Hendrik

Pine Cliffs is a special course, it's beautiful, well laid out and well maintained. It sits on a cliff and you can hear, see and smell the sea. The holes are challenging and while PC is not the longest course, often you have to contend with narrow landing zones for your drive. You can hit driver on all par 4s if you want or lay back. The par 3s are varied with some tricky green complexes (especially the 4th) and guarded by bunkers (2nd). The 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th are strong holes which are a joy to play. The 8th is drivable but well protected by bunkers.I could easily play this every day and not get bored. If you get out early, you can easily get around in 90 minutes but it does get busy at times.

Castle Stuart is a wonderful 'modern' links course with fantastic views over the Moray Firth back to (or out of) Inverness and over towards the Black Isle. Upon driving onto the property, you can only see very little of the course and even at the starter's hut, there's not much to see (except for the huge putting green). So the senses (and the suspense) are heightened when you turn the corner towards the first tee. Welcome to the Castle Stuart experience...standing on the first tee you wonder what shot to play but actually the fairway is a bit wider than it looks. It's a tough start nonetheless, especially into the prevailing (?) wind that is often 2-3 clubs. The second and third also play into that direction before the courses turns around and snakes back and forth until the 9th which brings you back to the starter's hut. 10 & 11 are incredible holes ('all world' for me), a short par 4 and a short par 3 but that doesn't mean they're easy at all. The green complexes are quite challenging. 12 then takes you up the hill before the steep walk to 13 and the holes higher on the cliff. 16, 17 and 18 give you a great closing loop, again with a short (and reachable) par 4 but a stout par 3 and a par 5 to finish that I think only the longest hitters can go for in two.I had the great fortune of playing Castle Stuart over 4-5 consecutive days and the more I played it, the more I liked it. This is a playable course (pick the right tees) on which all levels can score well and enjoy the game. The team at Castle Stuart (Jeremy, Ebbie, Carly and all the others) is fantastic and go out of their way to make your stay as memorable as possible. There is talk of a second course, which would certainly make Castle Stuart a true '5' but together with the courses at Nairn and Nairn Dunbar, this is a great golfing escape right now and you should go.

T Golf Calvia surprised me in many ways, and all to the positive. The course was immaculately presented and a real joy to play. It wasn't overly tough but with a strong wind it posed a number of challenges. Sometimes the fairways are quite narrow and cambered so a well struck shot can roll into the rough. The greens rolled true, were quite big and approachable from the front. I would put T Golf on the same level as Alcanada (different profile courses though), perhaps even a little better presented with overall more strong holes. A definite must-play when on the island.

Played Alcanada in early May and what a lovely day it was. The course is wonderful, a nice mix of old school and some modern looks with memorable holes, tough tee shots and nice green complexes. The views are lovely too. The course starts out strong but then gets a little' same-y' in the middle of the first nine and also towards the start of the second nine. There are some holes which are very similar but overall it's a classy place and well worth a full day out. And of course a couple of replays. Not to be missed in Mallorca.

Played in January and while the course was well maintained, it lacked any 'wow' factor for me, especially compared to the other courses in the area. The holes were quite bland and I would prefer playing Els, Trump or the other highly ranked courses in Dubai, or Yas in Abu Dhabi. If you're in the area, check it out by all means to get a feel but I wouldn't rush back.

We played in April 2022 on a very, very windy day (2-3 clubs easily). The course was well presented and we enjoyed our round there. It's a 'modern' course where most balls will be in play unless you hit it OB. I would rank it below the two Quinta courses in terms of 'wow' factor and aesthetics but it is very playable and has some fun / challenging holes. I'll come back when there is less wind for sure.

