A Fascination with Golf on Madeira Island

8/8/2019 A Fascination with Golf on Madeira Island

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Madeira offers not only a pleasing year round climate and wonderful fauna and ora - Madeira is

also one of the most endearing holiday destinations in the world!

Located only 3 or 4 hours from most European capitals, Madeira island remains Europes most

beautiful sub-tropical paradise which extends an invitation to visitors for just a weekend or a deli-ciously longer stay.

As an echo to the past, many people now arrive by ship as Funchal is a favoured port on the Atlantic

Ocean cruising routes. Over the last decade Madeira island has seen a smooth migration of tourism

out of Funchal and into the rural districts of the island. Levada walking, canyoning, surng, deep sea

shing, and mountaineering are some of the many reasons that people now visit the island.

What they all nd in common is that with its very low ratio of tourists to local population, they

have a chance visit an island that lives and breathes another life other than being totally in thrall to

the tourist Euro.

The pleasant soothing colours that invade the senses are the luxurious tones of rich green setagainst an azure Atlantic ocean - this truly is where Europe meets with the Tropics.

The Madeira islands are also a very popular golng destination. For many years the island of Madeira

has been offering two wonderful Golf courses that have enthralled both golfers and their none play-

ing partners alike. Today Madeira islands boasts a third course on the island of Porto Santo and will

in the future sport a further course on the western tip of Madeira island.

Join us for an in-depth look at two of Madeira islands golf courses; Palheiro Golf and Santo da Serra

Golf.

A Fascination with Golf on Madeira Island


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Palheiro Golf - Madeira Island

Located in the rolling hills 10 km east of the capital in the splendid Palheiro Estate, Palheiro Golf is by

any measure a stunning Golf course with magnicent views overlooking the city and picture perfect bay

of Funchal.

Described as one of the most beautiful places in the world to play golf, the 18-hole par 72 (6086 me-

tres) course was designed by the American architect Cabell Robinson and opened in March of 1993.

Palheiro Golf was then changed in 2003. Two holes were replaced, and a 6 hole academy course was

created. The result is a truly stunning 18 hole challenge with breathtaking views, fast undulating greens,

well placed bunkers and tight fairways that reward accurate play. The course is really enjoyable, but it is

advisable to hire a buggy.

Palheiro Golf winds around the Palheiro Estate which is famous for its pine forests, centennial trees,

owering shrubs and lush vegetation.

Palheiro Golf Clubhouse lies below the eighteenth green and has a unique open plan design, which is

both spacious and welcoming and has one of the best views on the island of Madeira. It sits high above

the bay of Funchal and has panoramic views over the mountains and Atlantic Ocean; views which can be

enjoyed from the veranda whilst sipping a post round drink.


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The clubhouse environment is one of relaxation and calm. During the winter months, sitting around the

open replace gives a cosy feel, while during the summer many a suntan is developed on the veranda!

The stylish Palheiro Golf clubhouse is further complemented by the superb restaurant which is managed

by the award winning Relais and Chteaux hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro.

The Pro Shop at Palheiro Golf is the hub of the Clubhouse as its well designed, modern and open-plan

layout is also where golfers check-in to play their round.

There are professional and multi-lingual Reception staff on hand to greet you, immediately putting you

at ease whether you have come to play or perhaps just browse through the golng merchandise, before

enjoying a coffee on the terrace or inside the charming Clubhouse.

Palheiro Golf made Golf Worlds 2009 list of Europes top 100 golf courses.

Palheiro Golf offers the following facilities: -

18 hole golf course Par 72 (6086 metres)

A six hole ACADEMY COURSE designed for all levels

Chipping Green with bunkers

Putting Green

Warm-up Driving Range

Practice nets

PGA Golf Professional and team

Fully equipped Pro-Shop

Hire clubs

Electric Buggies and hand-trolleys for hire

Private function / dining area

Half-way house

Restaurant (run by the Casa Velha do Palheiro)


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What does the media have to say about Palheiro Golf:

Palheiro offers shades of Augusta National with its landscaping and stunning ora. ( Toby Keel - Golf World)

One of the most beautiful places in the world in which to play golf. (Malcolm Campbell - Golf Monthly)

It must be the nearest concept to a golfers paradise. (Simon Ames - Going for Golf)

Set on rising ground high above Funchal Bay, Palheiro is one of the worlds loveliest golf courses. (From 6 ofthe best Malcolm Campbell - Golf Monthly)

The clubhouse, of traditional local stone with a red tile roof, has a balcony view seemingly suspended over the

town of Funchal - truly one of the worlds great 19th holes. (Golf World)

