Porto Santo - Madeira & Porto Santo - Portugal
Sítio das Marinhas,
Apartado 174,
Porto Santo,
Portugal
+351 291 983 778
Porto Santo Island - 25 miles NE of Madeira
Welcome - contact in advance
Mário Silva
Seve Ballesteros
Andrew Oliveira
Just a short hop by plane from Madeira, or a two-hour ferry crossing from Funchal, the capital of Madeira, lies Porto Santo. This is the smallest inhabited island in the Madeira Archipelago, but unlike Madeira, Porto Santo has a 9km golden sandy beach. The name literally means “blessed port” and we can see what the early Portuguese voyagers meant. Porto Santo is not just any old port in a storm.
Porto Santo is set to become a must-visit island because the flamboyant Spanish maestro Seve Ballesteros fashioned an exciting ocean-side golf course which quietly opened for play in 2004. With the backdrop of the beach and two extinct volcanoes, the fairways of the opening nine holes sweep past lakes and bunkers. The back nine is more dramatic, set high on the clifftops with the glistening Atlantic in full view. The trio of holes, 13, 14 and 15 are amongst the best ocean holes in all Europe where there’s more than a hint of Pebble Beach. A fun 9-hole par three course will provide an engaging warm-up ahead of Seve’s wonderful new Porto Santo layout. Play here before the word gets out. Course designer Seve Ballesteros commented: “It is a very natural course, an existing lake has been well-planned, to drain it and to prepare it to store the water coming from the water purifier. The course offers a great variety, with two different areas. The first nine holes and the area around the clubhouse are overlooking the beach; these characteristics bring the players closer to the most traditional style of the best American courses. A chain of small lakes communicated by cascades affects three strategic holes (3, 4 and the 5). The other part of the course is framed by cliffs that reminds of the British links with many spectacular aspects and unique to players. Holes 13, 14 and 15 are good examples and they flow near an oceanic cliff. Holes 10, 11 or the decisive 18 don’t go unnoticed with some water hazards. The characteristics of the golf course of Porto Santo are perfectly capable to be considered as one of the best in Europe.” |
Reviews for Porto Santo
Played here yesterday and was disappointed. No way this is number 14 in Portugal. Front nine could be anywhere and are boring. Course conditions, greens fine tees and fairways were mainly weeds or bare. Course comes alive in the back nine, with good holes 10,11 and 12. 13,14,15 on the cliff top are exhilarating with stunning views. The last 3 holes on too. I wouldn’t put you off going, you can get a great deal with a day cruise from Funchal, but don’t expect too much
Respond to above review
Was this review helpful?
0 people found this review helpful
See other reviews from David Row
I played the course last week based on the reviews on here and it didn't disappoint. The fact it was designed by Seve is posted everywhere at the course and his name is on a hill is the first thing you see as you walk out of the club house. The front 9 is typical American style golf. Massive greens and lots of water. The 3rd hole is the pick of the front 9 for me. The back 9 is where the course really comes alive with holes 10,11,13,14 (arguably the most stunning hole I've ever played) 15 and 18 could easily grace almost any course in the world. If you are visiting Porto Santo it's a must play for any golfer
Respond to above review
Was this review helpful?
0 people found this review helpful
See other reviews from Liam Albert
Respond to above review
Was this review helpful?
1 person found this review helpful
See other reviews from m reed
Respond to above review
Was this review helpful?
0 people found this review helpful
See other reviews from Richard Sims