We played n2 after 18 holes on n3 so were a bit tired but what we saw and experienced made us very happy golfers indeed. We played late in the afternoon so the course wasn't very busy which gave us time to look around and soak it all in. Gullane Hill is quite special and not something I had seen in this light before. But it makes for dramatic golf and once over the hill (or on it?) the course opens up and the views are splendid. There are some tough holes but I found the course to be playable and even the rough wasn't too penal. We had light winds and only a little rain so perhaps the examination of our golf wasn't as stern a test as when it blows hard. But that's fine by me. The staff and starters at Gullane were wonderful and made sure we had a great time. I've heard people say that the n1 course is a bit better but it's a little bit more dear too so I might try it out next time. Gullane itself seems a wonderful place to stay and you could easily spend a week there and sample all courses in the area. It's really a 'links' mecca and well worth a visit. The atmosphere and buzz around the visitors centre at Gullane is really special and everyone was very friendly to us.

They say that n3 is the 'small' or 'short' course but it goes over the same terrain as the other two and it's very, very enjoyable to play. We played 18 here before going to n2 and it was a perfect introduction to Gullane and proper links golf. I would always come back and play here, I enjoyed it greatly.

As BB said below, perhaps the Old Course should be exempt from a rating as it's the spiritual home of the game we all love to play. I cannot give it anything else but a '6' as it had been years in the making for me to play the Old Course. The dream finally came true last summer (thank you DD) and I had the most wonderful experience playing with three friendly and funny locals (oh and they could play too). I don't think it is up for us mere mortals to opine on such a course but just to say that everything flows together...the first tee nerves, trying to stay left on most shots, not knowing where to go, not seeing the pot bunkers, trying to stay out of 'hell', not hitting the hotel and finally putting out on 18 in the shadows of the R&A. If I had one course to play for the rest of time, the Old Course would be it. Zero doubt. It's simply a magical place in a magical setting.

The myth that is Swinley Forest! Played two rounds here in the summer and enjoyed the course and hospitality a lot. This is easily a course you could play every day. I feel that this is a course that must be learnt (maybe all courses are) but I had a better understanding of the course the second time around and found the first round quite challenging. I also find it different to the Berkshire just down the road, perhaps a bit more narrow, and of course it is different to Wentworth. Of these three, I'd probably prefer Swinley but I look forward to comparing it to Sunningdale once I get a chance to play there. If you are in London, or travelling through London, the Surrey 'sandbelt' is well worth a couple of days of your time.

What a gem! If you're in the area, do yourself a favour and play 9 or 18. You don't need a full bag either, just a few clubs will suffice. The course starts tough and is quite narrow at times (make sure to look if there's someone on the fairway) but the views are just wonderful. After the round, the few tables behind the first tee are a great place for a pint or two, enjoying this 'hidden gem', the gorgeous scenery and warmth of the Northumbrian people.

I've played Le Robinie a number of times this year and enjoyed it each time. For me, it's right up there for courses in the greater Milan area. Of course, there has been some shaping done so it's not a natural luck for what is essentially a flat terrain, but the result is that some of the holes feel wonderfully isolated with mounds either side. Water is used well on 9&10 and then again 17&18 and the greens are well presented and laid out. Some are very well protected too by bunkers. The course can play long if there isn't much roll and I find the second nine harder than the first. Overall, Le Robinie is well worth a visit and also has a reasonable green free (around €60 or so).

I was fortunate enough to play Muirfield last summer and now have a good understanding of what "Championship Links Golf" might mean or entail. The home of the HCEG is a friendly and wonderful place. The routing and architecture of the holes is incredible with so many different looks and changes in direction. The rough is quite penal, yes. Other people are more skilled to write about the intricacies of this layout but let me just say that a day at Muirfield is truly a special experience. Lastly, the members are very welcoming and friendly, and we were treated extremely well. Make sure you get the lunch + some kummel if they still have some stock. It makes the tee shot after lunch a bit more steady.

