One of the best-kept secrets in Portuguese golf is finally out after Aroeira Challenge was revealed among the stars of a new industry poll of the best courses in Portugal.
The par-72 layout was one of the biggest climbers in the Top 100 Golf Courses website’s updated list of the ‘Top 60 Courses in Portugal’, moving up seven places to number 30 in the new ranking.
One of two 18-hole championship courses at Aroeira Golf Resort and designed by Donald Steel, Aroeira Challenge opened in 2000 and is the ideal complement to its older sibling, Aroeira Pines Classic, which was rated 25th in the list.
Measuring more than 7,000 yards from the back tees, the course bares its teeth with water in play on nine holes and large, undulating greens providing a true test to golfers.
Brian Ward, a member of the ‘Top 60 Courses in Portugal’ panel, said: “Having played both courses at Aroeira on a golf trip to Lisbon late last year, the quality of the Challenge course was better than I had initially anticipated, and it was immediately clear to me it should move up in the rankings. Set among towering pines, the course both tests and excites in equal measure, with tree-lined fairways, attractive water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers all combining to frame the individual holes beautifully.
“The importance of accuracy cannot be underestimated when attempting to build a solid score with the finishing stretch of holes from the 15th being, particularly strong. A demanding but fair course and not to be missed when playing south of Lisbon.”
Nicknamed the ‘Wentworth of Lisbon’ by many, Aroeira Golf Resort – which sits 25km south of the Portuguese capital – is rated among the best golf venues in Europe and features two acclaimed 18-hole golf courses nestled amid tranquil natural pine forest as well as the chic Aroeira Lisbon Hotel.
Providing the ultimate in chic modern design, the Aroeira Lisbon Hotel features 68 bedrooms and suites, an outdoor pool, a spa and a bar and restaurant, and offers easy access to the many golden sandy beaches in the Costa Azul region.
Golfers can book an array of eye-catching four and seven-night stay-and-play packages at the hotel throughout the 2023 golf season.
A four-night bed-and-breakfast stay including two rounds of golf on Aroeira Pines Classic and 18 holes on Aroeira Challenge costs from €405 per person. Players seeking an extended hotel stay can enjoy seven nights and five rounds of golf (two rounds on each Aroeira course and a further 18 holes at Quinta do Peru) from €716 per person, while guests can upgrade to a semi all-inclusive package featuring free drinks from 5.30pm-11.00pm for an extra €32 per day.
For more details about ORIZONTE – Lisbon Golf and the stay-and-play packages available, please email or visit the website.
(Note: All prices quoted are based on two people sharing a twin room, dates available exclude June 10-19)
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