Guest blog by Alasdair Gillies
Sun, sea and sand. Estela Golf Club has it all. But at this stunning links course you definitely don’t want to be anywhere near the sand. Estela is about 35 minutes from Quinta de Agriboa, on the west coast of Portugal. A PGA Championship golf course that is, without doubt, a golfing masterpiece. Estela offers beautiful holes, spectacular scenery and real value for money golf.
There are very few bunkers at Estela, simply because they aren’t needed. However, fail to hit the fairways and you will be hacking your way out of punishing sand dunes or, as has happened to me more than once, sheepishly asking a sunbathing holidaymaker for your ball back.
This links course runs alongside a beautiful, white Atlantic beach. The ocean can be seen from the tee on most of the opening nine holes. When you line up a shot with your back to the sea, you are looking into a dramatic, “spaghetti western” mountain range. A couple of the holes are outstanding; amongst the most memorable I have played.
The competitions at Estela are also worth consideration. The entry fee, which can be as low as €35 Euros usually covers the golf and a tasty buffet in the clubhouse. You meet local members, interesting visitors and enjoy the buzz of seeing “internacionale” against your name on the entry sheet.
Estela is a test for golfers of all levels and once you have played it, you want to go back – usually the next day if possible.
If you want to visit a course nearer the villa, try Ponte de Lima Golf Club. This friendly club is only 15 minutes away from Quinta de Agriboa. A parkland course, it could hardly be more different to Estela. If the sand dunes are the main hazard at Estela, the trees that line the Ponte de Lima course are equally punishing. The tees test the mindset of each golfer.
A booming drive for the long hitter can lead to success or real disaster due to the narrow fairways. On the other hand a cautious iron can leave you requiring a flight to the green. Ah, the joys of golf.