Played Villa d'Este on a hot August day this year and what a treat it was. Everything is close together, from the elegant club house to the range to the first and tenth tees. The range is perfectly fine for warmup and there also seems to be a fully kitted out training studio. You then walk down towards the first tee, which is a longish downhill par 5 - quite a gentle opening hole. The second then takes you uphill again (not easy) before going behind the club house for holes 3-9. Those holes interloop at times and there are a number of par 3s. These are nice holes but nothing too special. All the special treats await you on the back 9. Holes 11-18 are truly outstanding with wonderful views and great routing. It's basically an 'in and out' routing bringing you back to the club house. Holes 16-18 are a special treat and a wonderful way to finish your round.After the round the wonderful terrace invites you for lunch or a cold drink, with a view to the 18th. If you're in Milano or the area around the lakes, Villa d'Este is much recommended.

I played the Colt course at Close House on a lovely summer's day last year and also visited for the British Masters on the European Tour (in less nice weather). The setting of the course and club is very nice: there are far reaching views of nature in which the two courses are nestled into. It's a lovely place to spend the day. The club house is newly designed and has everything you need. I found the range to be excellent, with plenty of targets and slightly going uphill. There are plenty of bays but it is a little far from the club house and the first tee, so you need to take your car or a buggy to go back and forth. It's not ideal but as long as you know it, it's fine.The course layout throws different looks at you with doglegs and elevation changes as well as water that comes into play on a few holes. There are some secluded holes in the woods (a par 3 on the back 9 comes to mind) and some more open holes with wide fairways. Some holes are quite tricky with few bailout options. The bunkers do come into play and influence your decision making off the tee, as they should do. The greens and fairways were in excellent shape that day.I cannot say anything to the architectural resemblance with the Colt courses further South but I did enjoy the layout here. I think you can play it every day and enjoy it. It was also fine to walk the course, even with some of the changes in elevation.The staff and members were very friendly (a sign of the North-East) and I'm sure the 19th hole can provide for some fun after a round. I would gladly come back to play and if I lived in the area would easily become a member at Close House.

Played a number of rounds on the Stadium course a few years ago and stayed onsite at the hotel (which by now has been refurbished and looks very swanky). For the golf nut, this is a great place, you have everything you want and need right at your fingertips. The range is fantastic and you can practise all aspects of your game. I've heard very good things about the pros here but have not yet taken a lesson myself. We only played the Tour course once (I enjoyed it but much preferred the Stadium course) so this focuses on the Stadium course. It's a tough course, no doubt, and high handicappers will have their work cut out. It can play really long. The opening tee shot is incredible and sets the scene nicely for the round. Every par or bogey chance will be hard fought for, no doubt. PGA Catalunya is a great stay and play place. It's a great escape for a few days. There are also other good courses in the vicinity and you can easily spend a few days here. We also went for dinners in Girona and the cuisine in this part of the world is just wonderful. Highly recommended to check it out.

I played at Porters Park for a number of years as a member and enjoyed my time there. The course in the summer is usually in good condition and the greens can get very quick. It's not the longest of course (but who needs that anyway) but you will have to play well to shoot your handicap. It starts out seemingly easy with a short par 4 which I like very much. I have, however, topped my tee shot onto the 18th green on occasion but no other golfers were injured. After the first, the course starts to show some teeth with long par 4s on 3 and 4. The par 3 6th is very tricky to play (perhaps too tricky?) but a great challenge. People say that the par 5 10th hole is a bit weak but I think it's a fun hole. I'm not too fond of the par 5 13th with OB all along the left hand side. A scene of many lost balls. The closing holes at Porters are strong ones with 16, 17 and 18 all posing a good challenge. I think 18 is more a par 5 but it makes for a very good closing hole.You will have a lovely time at Porters, it's well worth playing if you're around the area. David and Peter in the pro shop are good guys too.

