Aroeira (Pines Classic)

Frank Pennink, the master architect, designed Aroeira (Pines Classic) and it opened for play in 1972. The course measures 6,122 metres and is a traditional par 72 layout that wends its way through a dense pine forest. Aroeira (Pines Classic) was an immediate hit and was described as the “Wentworth of Lisbon” by the British press. The course hosted the 1996 and 1997 Portuguese Opens.

“Aroeira is another example of the legacy of Frank Pennink, English-born creator of the Old course at Vilamoura and Palmares in the Algarve, whose talent and concept of letting nature dictate course strategy wherever possible has stood the test of time.” Wrote Michael Gedye in his Golfer’s Guide Portugal. “The holes wind through tall avenues of pine, with lush Bermuda fairways enlivened by birdsong and a colourful carpet of wild flowers. Each hole presents a different challenge; each is separate from the rest and all are notable for the complete absence of fairway bunkers. It is easy to remove trees to form a golf course; Pennink’s skill lay in knowing which to leave, and it is these which ordain play, rendering additional hazards unnecessary.”