Penha Longa Review

The Algarve region of Portugal is understandably and justifiably one of the most decorated golfing regions in Continental Europe. It’s the perfect marriage of sport, leisure and culture in a locale that provides stunning year-round temperatures and some spectacular and inimitable backdrops. But whilst the Algarve continues to attract a significant percentage of foreign visitors, some might be surprised to learn that another area of this beautiful country is also rising majestically up the European golf tourism ladder.

The ‘Estoril Golf Coast’, an apt and pertinent label, is golf-centric stretch just a stone’s throw away from central Lisbon on the Atlantic coast. It’s home to 12 golf courses, ranging from tight, tree-strewn and tradition layouts to those offering spectacular views over the sea and surrounding landscapes. The likes of Quinta de Marinha and Oitavos Dunes – ranked 68th in the world by Golf Magazine – are situated in this area of the country, and whilst they are supreme layouts, Penha Longa has to be one of the most visually striking courses in Europe.

It’s a course that’s laid out through pine-scented forests on an area of land that rises and cascades over the undulating terrain. The are some truly outstanding holes here, a product of brilliant design, clever yet sparing use of water and spectacular hillside vistas. It’s a tough golf course that will punish errant driving, with a number of approaches played steeply uphill or downhill, but the overall feel of the place is serene and the scenery on show is nothing short of sensational. 

Front nine

The front nine has more parkland elements than the back side, and there is slightly more room off the tee. The prevailing wind often helps on this selection of holes, so it’s prudent to play slightly more aggressively if you’re swinging well. The first two holes are relatively short, tree-lined par 4s, but the course really swings into action from the third hole onwards. Indeed, the stretch from three to eight is absolutely magnificent.

The third hole is only a short par 4, but distance is incredibly hard to judge. You only need a fairway wood or hybrid from the tee to leave yourself in ideal position short of several fairway bunkers, but the hole swings sharply uphill with 150 yards to the green. You can only see the top of the pin from the fairway, so make sure you take enough club to carry a row of devilishly deep traps and series of bumpy mounds and hillocks. When you reach the green, you’ll find a staggering view of the surrounding tree-covered hillside, which is made even more eerily beautiful when it’s enveloped by drifting mist.

The first par 3 on the golf course is the fifth, which is played from elevated ground to a back-to-front sloping green that sits invitingly and significantly below the level of the tee. It’s a visually appealing hole, a statement that also applies the 6th – Penha Longa’s first par-5 and the signature hole on the course. Once again, the tee sits above the level of the fairway, which is protected by a series of bunkers down the right and thickish rough left. The short grass is relatively generous, but the second shot leaves much to ponder. The green is just about in range after a good drive, but it’s fraught with danger. A lake - which starts some 200 yards short of the green - runs all down the left, and tree-strewn terrain lurks right of the fairway. It’s a fantastic risk reward hole, and one where scores from three to double-figures are perfectly feasible.

Water is also a feature of the seventh hole, which can be reached by walking under a cobbled bridge that separates the sixth green from the seventh tee. Tee shots, played with a long iron or even a fairway wood, are hit across a lake, which will swallow any shots that are leaked even slightly right. It’s a daunting hole that exudes beauty and fear in equal measure, and, if it wasn’t for the arresting 15th, it would be comfortably the best short hole on the course.

Back nine

The back nine continues to impress and enthral, with a fantastic mixture of testing holes played over a variety of differing landscapes. From pond-infested par 3s to open, wind-affected par 5s and undulating, tree-framed par 4s, the back side at Penha Longa boasts some truly exceptional golf holes. In truth, they could all be singled out for an extended mention, but I’m going to focus on the 15th and 16th.

In my mind, the 15th has to be one of the most spectacular holes in Europe – partly due to the backdrop, and partly due to the hole itself. It’s 170 yards from the back tees and a fearsome test into the prevailing wind, especially with a large pond occupying most of the area between tee and green. Most will opt for more club than necessary to clear the expanse of water, but anything hit through the green will leave a tough downhill chip off a significant down slope towards a green that slopes away from you. It’s a brilliant hole made even more special by the mountainous, mist-infested backdrop and views of surrounding undulations.

You come off the 15th thinking it’s the piece de resistance, only be confronted by the 16th tee. This incredibly picturesque hole features a tree-lined fairway that sits steeply below the level of the driving area. You unleash a drive and watch your ball hang in the air for what seems like an inordinate amount of time, before falling against a stunning hilly backdrop. You’ll struggle to find your ball if you miss the fairway, and even if you are in the short grass, the approach is hugely challenging. The green – a tiny target in its own right - sits way above the level of the fairway, making club selection hugely difficult. Even if you make the right decision, only the very best long-iron or fairway wood approaches will hold the narrow green.

Penha Longa is a first-class golf course that’s characterised by diversity, variation impressive design and stunning natural beauty. It’s a wonderful all-round golfing experience and a course that I couldn’t recommend highly enough. Overall, I’d give it a rating of 8.5/10.