Aroeira 2 - Lisbon & Centre - Portugal

Aroeira Golf Resort is a 900-acre paradise for golfers and non-golfers alike. It's situated on the Setubal Peninsula within a glorious preservation area. Lisbon is a mere 20 kilometres to the north, so naturally Aroeira benefits from a temperate microclimate that allows all-year-round golf, which is fortunate as the resort boasts two top quality golf courses.

Aroeira I was designed by Frank Pennink, the master behind the classic Vilamoura Old course. Opened for play in 1973, the course measures 6,122 metres and is a traditional par 72 layout. Aroeira I was an immediate hit and was soon being described as the “Wentworth of Lisbon” by the British press as the course winds its way through a dense pine forest. The course hosted the 1996 and 1997 Portuguese Opens.

Aroeira II was only opened in April 2000, but already this Donald Steel creation is highly regarded. The course is a par 72 measuring 6,401 metres and was built to European Tour recommendation standards. Steel used Penn A2 grass on the greens, which can be cut to a height of only 2mm, the 1st course in Portugal to do so. Like Aroeira I, Aroeira II is superbly crafted through heavily wooded, gently undulating terrain. However, unlike its stable mate, Aroeira II also boasts six large lakes around which many of the holes are routed.

The holes are long and cleverly shaped using the natural contours of the land and some of the bunkers have a Scottish pot bunker style. The greens are large and slick. Avoiding the trees, sand and water will be a constant battle. Golfers of all standards should enjoy the course but to play to handicap here is a feat not many will achieve.

May be worth giving the Algarve a miss this summer and take a trip to Lisbon and the surrounding area, the sun still shines and the food just as delicious. Better still though, the courses are quieter and cheaper and you certainly won’t be disappointed, especially if Aroeira is on your itinerary.