A Year On: Does West Cliffs New Course Live Up to the Hype?

Here at A Golfing Experience we’re always on thelookout for new and exciting courses to introduce to our clients for their golf holidays. Portugal is one of our mostpopular destinations and it never disappoints – not only because of the quantity of courses, but also because of the superb quality.

In 2017 there was a lot of buzz around the openingof the Cynthia Dye-designed West Cliffs, just north of Lisbon. While itslocation is nothing short of spectacular, offering a breathtaking smorgasbordof views, as any golfer knows that good looks only count for so much. When itcomes to golfholidays, Portugal is high on our list of recommendations, so we wantedto check in to see if, a year on, the new course lives up to the hype.

The Aesthetics

A purist might ask the question, “How do you improveon perfection?” and a golfer would reply, “Add a golf course.” But what’s sogreat about West Cliffs is that it’s been designed to work around the natural landscape in order to preserve it as opposed toconquering it.

Cynthia Dye (niece of the legendary Pete Dye) spenta long time studying the terrain and ensuring any work done would not upset the delicate ecological balance of the site. She worked around the naturally-sculptedlandscape and the results speak for themselves – if there was ever a place to inspire you to make a hole in one, this is it.

West Cliffs Vital Stats

While it’s one of the most dramatic and memorablecourses in the country in terms of aesthetics, its 18 holes also provide anabsolutely world-class playing experience. Even though there are some pretty hefty challenges, there are also numerous holes fit for all abilities so everyone, including beginners, can get a good game in.

·Length: 6,383 metres

·Par: 72

·Holes: 18

·Size: 200 hectares

The layout is a testament to Dye’s architectural skills and is set out as two returning circuits of 9 holes each. There areseveral lakes and the greens are wide and sweeping with lots of challengingrough along the fairway edges to watch out for.

There’s a super practice and warm up area. Some ofthe holes that are shaping up as favourites among regulars are the 8^th,which offers some truly spectacular views, and the challenging 5^th, 16^thand 17^th. If you’re a strategic player, you’ll absolutely love it here.

There’s been some talk about the amount of wind on thecourse, meaning that it can take a little longer to get around some days andthere’s a higher chance of balls going missing. But as a recent reviewer put it: “When you go looking for your balls, even if you don’t find them, you’ll find plenty of others!” Mind at rest then…

All in all, it’s pretty hard to find a bad rap aboutWest Cliffs and you’re not going to find one here either. In short what we’resaying is yes. Yes it does live up to the hype!

We’rededicated to assisting our clients’ experience bespoke luxury golf holidays.Portugal is just one of the destinations we offer andwherever you’re looking to tee off, we can get you there – all you have to dois get in touch with us! Call 01494 875164