From the rst tee shot to the very last putt, the course is a visual feast. (David Ayres - Todays Golfer)

A sporting theatre worthy enough to share the stunning nature beauty of the surroundings. (The Square

Meal)

Palheiro looks down over the harbour from a vantage point that really does leave you feeling on top of the

world (Weekend - The Daily Telegraph)

One could play the Palheiro course twice a day for a week without risking boredom. (Travel - The Daily

Telegraph)

Everyone regardless of his or her abilities will be able to enjoy the serenity and beauty of playing on what

must be two of the most scenic and best smelling golf courses in the world (Kevin Pilley - On Course)

Absolutely stupendous views of the harbour (Vic Robbie - Golf Travel)

Find Palheiro Golf on the web at: http://www.palheirogolf.com


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Santo da Serra Golf - Madeira Island

Above the bay of Machico, where the rst Portuguese sailors disembarked, lies the Clube de Golf do

Santo da Serra.

Situated in a wonderfully natural setting, the location is unspoilt and free from buildings and homes. In

2001 Seve Ballesteros described the course as fantastic, the clubhouse very beautiful, the food even

better and the caring phenomenal.

The original course, constructed in 1937, was redesigned in 1991 by the famous golf architect Robert

Trent Jones. He created a spectacular and completely new 27 hole course integrated into one of the

most beautiful locations ever created by nature.

Here, golf and nature live in perfect harmony with sport and the environment. Be it competition or

pleasure, the passions of those who play at Santo da Serra are always satised.

Santo da Serra Golf Club is the home of the Madeira Open, a fully sanctioned European Tour event.

From its location high above the bay of Machico, you can enjoy magnicent views of the rocky Atlantic

coastline, making Santo da Serra one of the most spectacular courses in Europe.


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The most impressive facts:

Height: The Santo da Serra course descends 300 metres from top to bottom and allows amazing pano-

ramic over Madeira Islands. You will have the opportunity to play on the top of deep ravines.

Misconceptions: It can be tricky judging the distance because of the altitude and variable wind.

Undulating: This is a very hilly golf course and to balance the difculty most of the trees are quite a long

way from the fairways and the few water hazards are not too close to play.

Holes 2, 3 and 4 of the Machico Course are unforgettably ingrained in the memories of those who have

played there.

The Machico and Desertas Courses are those usually used for the Madeira Island Open whilst the Serras

Course, mildly at, maintains the same level of play.

With four optional tees at each hole, the player is offered various levels of play enabling straightforward,

relaxing rounds as well as more challenging ones.

This is the reason Santo da Serra annually hosts the Madeira Open.

Golf stars, many of them Ryders Cup players, praise the excellent quality of fairways and greens. Semi-

roughs and roughs provide evidence of the meticulous care given to the courses conditions.

This is a true botanical garden, ornamented with four beautiful lakes, full of trees that give shade from the

brilliant Atlantic sunshine.

Santo da Serra is ranked as the 12th Best Golf Course among the 75 existing in Portugal.


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Santo da Serra Golf Restaurant:

The Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra restaurant is situated in a privileged spot of the course, in one of the

most beautiful landscapes that nature may offer.

It is located only ve minutes away from the modern motorway that connects Funchal to the airport and

Machico in just 15 minutes.

The restaurant has a simple, delicious la carte menu. Here you can experience traditional Portuguese gas-

tronomy in a superb dining room or on the terrace with its sensational sea and mountain views.

Santo da Serra Golf offers the following facilities: -

Driving range

Putting green (2 levels)

Chipping green with bunkers

Golf professional

Fully-equipped pro shop

Hire clubs

Gym and sauna

Changing rooms Clubhouse restaurant and function area

The Club provides buggies and trolleys, as well as buggy-bar service.

What does the media have to say about Santo da Serra Golf:

Home to the Madeira Island Open, Clube de Golf Santo da Serra is simply stunning. Golf World Magazine

Santo da Serra, is a force to be reckoned with. ABTA Golf 2010

Una Clubhouse muy bonita was the expression used by Severiano Ballesteros in 2001 when he took part

of the Madeira Island Open.

Why Madeira has remained under our radar for so many years is a real mystery to me. Island Golf on

Madeira recommended by Andy Mossack

Santo da Serra combines a stroll through a botanical garden with a mountain adventure. Throw in a series

of truly dramatic golf holes and you have one of the best holiday golf venues in the world. Top 100 GolfCourses.

Find Santo da serra Golf on the web at: http://www.santodaserragolf.com

Author: Chris Szabo, MD Navega Bem Madeira island Portugal.

A Fascination with Golf on Madeira Island

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