American Expats’ Favorite Golf Courses in Portugal
For American expats who love golf, Portugal is a paradise. It offers stunning courses, favorable weather, and a vibrant expat golf community. With classic and exciting new courses emerging, Portugal is perfect for golfers of all levels.
Here’s an updated look at the best golf courses across the country.
1. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club (Algarve)
Located in the Eastern Algarve, Monte Rei is widely regarded as Portugal’s premier golf course. This Jack Nicklaus Signature Course boasts impeccable greens, scenic rolling hills, and an exclusive, tranquil setting. The course remains uncrowded and is known for its high level of service and luxurious amenities, making it a favorite among expats seeking a top-tier golf experience.
Why Expats Love It: Monte Rei offers an intimate, luxurious golfing experience, world-class amenities, and a welcoming expat community.
Course Highlights: Monte Rei, stretching over 7,200 yards, features strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, creating a challenging test for all golfers. The elegant clubhouse and gourmet dining options add to the allure.
2. Quinta do Lago (Algarve)
Located in the Algarve’s “Golden Triangle,” Quinta do Lago is a renowned golf resort featuring three championship courses: North, South, and Laranjal. The South Course has hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times, while the North Course, redesigned by Paul McGinley, adds a modern touch. Quinta do Lago’s luxury resort amenities, high-end restaurants, and vibrant expat community make it a top choice.
Why Expats Love It: Quinta do Lago combines golf with a luxurious lifestyle, offering proximity to beaches, fine dining, and exclusive shopping.
Course Highlights: The South Course features water hazards and elevated greens, while the North Course is ideal for players seeking a fresh challenge. The Paul McGinley Golf Academy is perfect for expats looking to improve their game.
3. Penha Longa Golf Resort (Sintra)
Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Penha Longa is in the picturesque Sintra mountains. It offers two golf courses and a five-star resort experience. The Atlantic Championship Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is the resort’s highlight and has hosted international tournaments, including the Portuguese Open. Lush landscapes surround this course, and it is perfect for expats who love a peaceful yet challenging golfing experience.
Why Expats Love It: Close to Lisbon, Penha Longa offers a peaceful escape with luxury amenities, including a spa and fine dining options.
Course Highlights: The Atlantic Championship Course challenges players with its undulating fairways and breathtaking mountain views. The Monastery Course, a shorter 9-hole layout, is ideal for quick rounds.
4. Oitavos Dunes (Cascais)
Oitavos Dunes, located on the coast in Cascais, is one of Europe’s top-ranked courses. It is famous for its links-style layout and stunning ocean views. Designed by Arthur Hills, it’s a unique find in Southern Europe. The nearby town of Cascais offers a lively social scene, making this course especially popular with American expatriates.
Why Expats Love It: Oitavos Dunes provides a rare-link golfing experience with beautiful views. The lively town of Cascais offers restaurants, shops, and beachside relaxation nearby.
Course Highlights: Oitavos Dunes is known for its fast greens and the Atlantic winds, which add a unique challenge. The 9th and 10th holes, set along the cliffs, are among Portugal’s most scenic.
5. Vilamoura Golf Courses (Algarve)
Vilamoura is a golfer’s paradise, offering several courses, including The Old Course, Victoria Golf Course, and Millennium Course. Arnold Palmer’s Victoria Course is particularly popular and regularly hosts the Portugal Masters. The area’s vibrant marina, nightlife, and expat community make it ideal for golfers seeking sports and socialization.
Why Expats Love It: Vilamoura is a complete resort town with numerous golf courses, a lively social scene, and various restaurants, making it perfect for networking and meeting fellow expats.
Course Highlights: The Victoria Course is long and challenging, with deep bunkers and fast greens, while The Old Course is beloved for its classic layout amid pine trees.
6. Troia Golf (Setúbal Peninsula)
For those seeking a quieter, scenic experience, Troia Golf on the Setúbal Peninsula is a hidden gem. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this seaside links course is set against views of the Atlantic and Sado Estuary, offering a natural, tranquil experience. Narrow fairways and coastal winds make Troia a challenge suited for seasoned golfers.
Why Expats Love It: Away from tourist-heavy areas, Troia provides a serene and natural setting for golf, perfect for those who want a more intimate experience.
Course Highlights: The links layout features tight fairways and fast greens. The third hole, a challenging par-4, is one of the best in Portugal and requires precise shots.
7. West Cliffs Golf Links (Óbidos)
Opened in 2017, West Cliffs has quickly earned its reputation as a top course. Designed by Cynthia Dye, niece of legendary course architect Pete Dye, West Cliffs is a rugged, links-style course on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. It has become a favorite for those seeking natural beauty and a challenging round.
Why Expats Love It: West Cliffs offers an authentic links experience with stunning ocean views and a raw, natural aesthetic. Nearby Óbidos provides a charming historic town for expats who want a quieter lifestyle.
Course Highlights: West Cliffs is challenging for all skill levels. It features dramatic elevation changes, natural dunes, and strong winds. Each hole offers unique views and challenges.
New and Upcoming: The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta (Setúbal Peninsula)
Opened in 2023, The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta has already earned accolades, including being named the "World’s Best New Golf Course" at the 2023 World Golf Awards. Designed by David McLay-Kidd, this course is set among natural dunes and pine forests, providing a blend of scenic beauty and challenging play.
Why Expats Love It: The Dunas Course combines high standards of golf with scenic, natural beauty, catering to severe golfers and those who enjoy pristine landscapes.
Course Highlights: The design incorporates the natural landscape, with each hole flowing seamlessly. Its remote location offers an escape from crowded tourist areas.
Future Highlight: The Torre Course at Terras da Comporta (Setúbal Peninsula)
The Torre Course, designed by Ryder Cup legend Sergio Garcia and expected to open in 2025, is inspired by the challenging Valderrama course in Spain. It offers risk-and-reward holes, tight fairways, and small greens, appealing to golfers who appreciate precision and strategy.
Final Thoughts
Portugal remains a premier destination for American expat golfers, with courses that cater to diverse tastes and skill levels. Whether you’re drawn to the luxury of Monte Rei, the lively ambiance of Vilamoura, the rugged links of West Cliffs, or the pristine dunes of the new Comporta courses, Portugal offers something unique for every golfer. The combination of scenic landscapes, a mild climate, and an active expat community makes Portugal one of the top golf destinations in Europe.
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