Montado Hotel & Golf Resort

Montado course was given a serious revamp in 2006 and is now one of the most entertaining and challenging courses in the Lisbon area.

The course is still surrounded by famous muscatel vineyards that were planted here more than a century ago, but the layout is now longer and more challenging , with several classic risk-reward holes that make a round here unforgettable.

The 160-yard 18th epitomises the updated Montado layout, with its island green calling for a brave shot if you're to stand a chance of finishing near the pin. Then there's the 5th, a challenging par-4 with a dogleg to the left that demands a good drive and for which the second shot is played onto a wide green protected by water. Another hole that's almost signature status is the 13th, which provides a great view over Palmela Castle and an excellent opportunity for a birdie.

The course unfolds beneath old oaks and younger olive trees, chestnut and pines, planted when the course was first built, whilst around it wind creeks and natural lakes. There are four sets of tees, taking the course from nearly 7,000 yards down to around 5,200 yards, so it can be enjoyed by players of most ability levels.  

It bears a resemblance to the original design by the Portuguese Duarte Sottomayor, who began his career working with the famous Robert Trent Jones, but Jorge Santana da Silva's reworking has in our view given Montado the boost it needs to stand comparison with the other excellent courses in this region.