Campo_de_Golfe_da_Batalha,_Fenais_da_Luz,_Ponta_Delgada,_ilha_de_São_Miguel,_Açores

While mainland Portugal has long been a popular destination for golf holidays, the golf courses of the Azores have remained something of a hidden secret. And yet the consistently mild climate, the lush landscapes and the lack of crowds make the islands’ three courses very popular with those who have discovered them. The Azores have their share of windy conditions, but these are unlikely to present a challenge to anyone who has played on some of the famous Scottish courses.

So what can you expect on a golf holiday in the Azores? Here’s a quick look at the three courses.

Furnas ‘Cedars’ Golf

This 18-hole course is remarkable for its many imposing Japanese cedars and its setting in the mountains of Sao Miguel’s Furnas Valley, near the famous volcanic Furnas Lake. The course was originally a 9-hole course and was expanded in 1990 to 18 holes. It has the feel of a Scottish course, hardly surprising given that its original designer was McKenzie Ross, the man behind the creation of the Turnberry course. With undulating fairways and small contoured greens the course is a worthy test of skill for any golfer.

The course length is 6232m and there is a handicap requirement of 28 for men and 36 for ladies. There are two putting greens, a practice tee and a chipping and pitching area. Just as importantly there’s also a clubhouse with a bar, a restaurant and a small pro-shop.

Batalha ‘Azalea’ Golf

Also on the island of Sao Miguel, Batalha is the newest of the courses yet such is its reputation it has already hosted two PGA ProEuro tournaments. It is also considered the most beautiful of the courses, with a mix of woodland and links and with wide fairways and regular ocean views along the way. There are 27 holes in total made up of three 9-hole loops which can be added in any combination to make a par 72 18-hole course. It’s not unusual to spot whales or dolphins while teeing up your shots on this course.

The course length is a maximum of 6435m (exact length depends on your choice of loops) and there is a handicap requirement of 28 for men and 36 for ladies. There’s a driving range, two putting greens and a chipping and pitching area. The clubhouse has a bar and a restaurant (for golfers only) and a pro-shop.

Terceira Golf

Probably the quietest of the three course, this 18-hole par 72 course on Terceira island was built by the American military in 1954 and is considered to be the easiest of the three Azores golf courses.  With several lakes and wooded areas it’s certainly picturesque and at its most attractive in May and June, when the hydrangeas and azaleas are in full bloom.

The course length is 5886m and there’s a driving range, a putting green and a pro-shop. The clubhouse has a snack bar and restaurant.

Spiked shoes are required on all of the Azores golf courses.

For more information see our website for details about golf holidays in the Azores.

Photo by José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons