114 - Royal Obidos

Location: near Peniche (better known for its surfing)

Rating: 8.4

This is a beautiful course! Arrived here around 7am as the sun was rising and the views over the course were tremendous. The clubhouse is set at the top of the hill and the course slowly works its way down and then back up again with great views all throughout. There are plenty of cool holes, apart from maybe one par 3 I don’t think a single one is flat, either elevated tees or greens or at least undulations or dips leading up to the greens.

A couple of my favourite holes. The second hole on the course is very cool, a 410 meter par 5 with the choice of a risky drive over the water or a short iron lay up. The 11th is another interesting par 5, a good drive gets you within a long shot into the green but there’s water front and back to contend with providing a shot for the brave.

The maintenance of the course was very good. As I was the first one out in the morning you could still see the maintenance staff hard at working getting the greens and fairways ready for the day’s play. The fairways were so nice and lush you could take chunky divots.

It’s about 500 meters longer than West Cliffs off the yellow tees but much more forgiving if you miss the fairways. Certainly should lose less balls here. The greens were a good pace, not too fast and soft enough to allow the ball to bite on a good approach shot. There’s more water on the course here compared to the neighbouring ones but with a bit of strategy you can avoid it.

The practice facilities are great, there’s a driving range off the grass and not mats and a large putting and separate chipping green.

For €60 it’s very, very good value for money, would love to come back one day.