greens that demand accurate approach shots over large stretches of water, to massive
par fives that require Tiger Woods-style tee shots. The historic Pousada at Queluz, 8km away, makes an excellent base, not least for the
chance to visit its bizarre rococo castle set among haunting gardens.
Address: Belas Clube de Campo, Alameda do Aqueduto, 2605-199 Belas.
Contact: tel +351 21 962 6640,www.belasgolf.com.
Price: €75 weekdays, €86 weekends and public holidays.
Can I rent clubs? Yes, €30.
Club hours: 0730-2000.
Minimum handicap: 28 (men), 36 (women). Certificate required.
Facilities: 18-hole course, par 72, 6380m, plus driving range and practice area.
After golf: The clubhouse has a restaurant (open 0730-2000), with bar and terrace.
OITAVOS GOLF
Where is it? 26km west of Lisbon
What's it like? Opened in 2001, Oitavos is the newest and most expensive course in the area, on a prime site between the rolling Atlantic and the Sintra Mountains, with spectacular views of both. As it lies within the Sintra-Cascais National Park, building is strictly limited. American architect Arthur Hills has made good use of sand dunes and stands of pine to create an interesting challenge without excessive artifice. The water hazards are ditches rather than lakes, but in such an exposed spot the wind often has a card-spoiling role. Average players take note: even in benign conditions, Oitavos is tougher than it looks.
Address: Casa da Quinta, 25-Quinta da Marinha, 2750-15, Cascais.
Contact: tel +351 21 486 0600;www.quintadamarinha-oitavosgolfe.pt.
Price: €150.
Can I rent clubs? Yes, €20.
Club hours: 0800-2000.
Minimum handicap: 28 (men), 36 (women), certificate not usually requested.
Facilities: 18-hole course, par 71, 6379m, plus driving range and practice area.
After golf: The contemporary minimalist clubhouse has a restaurant serving international cuisine (1200-2000), plus a bar and terrace.
TROIA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE
Where is it? 42km south of Lisbon.
What's it like? Robert Trent Jones Senior's 1981 design takes full advantage of a dramatic peninsula to create a genuine links course in a natural setting. With stretches of sand, maritime pines and indigenous plants guarding small greens, tight fairways and deep bunkers, Troia takes few prisoners — even among expert golfers. The course has suffered from an inadequate irrigation system exacerbated by poor green keeping and maintenance, but steps are now being taken to improve the situation. It is also less accessible than its rivals in the Lisbon area, but it's well worth the detour.
Address: Complexo Turistico de Troia, 7570-789 Carvalhal, Grandola.
Contact: tel +351 265 494 112,www.troiagolf.com.
Price: €59 weekdays, €71 weekends and public holidays.
Can I rent clubs? Yes. €27 for 18 holes, €18.50 for nine holes.
Club hours: 0800-2000.
Minimum handicap: 28 (men), 36 (women).
Facilities: 18-hole course, par 72, 6320m, plus driving range and practice area.
After golf: The clubhouse has a restaurant and bar open 0800-2000.
ESTORIL
Where is it? 20km west of Lisbon.
What's it like? Compared with newer rivals, Estoril is short, but that doesn't mean it's not dangerous to know. The 18-hole course built by McKenzie Jones in 1945 put Lisbon golf on the map by hosting several Portuguese Opens. In wonderfully peaceful surroundings, it is easy to travel back in time to the days when European royalty strutted their stuff on impeccably prepared fairways cut from mature forest. Today it is run mostly for people staying in the handsomely luxurious Hotel Palacio in the heart of Estoril, though non-guests are welcome on weekdays.
Address: Avenida da Republica, Estoril.
Contact: tel +351 21 464 8000,www.hotel-estoril-palacio.pt.
Price: Hotel guests, March-July, €25 weekdays, €30 weekends and public holidays, August free; non-residents €56, Monday-Friday only.
Can I rent clubs? Yes, €15.
Club hours: 0730-2100.
Minimum handicap: 36 recommended (certificate not required).
Facilities: 18-hole course, par 69, 5313m, plus nine-hole Sol course and practice area. Stay in the 160-room luxury hotel with pool.
After golf: Attractive traditional clubhouse, with restaurant (lunch 1300-1500, dinner 1930-2200), plus bar and terrace.
