Oitavos & Finca Cortesin  Golf International, Inc It may come as something of surprise to many American golfers that Portugal and Spain are home to arguably, the best collection of high quality golf courses to be found in all of Europe. From modest beginnings, well over a century ago, when the British first introduced the game to both countries, golf development has proceeded, at first very slowly, but over the past 40 years, at a much accelerated pace. Fortunately, the public and private sectors, developers and regional governments alike, agreed early in the game that quality would be their guiding light, resulting in the extremely high caliber of courses that exist today.  Finca Cortesin - a beauty with great success in the stars Sensing that something unique was taking place, many of the world's greatest architects have been drawn to the Iberian Peninsula, eager to be a part of a golf success story that is still being written, leaving their personal mark Today Spain boasts over 300 courses and tiny Portugal, with a population only slightly larger than the city of New York, has assembled almost 80 layouts. But it's the consistent high standard shared between them all that is the true miracle. No other country I am aware of has managed such an accomplishment. Have some sympathy for the golf course ranking committees out there - in Spain and Portugal they have a very tough job.  Finca Cortesin - the third hole I have selected two Courses of the Week, Oitavos Golfe, located on Portugal's Lisbon Coast, just a half hour's drive from the capital and the other, Finca Cortesin, set in the heart of Spain's Costa del Sol. I make no claim that either is the best in its country, although both are definitely among the top five and given a few more years, will certainly earn even higher ranking. In Spain, the best in show honor is indisputably held by 1997 Ryder Cup venue, Valderrama, a piece of golf artistry that has been the anointed King of not only Spanish golf, but all of European golf, for each of the past dozen years or more. The best in Portugal might be Oitavos, however, Portugal's golfing crown is hotly contested by others, Praia d'El Rey to the north of Lisbon and The Algarve region's, Vilamoura Victoria Club, being the most serious contenders.  Finca's dramatic closing hole may be the best in Europe Club de Golf Finca Cortesin is one of the newest courses in Spain and a true gem from the highly regarded, Cabell Robinson. An American, trans-planted to Spain more than 30 years ago, Robinson has an uncommon design talent, customized specifically for the Mediterranean region, which he understands so well. His sensitivity to all that is so different in this part of the world, shines through brilliantly at Finca, which might be his best achievement ever. Anytime you find Cabell Robinson's name attached to any golf course, you know you have found a winner and Finca Cortesin comes through with flying colors.  Finca Cortesin - a stroke of brilliance from Cabell Robinson This is one of the most handsome layouts along the coast, with stunning views and a level of maintenance and landscaping that is absolutely top drawer. Yet it keeps a perfectly natural flow from start to finish and in true Robinson style, is jam packed with a never ending variety of challenges - keeping even the low handicappers on their toes and alert, all the way. Measuring almost 7,000 meters from the tips, with over 100 bunkers, this is a monster course and one of the longest in Europe, making Finca an immediate sweetheart for the big-hitters. Generously wide fairways may appear to be forgiving of shortcomings in the accuracy department, but be warned, life is not that simple and any lack of precision can be costly.  Oitavos - pride of The Lisbon Coast Despite its perhaps frightening length, Finca is a course that accommodates all and with 5 tee positions, we mere mortals can whittle this down to a far more human 5,200 meters (5,700 yards) or 4,840 meters (5,300 yards) for the ladies. There are many wonderful holes on the course with some that are truly superb and those where water comes into play are among the best. The 3rd is a fantastic par-5 where the approach shot must carry water; the 10th, a long downhill par-3, with spectacular views of the mountains, immediately followed by the very testing 11th - double dogleg par-5 and a real thriller.  When the wind blows, be wary Finca Cortesin has sky-rocketed to the hit in less than a year and with a little more maturity will be sitting alongside Spain's very best. It's already a must play and I suggest you do so, before the rest of the world discovers it. Portugal's Oitavos Golfe, sitting on the beautiful Lisbon Coast, has a similar story of instant stardom to tell. American architect, Arthur Hills was brought in to undertake his very first European design project, which opened in 2001 and within 4 years had been selected as the venue for The European Tour's, 2005 Portugal Open. Hosting the same event again in 2007, Oitavos has become a permanent fixture on The European Tour, an honor never previously awarded to a course so young.  Umbrella Pines and dramatically rolling fairways are part of Oitavos' challenge Enjoying a stunning cliff top location, Oitavos has the maturity and feeling of a wise old centenarian that has always occupied this panoramic site, but despite its charm and good looks, this is not a layout for the novice. Stretching to almost 7,000 yards, it offers a challenge, tough enough to test even scratch golfers to the extreme, reminding us all that although golf is a game, it's a game of skill and at this level, perhaps not the place for beginners. Though not a true links, the very open design has many links-like characteristics, not the least of which is its exposure to sea breezes. This is the Atlantic Ocean where sea breezes can quickly become cantankerous, turning into gusting winds and when the wind blows here, it packs a punch, adding another degree of excitement to the round. In true links style, Oitavos also boasts some impressive sand dunes, especially along the middle holes where it plays through a spectacular dunescape, taking the test up a further notch.  Should Oitavos be ranked Portugal's # 1 - be patient.
Oitavos provides an excellent mix of holes, one moment running through stands of Umbrella Pines, then around sand dunes to rugged outcroppings of rock, then dunes again. Yet for all the variety and changes, it's a design that flows and makes perfect sense. Excellent, imaginative design, faultless maintenance and gorgeous views of ocean and mountains from practically every hole, makes it easy to understand how Oitavos has reached stardom so quickly. It's a layout that demands to be an essential part of any golf trip to Portugal. For more suggestions on how to get the most out of your golf trip to Spain and Portugal, click here. © 2007 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Golf International -- Providers of quality golf travel arrangements since 1988. |
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