Lisbon's amazing golf, south of The River Tagus

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Most American golfers using Lisbon as a base, head west of the city for a short half hour drive to play the courses that surround the beach resort towns of Estoril and Cascais. This is where some of the Lisbon Coast's better known layouts are located -- Oitavos Dunes, Penha Longa, Belas and Quinta da Marinha among them. Less familiar is the bevy of equally good courses that lie just as close, but to the south of the city. Traveling in this direction will also revitalize your American pride a little as you leave the city and drive across the mighty Tagus River using the bridge called, Ponte 25 Abril.

Aroeira # 1 has been tagged as Lisbon's Wentworth

Not as testing as its older brother, Aroera No. 2 still presents a most enjoyable round

Quinta do Peru challenging golf only 30 minutes from Lisbon's city center

Still regarded by many as Portugal's best, Troia offers an exceptional round of traditional links golf

All the elements come into play at Troia and except for the clear blue sky, you could be in Scotland

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Reminiscent of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Lisbon's 25 April Bridge, is a Lisbon landmark, forever associated with Portugal's development as a nation. Built with American steel to an American design, the bridge is named after the date the Carnation Revolution began in 1974. This two year long, virtually bloodless revolution, turned the Portugal from 50 years of authoritarian dictatorship, into a true democracy.

History lesson completed, it will take little more than 15 minutes or so after the bridge to reach the 36 holes at Aroeira Golf Club. It's hard to imagine such idyllic surroundings exist so close to a European capital, but here you are in the middle of a nature reserve and a pair of championship layouts that are as good looking as they are fun to play, despite the somewhat unimaginative names they carry.

Aroeira Number One first opened in 1973 as a rather straightforward design from the English architect, Frank Pennink, a later re-vamping of the course by Robert Trent Jones, revealed the tiger that had been hiding inside of the original, all the time. The resulting test that evolved was considered stern enough to host The Portuguese Open in both 1996 and 1997; a challenge against the best European touring pros that witnesses swear was won by the course.

Running majestically through a pine wood, the English golf press named this understated beauty, "the Wentworth of Lisbon", not just due to the striking physical resemblances to one of England's top ranked layouts, but also because of the similarities in the serous golf examination presented by both. Golf writers are seldom generous in their praise, so this commendation can only be taken as only the most sincere flattery.

Filled with variety and a never ending succession of different predicaments, this is one for the thinking golfer with an ability to use every club in the bag and the strategy of being able to see potential problems before it's too late. Narrow fairways, lined by mature stands of pine trees only compound the test of this very serious layout, which despite its frequently shown testiness, still manages to provide a thoroughly enjoyable round.

Aroeira Number Two was added in 2000, the work of the English designer, Donald Steel, who in spite of his roots, has managed to produce a distinctly American style layout. This is one that can be tackled by players of all abilities and might even be classified as a resort course to the low handicappers. Nevertheless it still provides a fun round of golf and one that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Adding a little extra spice is the abundance of water hazards, always guaranteed to add a few thrills, whether imagined or the reality. But all in all this is a layout for the less accomplished and a wonderful opportunity for everyone to hone their golfing skills amid a very friendly atmosphere and beautiful countryside.

Quinta do Peru is another layout, well worth playing and located less that a 15 minute drive from Aroeira, heading inland from the coast. The architect here is an American who has made a lifetime career out of course designs on the Iberian Peninsula and has brought his specialty in this region to an art form -- Quinta do Peru does not disappoint.

This is an excellent layout that is always kept in prime condition and even though there is real estate development nearby, the clever landscaping manages to conceal the fact and allows the golfer to stay in a private golfing world, entirely of their own.

Esthetics can go a long way to making a round of golf a true pleasure, but don't let this course's good looks fool you into thinking it's going to be a walk in the park. This is serious golf and for the accomplished player, the back tees will present as tough an encounter as any course has provided in a long time.

Quinta do Peru presents a mixed bag of challenges that will keep most on their toes and thinking, from start to finish. Don't be surprised if at the turn you have figured this is more challenging than anticipated -- get ready for the back nine, they are going to be even tougher. Rise to the occasion and you're likely to discover this may be one of the most exhilarating rounds of the entire trip.

Enjoy the very welcoming clubhouse after golf, but save some time to discover the surrounding region, famous for its wine production and some of Portugal's most delectable cheeses

Troia Golf just might be the pride and joy of the courses south of The Tagus, it's a Robert Trent Jones masterpiece that is still regarded by many as Portugal's very best, bar none. It may be a little further from Lisbon than some of the others, but the extra 15 minutes spent on the road will be more than well rewarded for any serious golf aficionado.

Situated on a mere sliver of a tiny peninsula, jutting audaciously into the Bay of Setubal, this is links golf, of the kind you may not have imagined exists in Portugal. But here you are playing a very Scottish style links, under the clear blue skies of the Lisbon Coast -- this is golf heaven.

Sand is everywhere, punctuated by bunkers, real bunkers that are deep and hungry. The breeze may not reach gale velocity, but it has its effect on your game and can be just as unpredictable as anywhere in the home of golf. The fairways are exposed and tight, undulating at times like a drunken sailor and demanding accuracy, encouraging a good old fashioned bump and run technique. The greens are frighteningly small and contoured -- this is links golf in the sun and a chance to really savor and enjoy the way the game was always intended to be -- except for the sun, which is thrown in as a bonus. Don't miss the opportunity to play Troia, it will remind you why you love this game called golf.

The Lisbon Coast is a very special place for golfers. The combination of the attractions of the city, the history and culture, fine food and wines, wonderfully friendly locals and the perfect, year round climate, with so many excellent courses -- every golfer needs to experience it. For some ideas on how to do just that, click here.

©2008 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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