Meet The Best New Golf Course in The World

What is the best golf course that you haven't played? You probably haven't thought of this place before, as it hasn't been around for long, but it might just be The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta.

The venue claimed three of the top international accolades at the 11th World Golf Awards, including the coveted honour of ‘World’s Best Golf Course’.

The par-71 layout near Lisbon enjoyed a night to remember when the winners were unveiled at the prize-giving ceremony in Madeira, with Terras da Comporta director of golf Rodrigo Ulrich on hand to collect the hat-trick of awards. 

In addition, The Dunas Course - golf architect David McLay-Kidd’s first golf design project in mainland Europe - was also named as ‘Europe’s Best Golf Course’ and ‘Europe’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’. The accolades come just 13 months after the layout officially opened to widespread acclaim in October 2023.

Rodrigo Ulrich, director of golf at Terras da Comporta, said: "We knew The Dunas Course was going to be something special and it’s incredible to see what we have achieved in such a short space of time, with people travelling from all over the world to play the course.

"The reaction and feedback that we receive from everyone that visits is amazing and the great thing is that The Dunas is only going to get better as it matures. It’s been a meteoric rise to the top and we couldn’t be any prouder to win three such prestigious awards."

Chris Frost, managing director of the World Golf Awards, said: "It’s very impressive for any golf course to win three awards and everyone at Terras da Comporta should be congratulated on their fine achievement.

"It’s rare for a golf course to make such a big impact in a short space of time as The Dunas has. It is the course that is on everyone’s lips at the moment and it already has a golf following all over the world."

Situated one hour south of Lisbon in a secluded setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, The Dunas Course - which measures 6,646 metres off the back tees - has been created over 84 hectares of natural, sandy terrain and has been built using the highest sustainable practices.

Owned by Vanguard Properties, Portugal’s largest real estate developer who took ownership of the development in 2019, The Dunas Course is the first of two 18-hole championship courses that will open at Terras da Comporta with the second, The Torre Course, designed by Sergio Garcia, set to be unveiled next summer.

Last year, Golfshake's Travel Editor Andy Waple played The Dunas Course and wrote in his review: "David McLay-Kidd’s creation at Dunas da Comporta is a true masterpiece that will soon cement its place at the pinnacle of Portuguese golf courses."

As well as two 18-hole golf courses, Terras da Comporta will boast a wide range of lifestyle and sporting facilities including tennis, padel, pickleball and horse riding. The development, which sits just one hour south of Lisbon, also includes an array of plots for hotels, tourist and residential condominiums.

For more information, please visit www.comporta.com/ or check out our travel partners Golfbreaks for the best deals and offers.