I've spent a lot of time at Capdepera taking lessons from Michel and Tobias, the two resident pros. They're both awesome and have become good friends. If you want to start learning the game or improve your game, I can highly recommend them. They're fantastic teachers and great guys. Also a shout out to Mattias, the GM. He's a lovely guy and top golfer! I really like the setting of this place, the club house is wonderful with great staff and it's easy to spend your day there. The food is excellent and in the summer they put on a weekly BBQ evening, which is highly recommended. The putting green is right in front of the pro shop, and there's a little pitching / chipping area too. The range is double sided with mats on the near end and grass on the far end. I've spent days there and loved it. You can hit all that you want unless you carry it 260 yards uphill. The course is enjoyable and gets challenging when you get to hole 13 onwards. From here, there are some elevation changes which make for interesting shot selection. The course will test all aspects of your game. Capdepera is a great setup in a lovely part of the island of Mallorca. If you're staying in the area, swing by for a round or a few lessons with Michel and Tobias. You won't regret it.

Real Valderrama is an amazing place, you know this right upon your arrival. I think the range is the best I've seen, right in front of the club house. Everything is manicured and in place. This club is Royal and it feels Royal.I've only played one round here so far but want to go back soon. It's a difficult course and I'm not sure I broke 100 that day. But it was the experience that counts. The greens are quite small so make sure you're dialled in with your irons. I don't think you need to be long, but you better be straight.The setting is magical and the views wonderful. It's a real pleasure to play a round here but also check out Sotogrande down the road. I would probably play Sotogrande as my every day course and Valderrama once a month. But yeah, one can dream. If you have the chance, play here.

The Vilamoura Old course is a wonderful place for a round. I've played a number of times here over the years but enjoyed it best when I had a late tee time and almost had the course for myself. It's a lovely walk among the (pine?) trees and it's a very pleasing course aesthetically. There's really nothing tricked up here, just very pure and pleasurable golf. I really like the clubhouse setting and the staff is very friendly. The putting green in front of the clubhouse is a nice place to warm up or settle a bet after the round. The range is very close by and from there it's 50 metres to the first tee. There are no long walks between the tee boxes, everything feels right. It feels compact and makes you want to play another round.

Played here a few times over the years and always enjoyed my rounds. I've played all three loops but find the Lagos and Praia preferable if you have only 18 holes to play. There are some wonderful elevation changes which will test your distance control as to what club to hit off the tee.I've always found the fairways and turf to be excellent, the Praia stretch can get very links like (hard turf with the ball running) and late afternoon with the sun setting it provides a stunning setting. The greens are usually excellent. I like the club house setting and an ice cold beer after the round is most welcomed. I would play Palmares every time I'm in the Algarve, it's a little out of the way but the drive here is well worth it. It's a stunning setting and very playable for all skill levels.

I had the great fortune to play in the Rolex Trophy twice and fell in love with this course and the whole setting. It's a course you can play every day and it won't bore you. It's eminently playable for all handicappers and provides a lasting impression, especially when finishing your round on the double green towards the end of both loops (9 and 18), leaving you right in front of the club house. Magic. Just don't knife the ball. The greens are immaculate thanks to the sub air system and the course gives you different looks: there are doglegs left and right, shots over water, shots with water right or left, short and long holes. It's a delight to play and will keep you coming back for more.The whole setting is spectacular and do have a chat with the caddy master. He's an icon and has seen it all. If you're in the area, try to get a tee time here. You won't regret it.

I've played the West a number of times over the years, but not since the recent changes. It's a tough cookie this course, unless you're a low single digit player, don't even try to play from the back tees. Pick your set of tees as this course plays long, especially when soggy. I have both topped and shanked a tee shot on the first to great delight of Sean, the starter. Sean is a wonderful guy. Oh, I've also hooked a tee shot onto the first tee of the East. Always shout Fore. Anyway, I find that the course is a brute, it's too difficult for my liking. Once you hit the last 4 holes, I feel like I've been beaten over the head one too many times. I best enjoy the stretch of holes 4-8 leading to the halfway hut just before the 9th. The greens are fantastic and with the new sub-air system should play wonderfully all year round.Before the renovations, I found the green complexes and the bunkers too tricked up. They sometimes really knock the stuffing out of you (16th green for example, or the 8th).Given it's a private club, it's best to go with a member or get invited. I think there are some tee times but they run into the hundreds of pounds. For me, it's not worth it. I prefer the East, as it's more playable but overall if you have a limited time and budget, I think there are better places to play in the area.

