Today, the region 30 minutes west from the country’s capital of Lisbon is one of the wealthiest in Portugal and Iberian Peninsula. So it’s no surprise to hear that the £17 million mansion being built within eyeshot of the clubhouse and deck we’re presently standing on is owned by Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports have suggested Ronaldo’s intentions to buy and demolish the clubhouse and parking lot in order to relocate them elsewhere for further privacy for his family, though only construction on his house progresses. With sweeping views of the Sintra Mountains, Atlantic Ocean and Cabo da Roca, you can’t blame him for building here. While Ronaldo isn’t a golfer, those looking to play in this part of Portugal away from the popular Algarve to the south, Oitavos Dunes offers a true links experience. Ranked No. 55 in the world in 2017 according to Golf Magazine, the course designed by Arthur Hills features a trio of distinct landscapes, ranging from dense umbrella pines to sprawling dunes and open coastal transition areas. While the shifting landscape is certainly a noticeable feature throughout the property, arguably the most noticeable is the wind. While it might not be much of
a factor early in the round, prepare to face Mother Nature in all of her wonder and fury on the back 9. Consistent wind off the ocean can either be a breeze—get it? —or a massive obstacle depending on which hole you’re playing. Clubbing up (easy) and having optimal accuracy (not as easy) are the keys to success here in order to avoid succumbing to the winds like the visibly weathered trees permanently sidebent along the coast. If dunes golf isn’t your cup of tea, there’s a number of courses in Cascais offering various topographies, including Quinta da Marinha, Belas Club de Campo and Penha Longa Resort. In fact, seven courses (including the aforementioned four) teamed up for the Cascais Digital Golf Passport, offering live tee times and discounts to play multiple courses in the region if you’re looking for a deal during your stay.
39
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker