118 - Herdade do Pinheirinho

Location: south of Lisbon

Rating: 8.5

Can you believe this course isn’t open to the public yet? It’s a real shame that it’s closed at the moment because it is a stunning course and in really good condition all things considered. I was the only person on the complex at the time, a really weird feeling having the whole course to yourself bar a couple of stray dogs. Despite the blistering heat it was so serene and peaceful to play here.

It is a different proposition to Terras da Comporta where I had played just before. Instead of the drastic changes of elevation the fairways had more of a linksy feel to them with loads of undulations. Instead of wasteland there was more bush and water. The greens had been hollow tined recently but still really playable and the fairways very well kept.

The fairways are wide enough to offer relief for looser drives but miss by much and you’ll have to contend with trees and some bush.

The practice facilities look like they’ll be very good with a wide driving range and putting and chipping greens.

Hopefully the course opens in 2024 and I get the chance to come back and visit!