This is a very strong golf course and already looks incredible. Sure, some of the waste areas will need to be cleaned up a bit to get the final look, but the tee boxes, fairways and greens are all top notch already. This course reminds me of Yas Links - Trump is perhaps the stronger course but the scenery is not quite as stunning with houses and apartment buildings besides the fairways. I also think it's the harder course but both now rank towards the top in the UAE for me and I would want to play them every time I come back. The fairways are wide, really wide, but once your ball leaves them get ready for a difficult recovery shot. The bushes (gorse? fescue?) lining the fairways and some of the bunkers are able to swallow a ball or two. If you're in the desert it's not that hard to play out of the waste areas, but better keep it in the fairways. These have a surprising amount of roll in them so don't be surprised and pick your club wisely. You can even run up the balls to the green or use the Texas wedge from way off the green.The green complexes are mostly large but often feature undulations that make the ball run towards the pin, not like at Els which has mostly upturned saucers. I find that more player friendly, especially as I can't generate enough stopping power on the pitches and chips. The greens tend to the large side, so there will be plenty of pin positions and long putts. They were running at just over 10 on the stimpmeter and in immaculate condition. I guess they use the same grass throughout so fairways and greens somewhat blend into each other which makes for a great look. I enjoyed the front 9 slightly more but have to mention the short par 4 12th hole, which played 243 yards when we played just last week. You can try to drive the green or play it with a putter (yes!) from the tee. Up to you. It's really nice to see such a hole on this course. The 18th is not for the faint hearted with water all down the left-hand side.I find the par 3s too long, most around 190-200y, from the gold tees but this might just be a matter of personal distaste. Overall, there are some really memorable holes and views that have been expertly shaped by Gil Hanse and his crew. There is not much to dislike (nothing actually) and I'm sure you'll have an enjoyable time. Adding this course to the Dubai golfing scene only makes a trip more worthwhile and you should play this when in the city. There can be some green fees around the 500 AED mark but I think the normal rate is closer to 700. I would play this course for that money, but not more. Overall, it's a very strong offering (great range too btw) and a course that is a joy to play. We played as a 2-ball with a buggy and finished just around 4 hours. Of course it's a faux links, but we are in the desert here. It's a fun experience and you should go and check it out!

I played Barlassina in November and really enjoyed my round. The club has quite an old school feeling around it but isn't stuffy at all. The highlight of the round were the greens which ran true and fast for this late in the season. They must be truly wonderful when it's a bit drier. Milan had quite a bit of rain lately so the tee boxes and fairways were a little soft underfoot but overall I thought the course had drained well. I didn't slip once. There was no standing water and you could hit from all lies and areas. The fairways were still in very good condition.I would describe Barlassina as a serene course with a gentle routing. The scenery is wonderful with many mature trees changing their colour at this time of the year. There are no tricks ahead of you and even if your tee shot goes astray, you should be able to find the ball under the trees. There's no thick undergrowth. I really like that there are number of dog legs (left and right) which I enjoy as a design feature. Longer hitters can cut the corners but can also be blocked out by trees. The green complexes are often nicely defended by bunkering (excellent quality again) but are not overly undulating. However the breaks are quite subtle. I don't think there's a weak hole on the course and every tee shot gives you something to think about. I would say that the par 3s are a little long for my liking (anything over 150/160 years on a par 3 is too long I find...).Overall, I very much enjoyed my round at Barlassina and look forward to coming back on a nice summer's day. If you're in the area you should go and check it out.

