Where to Stay: The Praia D'el Rey Resort
Praia D'El Rey golf course is situated just an hour away, to the north of Lisbon on the Costa de Prata, and is close to the walled medieval city of Obidos. This great location means it’s possible to enjoy Lisbon and Obidos, in addition to a few rounds of golf at the four courses in the area.
Golf in Portugal is renowned as a great destination, not only in Europe but the world, and is home to some fantastic golf courses. The Algarve region receives its fair share of attention but situated around the capital city of Lisbon, there are a number of tremendous golf courses available, one of which is Praia D'El Rey, which explains why more and more golfers are choosing Lisbon golf holidays in Portugal.
The 18-hole golf course was designed by American architect, Cabell B. Robinson and opened for play on the 14th June 1997. The course is a par-72, playing to a total of 7,100 yards, and was voted as being the third best golf course in Portugal, by World Golf Magazine in 2004, and by taking one look at the course, it becomes clear as to why. Robinson commented on how the natural land on the site was the type of landscape architects try to create and it’s obvious the Americans used it to its full advantage, with the layout he created. This course features in our Ultimate Guide to the Best 9 Holes of Golf in Portugal.
The course is like a mix between a parkland-style course and a links-style course, with the front nine offering the former and the back nine the latter. This in itself, provides a good challenge to visiting golfers and it can be like playing two, distinct sets of nine-hole golf.
There are large bunkers situated throughout the course and the Atlantic Ocean and nearby islands of Berlenga provide lovely views, especially through the back nine holes. Plenty of thought has gone into the design and location of the greens, which can be fast and elevated, making approach shots a challenge on every hole. The course begins by heading steadily uphill before moving downhill, towards the Atlantic coast. The front nine weaves in and out of pine trees and water come into play early on but the real fun begins from the 12th hole onwards, with the wind playing a part, providing a stern test of ability and great variety. Par-5’s, par-4’s, and par-3’s make up the holes between 12 and 16.
The fairways are always in great shape at Praia D'El Rey and the greens are good all year but especially so during the summer months. There is no better way to spend a golfing weekend than soaking up the sights of Lisbon and heading to Praia D'El Rey for a round of golf. The mix of holes is brilliant and it's little wonder those who play it, return time and time again one of the best golf courses in Lisbon.
