Bom Sucesso - Lisbon & Centre - Portugal

We stumbled across Bom Successor by accident when we were fogged off at Praia d'el Rey recently. The first impressions were not great as the only hole visible when driving in was the scruffy and bland par 3 , 10th hole.

We persevered and were very glad we did. Once past the ordinary opening hole the course just got better and better. It's tough but also surprisingly captivating in parts. Great mixture of holes - from big par 4s of 450 yards plus to an almost drivable 4. Although the greens did not look great, they putted well and were smooth.

The par 3s are strong with anything from 5 irons to rescues off the backs.

The best hole is the par 5, 17th which is a classic risk and reward design but also beautiful. The finishing hole (par 4 of 440 yards) is just nuts and possibly too tough with a 100 foot drop to the fairway which left circa 200 yards in over 2 streams before the green.

In summary, a really decent track which compliments a strong cohort in the area.

A decent course that is very strong in places. A ‘get you away’ opening hole is followed by a very strong par-5, downhill, moving right with water butting up to the green on the right; this lake is then carried to the par-3 3rd. The 4th is the second par-5 and not as good as the 2nd; fairly long (up to 595 yards) but very straight and although there are nine bunkers on the hole, the fairway is wide enough to plot away from them. The par-3 5th is very nice, mature trees all of the way to the green on the left; this hole can be described as a target hole as there is no run-up option. The next holes and the 6th and 7th are not that inspiring to me; a couple of tough holes yes but with wide fairways and no-where near enough protection at either green, left me a little under-whelmed. Interest levels back up at the 8th; a 300 yard par-4 turning right but with a fairway sloping left gives a lot to think about off of the tee. A pretty par-3 opens the back 9 but the par-4 11th is another in the un-inspiring category. The 12th is a favourite of mine; a par-4 just under 400 yards, water to the right with the hole turning left to an off-set green – a very clever design, getting the player thinking the whole way. The 16th is an uphill par-4 at only 300 yards but the uphill element is not very flattering on drive-length! Some may say that the final two holes at Bom Sucesso are worth the green-fee alone. The 17th tee is the best photo opportunity as it is the highest point and has stunning views – the hole is a par-5 that is a massive dog-leg, around 400 yards straight and then turning left and downhill 180 yards and there is the green. All the way to the hole, you are moving downhill and with a hint of right to left it is unlikely that you will have a flat lie for your tricky approach lay-up. The 18th is a conundrum – the elevated tee is a very nice place to be, inviting a big last drive – watch out though as the stream at around 300 yards awaits and it is in range to those who normally hit around 250 yards. The stream needs crossing for a second time just short of the green, making this an absolute beast of a final hole – two pars at 17 and 18 and the first drink at the clubhouse terrace above, will taste so sweet. Quick note for the greens…. very good indeed, fast and true. Off-course, the spec and variety of the accommodation here is very high and would be my choice for the best golfing base to explore the region.

On our vacation we played the 3 courses on the portuguese silver coast (Royal Obidos, Praia del Rey and Bom Sucesso) Bom Sucesso surprised with a very fair but still hard golf challenge. Long demanding holes alternate with great shorter even driveable Par 4. Especially for higher HCPer this is the most fun course to play at the silver coast. In addition the impressive last 3 holes leave a majestic impression for the beer in the clubhouse watching the other flights coming in on 18. Bom Sucesso is a great course and adds a fun and great layout to the great coastline views in Praia del Rey and the hardest golf challenge in Royal Obidos. Makes the Region a great place to enjoy a golf break out.