A Place in the Sun
Metrogolf Top Travel Destinations
Metrogolf's Travel Guide
Golfing in London is one thing but have you ever golfed abroad? At Metrogolf some of our professional staff have had the opportunity to travel far and wide during their careers. In this section we hope to bring you some travel tips from a variety of places both in Europe and beyond; perhaps you will enjoy them too in the future.
Metrogolf have NO affiliation to any of the destinations mentioned. (Photo; Penha Longa)
Metrogolf Top Travel Tips
No matter where you are in the world, a golf course is never far away. From Cape Town to Cork you can invariably find somewhere to play. The choice of venues is, of course vast. Our desire in this section is to give you some different ideas of where to play and what to see in differing locations.
Some venues will be golf only, others will be resort based with a golf course accompanied by on - site accommodation and other recreational facilities. Some may be privately owned by their members and other proprietary owned and operated.
Others too will welcome and cater for the novice golfer, some will demand a certified standard and proof of play.
These are guidelines only and NOT definitive. Contact the destinations direct for more personal information.
From Indoor Golf in London To Lisbon
Our first port of call, literally as it is a famous port of Europe is the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. Now served and accessed easily by the U.K.'s major airports this thriving City set on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean offers old time golf close to the centre and an abundance of delightful new golf amenities all located within a 30 to 60 minute drive away.
About Lisbon
If you're a football fan you'll know it's home to two of their greatest clubs, Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. Local derby's provide a fierce rivalry on the pitch with both clubs housed in state of the art, futuristic stadiums. Rather like the City of Liverpool where you are either a loyal blue or red in Lisbon you're either red or green!
If you base yourself in the City there are plenty of attractions to interest everyone. Narrow streets provide atmospheric walks and Lisbon isn't short of cultural entertainment. The City is undulating in parts, get around on the local trams, they run frequently and are well worth a trip.
For the young at heart and those of a trendy disposition Lisbon offers great nightlife entertainment. Old spaces have been used to good effect, down on the riverside docks or tucked away in 18th Century mansions allowing for some fabulous night club experiences.
Here are several of the more famous sites to see in Lisbon.
1. Arcadas do Faia - An establishment which has the performance of the famed fado music as its focal point. Local people serve up great Portuguese food to compliment the music.
2. Jardim Botanico - A famed public garden with a multitude of plant life to see and enjoy.
3. Museu Aquario Vasco de Gama - This museum is totally devoted to aquatic life and plants showcasing over 4,000 species and 200 live samples.
4. The District of Belem. A wonderful, not be missed area, Lisbon's most glorious. This is the area where the great age for Portugal first began with voyages by Prince Henry the Navigator bringing vast riches to the nation. Belem Tower, the Ajuda Palace and Belem Palace are sensational.
Golf In and Around Lisbon
Location Number 1
Penha Longa Hotel Golf (5 Star)
This luxurious Hotel / golf course and country club resort will host the 2010 Portuguese Open, part of the prestigious Race to Dubai schedule.
Situated conveniently only 30 minutes from Lisbon Airport and only 10 minutes from the Estoril coast this up market resort caters for the golfer and non - golfer equally well. The hotel, part of the Ritz - Carlton chain was fully renovated in 2005 and now has 194 guest rooms with private balconies over looking the golf course or the old forest. Facilities include; Fitness centre, Outdoor tennis courts, horse - riding, boutique shopping, jogging tracks and squash.
Penha Longa Golf Courses
27 holes make up the golf complex along with practise facilities. The renowned 18 hole Championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones is currently ranked in Europes top 30. The complimentary 9 hole course is easier for beginners and less able players.
The 18 hole course is undulating and has excellent views of surrounding landscape, across the Sintra mountains to the sea beyond.
Website
Location Number 2
Hotel Quinta Da Marinha Golf Resort (5 star)
Again situated on the famous coast of Estoril this delightful and relaxing resort is only 25km from the centre of Lisbon. It lies in the coastal town of Cascais which is a great base to stay if you don't wish to stay on - site.
The on- site hotel is excellent however. It features 198 modern and comfortable rooms complimented by a great outdoor pool overlooking the 18 hole golf course, an indoor heated pool and a health club.
Away from the hotel but still on - site there are excellent villas and studios available to rent, ideal for groups or families.
Quinta Da Marinha Golf Course
Again, a Robert Trent Jones design but more forgiving and playable for most levels of player when compared to Penha Longa. There are several water features to negotiate but the outstanding coastal views will help you forget any lost balls!
Flatter than some neighbouring courses Quinta Da Marinha can be easily walked and the clubhouse situated in the middle of the course surrounded by it's own pool and umbrella pine trees makes for a relaxing treat after your round. Next to the hotel is a good sized range where you can practise your golfing skills.
Website
Location 3
Hotel Palacio Estoril
Estoril is perhaps more synonymous with the Portuguese Formula 1 Grand Prix but its golf course has played host to the worlds best golfing stars. For a number of years until the technology of the game and the athleticism of the players rendered it obsolete for professional golf, the elite of Lisbon society would gather and watch proceedings with interest.
Estoril is primarily a coastal resort, its golden beach and elegant promenade attracting visitors from far and wide. If you choose to play at Estoril you will find it an advantage to stay at the Hotel Palacio Estoril. Residents of this grand and majestic place can enjoy preferential golfing rates at the Estoril golf course situated only 5 minutes drive away.
The hotel is an imposing and impressive building, its facade and interior full of old charm and sophistication. Just across the road lies the equally famous or infamous Casino, a place where high rollers come to gamble the night away!
Estoril Golf Course
The 18 hole golf course is short by modern day standards but don't let the 5,788 yards fool you. The terrain is uneven and the premium is very much on accuracy, both from the tee where tight fairways are lined by umbrella pines and from the approach shot distance too.
Small greens make challenging targets but the nature of the course allows for a fun and enjoyable round for most levels of ability. One unique facet of Estoril Golf Club is the employment of caddies. It is a rarity these days to find someone willing to carry your bag, read the greens and help you along the way to a better round.
Complimenting the course is a well known and highly regarded Golf Academy run by PGA qualified coaching professionals who offer services in Portuguese, English and German.
Website