I played Els a number of times while in Dubai, and always enjoyed it. It's a classy place, and you realise that the moment you pull up at the clubhouse. The range (doublesided with the Butch Harmon school on one end) is excellent however sometimes they make you hit from mats (which at this price point and in this location shouldn't be the case). There is a nice short game area too and a few putting greens, one right outside the club house terrace. The putting greens are representative of the course as well. The course itself is a strong offering but it is a 'resort' course and by that I mean that you have houses left and right of it. I'm not the biggest fan of that but the golf course itself is strong enough to get away with it. The fairways and greens are excellently maintained. However, Els seems to have a penchant for raised greens and difficult run off areas which sometimes make the course a bit unfair I'd say. The 9th hole is a case in point, it's a long par 4 with a green that is quite severely sloped and raised up from the fairway. With a long iron in as your second shot, you probably won't hold the green unless you're a low low handicapper and the up and down is very difficult. A layup is a better strategy but even then it's not guaranteed that you can stop the ball on the green with your third shot. The same happens on the 10th hole and I just don't enjoy such green complexes that much and find them a bit unfair. One word on the Butch Harmon School - this is just an awesome place and if you're looking for a few lessons I highly recommend the guys led by Jamie. Many Tour pros come here to tune up their game ahead of the Middle East swing so you can find yourself practising next to Tommy Fleetwood for example. It's a really great place.Els is a fine course but I prefer the simplicity of Abu Dhabi National or the scenery of Yas Links. But if you're in Dubai, you should play here.

Played Abu Dhabi National a number of times alongside Yas Links, while in the UAE. I really like the course and the whole setting. It's definitely worth an overnight stay, with a fantastic Westin hotel on site.The facilities, range and short game area are all first class - it is of course a European Tour stop so the level has to be high. The course itself is very strong without being tricked up. I really like the design of the holes and the routing. A mid handicapper like myself can shoot a decent score here. The greens are not too undulating and run true, while the fairways and hazards are well maintained. It's pretty much all in front of you. There is water but you have to be well off line to find it, except for a few forced carries over water but then you should pick the right tee for your game. You don't even need a cart, as the course is very walkable. There are not many big distances between tees and greens, and both nines lead you back to the iconic clubhouse for some nice pictures. I would rate AD National as the best course in Abu Dhabi, ahead of Yas. But for sure I'd play both, and have done so even in one day (but that was a long day). AD National is highly recommended and I enjoy coming back and playing the course again and again. One word of warning though, if you're playing in the weeks leading up to the HSBC, beware of the rough. We played a round in December (the tournament is in January) and the rough was vicious to the point of not being able to find the ball again, if you threw it 10 metres ahead of you. You get an appreciation for what the pros do but I didn't enjoy that day so much. But when the rough is down, this is an awesome course where you can get around in a good score.

Played Saadiyat Beach a number of times while in the UAE. While it is a nice looking course I'm not the biggest fan of it. The fairways can get quite spongy which makes a precise strike paramount. The greens are very good, however, and I like the routing which goes towards the sea, then alongside it before turning back on itself. There are some stunning holes and vistas for sure, and also some stunning sand traps...I would rank Saadiyat behind Abu Dhabi GC and Yas Links. I'd play it again but only after having been round the others, and I'd probably play the other two again. You should check it out, for sure, but it's not a must for me.

Played Yas a number of times while in the UAE. It's a spectacular setting and a strong design by Kyle Philips. I've enjoyed every visit and keep coming back. You can get some good tee time deals by checking their website or calling in on the day.The front 9 are somewhat tamer than the back 9 which often play into the wind in the late afternoon. That makes 14-18 a long walk with tough shots into the wind. Sure, Yas Links is a 'faux' links course but done extremely well. The conditioning is very good and the greens always in top condition. I've taken both carts and walked the course, and walking is fine except if it's too hot of course. There is also a good range and a small short game area plus a 9 hole par 3 practice course (which I think is lit at night). The clubhouse has a nice terrace overlooking the 18th green, and around the corner from the 9th, and it's a good place for an after round drink. The food is good too. Given the proximity to the race track, you sometimes hear the pitch of high-revving engines but it's not something I mind. I would strongly recommend Yas Links if you're in the region. Abu Dhabi is just two hours from Dubai and it's well worth the drive. I'd also play Abu Dhabi National and perhaps Saadiyat while in the area.

