Penha Longa (Atlântico)

There are two courses at Penha Longa, the true championship standard Atlântico, and the excellent 9-hole Mosteiro. The Atlântico, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, opened in 1992 and received such acclaim that it played host to the Portuguese Open in 1994. The course winds its way up and down the hills around the south side of the clubhouse providing some of the most amazing views of the coastal towns of Estoril and Cascais and the blue waters of the Atlantic. The lush vegetation borders many fairways and where it doesn't, Trent Jones has used the contours wonderfully to create interest, excitement and challenges at every shot. But even though we're in Southern Europe, it can be remarkably cold, even in mid-summer, so if you're planning an early start, remember your jumper.

The Atlântico is challenging on a still day, but when the wind blows across the mountains, the course becomes a real test and even the best struggle. So much so, that winner of the 1999 Estoril Open, Jean-Francois Remesy, was the only player under par, and he only managed to break par by two shots. Unlike many courses in Europe, there isn't a single weak hole on the Atlântico course and certain holes will stick in your mind, bringing great joy and relief from a par or even bogey. Look out for the par five 6th, where the green is beautifully framed by the lake, with the backdrop of a medieval arched wall and castle tower. The par three 15th requires a 155-metre carry over water and, to make matters worse, it often plays straight into the prevailing wind. The 16th is the hardest hole on the course and requires a long drive across a valley and a solid uphill approach shot to a narrow green.

The Mosteiro 9-hole course was also designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr. and opened in 1995. The name means 'monastery' and the course winds its way through the historical parts of the estate, providing the perfect complement to the championship Atlântico layout. Article by Mark Jeffrey