OITAVOS GOLF

Sites for golf courses come no better than this, where American golf architect Arthur Hills has created a masterpiece. Hills, who has for many decades has been highly regarded for his projects in the United States, was extremely conscious of respecting the natural landscape and the species that it supports, and as such Oitavos has received many awards for its environmental awareness.

There are always views of the rugged Atlantic coastline from the course, which is formulated in the style of a traditional Scottish links course, with nine holes out and nine holes back home. Though not strictly a links course - the fairways are often bordered by woodland - Oitavos does have the sandy turf that makes seaside golf so special.

This new addition to Portugal's golfing landscape is more than welcome, and delights every player fortunate enough to include it in their golfing holiday.