Penha Longa Golf & Resort -Portugal
History of the Course: The Penha Longa Golf & Resort is situated at the southern foothills of the scenic Sintra Mountain range, near the Estoril coast, in the Estrada da Lagoa Azul region of Linhó, close to Lisbon, Portugal.
The Penha Longa Golf & Resort consists of two beautiful golf courses- the magnificent 18-hole championship Atlantico Course, and the charming 9-hole Mosteiro course. Both these excellent courses are subtly crafted through the valleys amidst the hilly, wooded lush-green equatorial region and mixed parkland terrain, surrounded with groves of oaks and pines.
The 18-hole Atlantico (or Atlantic) course, named such for its breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean, was designed by world renowned golf architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1992. The 6,290 metres, par 72, championship Atlantic course winds its way through the gentle hills, passing through woodland settings on a rigid hilly terrain. The well-manicured course's layout consists of lush rolling quick greens, beautifully contoured to add to the difficulty; vast tree-lined fairways dotted with strategically positioned, Trent Jones's exclusive bunkering; slopes and rocky outcrops; small lakes and marshy ponds forming the numerous water hazards; strong winds, while shrubs and natural vegetation account for the beauty of the landscape.
Overall, the course is offers a challenging dual of golfing skills and mental patience, providing a unique golf experience at this championship venue.
The 9-hole Mosteiro (or Monastery) Course, named due to its layout surrounding the centuries old Monastery, was also designed by Trent Jones II in 1995. The 2,588 metres, par 35, course has a layout similar to the Atlantico course, and is an excellent course to quench one's golfing passion and test one's skills. Together, both these courses have made the Penha Longa Golf Resort, one of Continental Europe's finest resort courses.
The grand clubhouse of the Penha Longa Golf & Resort offers various services including restaurants, bars, changing rooms, sauna, as well as luxurious accommodations and golf facilities like pro-shop and practice ranges.
The enchanting views of the mystical hills with the historical green valleys below, makes it a perfect and memorable golf outing amidst the tranquil natural surroundings.
Course Trivia:
- The Penha Longa Golf & Resort is part of the beautiful Sintra Cascais National Park which is a nature reserve as well as the location being a relevant historical site, filled with ancient churches and monastries, and famous also for the Estoril Race circuit.
- The Penha Longa Golf & Resort has hosted numerous golf tournaments including amateur and major championship events like the prestigious Portuguese Open-PGA European Tour (1994 & 1995); the1996 Lufthansa International Golf Cup; the 1997 Estoril Challenge; the 1997 BMW World Final; the Lexus Cup - European Final 1998 and the 1999 Estoril Open.
- The Course record at the Penha Longa Golf & Resort is a score of 64, held by many golfers namely-Philip Price (1994, Portuguese Open) and Antoine Lebouc (1997, Estoril Challenge).
- Amongst the famous holes at the Penha Longa Golf & Resort is its toughest long par4- 16 th hole that requires a long drive through the valley to reach an uphill narrow green. Its signature hole however, is the par-5 6 th hole with a lake framing its green, with the ruins of the medieval wall forming a backdrop to the historic course.