I've played a number of rounds at the Grove over the years and have never been disappointed. You need to remember that this is Watford so the land isn't exactly spectacular. The architect, Kyle Philips, has done a wonderful job and there are many exciting holes, twists and turns and interesting green complexes. The range and short game area are very good, with a large putting green outside the clubhouse/bar/hotel. It's a lovely setting altogether. Some of the holes are rather long so pick the right tees for your game. Taking a buggy makes it easy but I prefer to walk. Walking is fine but there are some longer walks between greens and tee boxes. The conditioning of the fairways and greens has always been excellent and is a real trademark of the Grove. The turf can get a bit soggy but again this is not links land, but North London clay underneath.There are some good deals in the summer (£99 twilight) rate and that's a fair price. I would not want to pay the full price often though.Overall, for the proximity to central London and the location of the land, the Grove is a strong golf course.

I played Menaggio on a hot day in August. I would recommend taking a trolley or even a buggy but my friend and I carried our bags and paid the price after 18 holes. We were exhausted. It's a hilly course with lots of up and downs. It is also quite narrow so unless you're dead straight off the tee, you will find yourself in tree trouble. The clubhouse is very Italian but inside full of treasures of golf history. The range is practical but also very narrow. The two loops of 9 lead you back to the clubhouse so you could take a break mid-round.The course was well conditioned but a bit wet in patches and they were doing some work on the fairways. We played on a weekday afternoon and at times felt like the only people on the course. The greens rolled very nicely and not too quickly. The setting of course is wonderful, right above Lake Como with many wonderful views around the area. If you are in the area, Menaggio is well worth a visit. It's a challenging course in a lovely setting.

I spent 3 days at Streamsong a few years ago when only the Red and Blue were open, and the hotel had just opened. We stayed in Lakeland, about a 45 minute drive away. It's an easy drive but adds to the journey of course so next time I will surely stay on site. The clubhouse and driving range are excellent but the two courses are something else. They are just awesome. I couldn't pick a favourite at all and enjoyed both tremendously. The terrain being a former potash (?) mine is otherworldly. This is not Florida golf like you might expect with manicured fairways. It's more of an inland links experience with miles and miles of uninterrupted vista. There's just nothing there and that makes it great in my book. It truly is an escape from the every day. We played as a two ball and took a caddy between us. It's not a must and next time I wouldn't take a caddy as I've come to enjoy exploring courses on my own. The caddies were perfectly fine, some more rough and tumble than others but again, I'm not a fan of using caddies. Just too much small talk.The two courses are big courses with some forced carries. Pick your tees wisely but the fairways are quite wide and you can even run up the ball to the green. I don't think these are 'hard' golf courses (like Valderrama) but I do think they are very enjoyable. It's a fun ride.I will for sure go back to play the Black course and revisit the other two. This is easily a place for 2 nights/3 days and within easy reach of Orlando. It's an experience that I would highly recommend to the golf enthusiast.

