Portugal boasts a total of 89 golf courses, with nearly half of them, specifically 38, situated in the Algarve. Known for its picturesque beaches and robust golf offerings, the Algarve gained prominence as a golfing destination following the inauguration of Penina by three-time Open Championship winner Henry Cotton in 1966. This marked the region’s emergence as a preferred spot for Northern Europeans seeking reprieve from inclement weather conditions.
Despite the Algarve’s established status as Portugal’s premier golfing hub, Cascais, nestled along the Portuguese Riviera, is positioning itself as another must-visit locale. Seven esteemed courses in Cascais have collaboratively launched the Cascais Digital Golf Passport. This innovative initiative facilitates booking live tee times and availing discounted rates across multiple courses within the area.
Manuel Saragga Heitor, the golf director at Quinta da Marinha, remarked on the diversity and quality of golf offerings in Cascais, emphasizing the unique designs and challenges crafted by renowned golf architects. He highlighted how the Golf Passport simplifies the booking process while promoting Cascais as a unified golf destination, enhancing visibility and attracting a larger influx of tourists. The seven courses participating in this endeavor include Golf do Estoril, Oitavos Dunes Golf Course, Lisbon Sports Club, Penha Longa Resort, Belas Club de Campo, Pestana Beloura Golf Resort, and Quinta da Marinha Golf, each boasting distinct features and pedigrees.
Cascais, historically favored by King Luís I of Portugal and European nobility during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, remains a sought-after destination for both Portuguese nationals and European tourists. Situated a brief 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Cascais ranks among the wealthiest municipalities in Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula. The area has hosted prestigious sporting events like the America’s Cup and cultural gatherings such as the Coala Festival, underscoring its versatile appeal.
Carlos Dias de Castro, the golf director at Belas Club de Campo, highlighted Cascais’ golf courses for their challenging layouts, scenic beauty, and impeccable maintenance. He noted the region’s mild climate throughout the year, featuring comfortable winters and pleasantly warm summers conducive to year-round golfing activities.
Among the notable courses in Cascais, Oitavos Dunes stands out as a top-10 golf course in Portugal, renowned for its links-style layout and commanding views of the Sintra Mountains, Atlantic Ocean, and Cabo da Roca. The allure of this course has even captured the interest of Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, who is building a lavish residence nearby. Inland from Oitavos Dunes, Penha Longa, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., incorporates remnants of an ancient Roman aqueduct, lending a historical backdrop to several holes. The nearby Ritz-Carlton resort, featuring a 14th-century monastery and chapel, adds to the area’s charm.
The collective effort of Cascais’ courses under the Cascais Digital Golf Passport aims to appeal not only to British tourists, who already favor the area, but also to American golf enthusiasts seeking international golfing experiences. With direct flights available from major cities in the U.S. and U.K. to Lisbon, accessibility to Cascais is straightforward. Mariana Couto, leisure sales manager at Penha Longa Resort, highlighted the region’s appeal to Americans and British visitors, citing its rich cultural heritage, including historic castles and UNESCO World Heritage sites, in addition to the widespread use of English and renowned Portuguese hospitality.
In conclusion, Cascais is poised to attract a broader spectrum of international visitors through its comprehensive golf offerings and appealing cultural and leisure attractions. The introduction of the Cascais Digital Golf Passport marks a significant step towards consolidating Cascais’ position as a premier golfing destination in Europe.