There are good golf trips, and then there are golf experiences. Greg Evans recent journey through Portugal’s Alentejo and Lisbon regions with Golfkings was firmly in the latter category: five days of world-class courses, golden coastlines, and laid-back luxury.
A late afternoon flight from Gatwick to Lisbon made for an effortless start. Within two hours of landing, we arrived in the chic coastal town of Comporta, checking into a stylish three-bedroom villa at the Pestana Comporta, an ideal base for groups of golfers.
Day Two: Torre & Pinheirinho
Our first full day began with a sunrise drive to the brand-new Torre Golf Course, designed by Spanish legend Sergio García. Though it only opened in October, it already feels like a modern classic, a beautifully crafted blend of rolling parkland and open countryside, dotted with mature trees. Six tee boxes ensure accessibility, but don’t be fooled: its broad fairways and strategic bunkering demand thought and precision.
Sergio Garcia’s new Torre course has opened to great reviews
The 9th, Torre’s signature hole, sweeps gracefully across a valley, a hole you’ll remember long after you’ve left the green.
After lunch, we headed to the exclusive Pinheirinho Golf Course, where we were the only players on the course. Designed by Rocky Roquemore, its fairways wind through umbrella pines and wildflower-lined roughs. The course blends challenge and tranquillity, with a strong focus on sustainability — limited chemical use, thriving native grass, and a deep respect for the land.
Evening in Comporta was spent exactly as it should be: sipping local wine and dining in one of the town’s relaxed restaurants.
The exclusive Pinheirinho Golf Course
Day Three: Dunas – A Modern Masterpiece
Just when we thought the trip couldn’t get any better, Dunas Golf Club exceeded all expectations. Arriving at dawn, the course shimmered in the early light, a dramatic layout carved through natural dunes. Dunas demands creativity and control in equal measure, with deep bunkers that live up to their reputation. Every hole could claim “signature” status here; it’s a visual and golfing delight.
“If you don’t like this course, you don’t like golf,” someone said at the turn. Nobody disagreed.
Greg tees off at Dunas
That afternoon, a dolphin-watching cruise from Troia Marina offered a soothing contrast, calm seas, gentle waves, and the sight of dolphins gliding beside the boat. The evening brought a memorable wine tasting and dinner at Serenada Wine Resort, where boutique batches of wine (only 500–2,000 bottles per year) are crafted with care and passion.
Dolphin watching
Day Four: Troia to Lisbon
The next morning took us to the legendary Troia Golf Club, a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design hugging the Atlantic coast. The par-4 3rd hole, with its sweeping sea view, is one of Jones’ personal favourites, so much so that he included it in his “ideal 18”.
Troia
A short ferry ride across to Setúbal and a short drive led us to the PGA National of Portugal (Aroeira), where lunch and a gentle round on Aroeira 1 capped the day. We stayed at the Crowne Plaza Caparica Lisbon, just 15 minutes from the city, a perfect spot for golfers wanting a touch of urban comfort.
Putting out at PGA Aroeira
Day Five: Farewell at Aroeira 2
Our final round took place on the freshly renovated PGA Aroeira 2, a Donald Steel design that has matured beautifully since reopening. The course is smart, strategic, and impeccably conditioned, a fitting finale to an extraordinary trip. We were also told it will host the Portuguese Open in 2026.
As we lunched at the Aroeira clubhouse, we reflected on what made this journey special: not just the superb golf, but the effortless organisation and warm hospitality that Golfkings delivered throughout.
From Torre’s promise to Dunas’ brilliance and Troia’s timeless charm, this was a trip that reminded us why Portugal remains one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations.
Travel:
EasyJet from Gatwick to Lisbon
Accommodation:
Pestana Comporta & Crowne Plaza Caparica Lisbon
Dolphin Watching Cruise https://rotasdosal.pt/en/actividades/dolphins/
Organised by: www.golfkings.co.uk
Further info: www.visitalentejo.pt/en/ | www.visitportugal.com/en/
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