Troia Golf Course

This impressive golf course in Lisbon is another course designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr and was established in 1980.

One of the Top Golf Course in Europe

Rolex World's Top 1000 golf courses have ranked this golf course and were named one of the best golf courses in the world by Rolex in 2011. 

With that in mind, take the pleasant ferry crossing from Setubal, south of Lisbon and use the free shuttle service Troia Golf Resort provides. It's a great way to start a golf day in Lisbon at Troia.

This golf course presents one of the toughest challenges of golf in Portugal. Located on the Troia Peninsula, a sandy stretch of land, you cannot help but be fascinated by this golf course's layout when you first arrive.

As one would expect from Trent Jones Snr's design, there are raised tee boxes, elevated greens, and strong bunkering. Playing alongside the beach, the views are lovely, and the narrow fairways and small greens combine to make Troia Golf a great test of accuracy, both off the tee and in approach to the green.

Looking back at professional tournaments played here, Sam Torrance won the event in the 1983 Portuguese Open with a score of two under par after four rounds. He was the only player to finish the event under par, which underlines how challenging the course can be, and you should expect to be challenged, especially if the wind picks up. However, this should not put off anyone, whatever their golfing ability, as it's an enjoyable golf course.

Read our expert guide to the best golf courses in Lisbon

Our Guide to Troia Golf Course

The 1st hole will have your mind entirely focused on your golf as you look towards the water on the left and out of bounds area on the right side of the fairway. Accuracy off the tee is necessary if you score low on this opening hole. The 3rd hole, a par-4, is one of Trent Jones Snr's best, with natural sand waste areas defining the playing area nicely. To describe it here does it no justice at all, and it's one of those holes you must play to really appreciate its quality.

The par-5 7th hole requires excellent accuracy off the tee to set you up for an approach shot to a well-protected green. Most players are happy to walk away from the 7th with a par, and if you score any better, it's a moment to remember. The 18th hole is the perfect way to finish a round of golf at Troia, and you must plan your shots carefully to reach the green of this par-5 hole in regulation. It's a solid way to end the round, and you will feel you have been tested in terms of mentality and shot placement.

The modern-looking clubhouse is a great place to relax after a round of golf. There are an outside bistro area and tables to enjoy a well-deserved bite to eat and drink. Please make no mistake. Troia Golf Resort is a challenging place to play golf. Still, the course is one everyone can enjoy and walk away from knowing they have played one of the great Portuguese golf courses.