I played Bethpage Black (and two of the other courses) on two separate occasions over the last few years, both times in the summer. The place is just awesome, it's a really fun destination with plenty to offer. The town itself is nothing special but once you get into the state park, things change quickly. The clubhouse sits atop a hill and all five courses start from there. I played the Black, (parts of) the Red (due to a thunderstorm) and Green and ran out of time to play the others.I played as a single golfer and both times had no issues getting on the Black. You just walk up to the reception to see when the next available tee time is (there are monitors like in an airport) - then walk up to the counter, pay your fees (around $150 for out of state) get a bracelet and get ready to play. It's very simple. You might have more issues as a two-ball or with more people but as a single you can just rock up.The range is somewhat makeshift but after all this is a public course. The putting green by the clubhouse is excellent. Once your tee time is approaching, just walk up to the starter, join your group and off you go. I carried my bag but you can also take trolleys (I think). The Black course is a beast. It starts with the first hole (and the infamous sign), but then just keeps pounding you. It is a BIG course. The second hole is unlike anything I've seen before and it gets better from there. Pick your tees wisely otherwise it will be a long day for you and your playing partners. It's quite a tough walk, especially if the weather is hot and humid so drink plenty of fluids. Don't worry too much about your score, this course beats up the best. I loved the course but what I really liked is the vibe at Bethpage. One of the fourballs I played it was made up of a guy in full Tour gear, blades, matching clothes and stand bag (+ a caddy) and two college friends who had about 10 Bud Lights by the turn. But that makes it fun. Once you return to the clubhouse after your round, you'll find plenty of people milling around from all walks of life. It's easy to hang out and have a few beers.There are a few hotels in the area or you can take the train from NY for the day. Overall Bethpage in general and the Black in particular is an incredible golf destination and something for the avid golf fan.

Played here in early September, unfortunately on a rather grey day. Still, West Cliffs did not disappoint. The clubhouse and restaurant are lovely and the range is excellent. The little short game area is good, but limited to the shortest of pitches. But it represents the course well and what you will face later on.We played as a two-ball in a buggy. Sadly, given the terrain and sometimes long walks between holes, I think a buggy is advisable. You could try a trolley but I wouldn't want to carry my bag.This is no doubt a strong course with the propensity to beat you up if you fail to hit the fairway. The native land (similar to Monte Rei on the Algarve) is quite unforgiving and you might not find your ball, let alone have a shot. Take your medicine. The day I played wasn't overly windy but when the wind is up, this course will be a test for your long game.One thing to note, you should pick your tees well. We played of the 55s (or 59s) and enjoyed them. Listen to the starter and don't bite off too much. There are a number of forced carries that will make things hard for the higher handicapper off the tee. Pick your tees.The greens are fine, often ample in size and offering different ways to reach them. They are quite undulating which sometimes leads to tricky long putts and iron shots rolling off if they don't fall into the right spot. I'm not a huge fan of too much undulation of the greens, especially when it comes to long par 3s or approach shots.This is not a links course, more a course by the sea as I've read in earlier reviews. The setting is magnificent and you can catch the 'silver' sea from many points of the course. The nature around the course is gorgeous. Overall, I very much enjoyed my round and will for sure come back. This is probably a place that you need to play a few times before getting the hang of it and given the wind conditions will throw various challenges at you.I did not play the other courses in the area but combined I'm sure this part of Portugal is a destination in its own right and offers something different to the Algarve.

I played Troia in early September and really enjoyed the course. The staff are very friendly and the clubhouse has everything you need, including a very nice cafe/restaurant for the non golfer. The driving range is functional but I did not try the short game area. The putting green is ample in size and represents the greens well.Now to the course, I really enjoyed my round. I played alone using a golfboard and whizzed around in under 3 hours. There were not many people on the course in the late afternoon. I honestly did not find a weak hole and thought the routing was wonderful through the 'beachy' areas and trees. It really is a wonderful setting and each hole gives you something to think about. You don't need to hit driver from every tee, but can attack the green from various angles using various clubs.The greens were running well but are quite small which places an emphasis on approach play or your short game.I'm not an expert of golf course architecture but Troia is a wonderful course on a wonderful parcel of land. It's a 'fun' course, challenging yes but not overly penal for the average golfer. I would gladly play it every day of the week and not get bored.Look forward to going back!