I played the Machico and Desertas nines. There is another nine holes, the Serras. My eighteen was a delight, and a challenge, as this is no rather bland resort course. It's a subtle challenge to both your shot-making, your strategy and just to make sure you enjoy a round even if your golf game is having a bad day, you can stop whenever you want to take in so many beautiful views (that is not to encourage slow play!)
I played the 'old' nines. There are very few flat holes and the variety of openness or tight tree lined fairways to find make each hole a new challenge. Holes go up and down, sometimes quite sheer gradients, all asking you for some originality in how you play your approaches
The greens were excellent. They didn't look that quick but by golly they were, notably when you were putting towards the sea.
And to finish you round you must take a drink or a meal in the mdoern and stylist clubhouse with its dramatic views - wonderful!
You will have to play good golf to score well and with the terrain being so varied I would recommend hiring a buggy. It's a good enough course to test and interest the better golfer whilst for the higher handicapper, it will be an experience never to forget if you play it sensibly.
Footnote: When receiving his Honorary Membership of the European Tour just this week, he told the World of his first tournament on the Tour, the Madeira Island Open on this course, a very special memory.
Airlines:
The Madeira Islands Tourism Web Site
Coming in the next few days:
Palheiro Golf and Hotel
Golf on Porto Santos - and with the European Tour.
Our preview of this visit to the Islands
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