Madeira: is this golf’s most underrated destination?
Swing into paradise with a trio of exceptional golf courses in postcard-perfect surroundings of Madeira.
The world of golf is not short on coveted island destinations. It’s no secret that the Caribbean is a treasure trove of first-class courses, as is Mallorca with some two dozen layouts and, further south, Mauritius. That’s without even mentioning Ireland. However, off the western shore of Morocco is arguably one of the only places in golf without a weak course in sight.
Madeira – an archipelago that’s part of Portugal and consists of four islands – is home to three very different golf venues, and the local tourist board have created an easy way for visiting players to experience all three. That’s the Madeira Golf Passport, a choice of three, four or five-round packages offering exceptional value across a truly first-class line-up.
The four-round passport is new for 2024 and allows guests to play any combination of the courses for just €395 per person.
Clube de Golf Santo da Serra
Perched 1,000 feet above sea level, Santo da Serra is one of many world-class European venues designed by the prolific American architect Robert Trent Jones. Although the venue itself has existed since 1937, the course in its modern form opened in 1991.
Giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy Santo da Serra is crucial, not least because it’s actually a 27-hole venue comprised of three nine-hole loops. The Machico and Desertas routes staged the Madiera Islands Classic and are generally considered the venue’s championship course, but the Serras is also not to be missed.
The Machico – named after the bay that much of the course overlooks – offers drama usually reserved for the silver screen. From the back tees, the loop is as stern a nine-hole test as you’ll find anywhere, but the reward is stunning vistas across the island and out to sea.
The project was completed in 1998 when the Serras course opened for play. A flatter route that travels further inland than its older siblings, the Serras is well worth the time despite being overshadowed by the flair of the flashier Machico and Desertas.
Palheiro Golf
One thing common to all of Madeira’s courses is that only exceptionally gifted architects have been blessed with projects here, and Palheiro Golf is no different. Cabell B. Robinson, a design legend best known for his acclaimed work in Spain and Portugal, unveiled his Madeira layout in 1993 – just two years after his compatriot Trent Jones laid down Santo da Serra.
Set in the picturesque Palheiro Nature Estate, the course is every bit as scenic as the adjoining gardens thanks to panoramic views over the capital city of Funchal. However, Robinson’s layouts offer substance as well as style; the dramatic landscape calls for elevated tee shots and plenty of attention must be paid to the wind if it gets blowing.
Unusually, the back nine features a quartet of par-five holes, making it some 700 yards longer than the front half of the course. With views like these, though, the distance never feels like a slog.
Porto Santo Golfe
The youngest of Madeira’s courses is not part of the cheapest Passport, but your day here – as well as travel costs – is included in the price of the four-round and five-round packages. We mention travel costs because Porto Santo is actually on Madeira’s easternmost island, a mountainous piece of land smaller than San Marino.
Once your plane or ferry arrives at Porto Santo, it’s a short transfer to the golf club itself. Anyone who has played a few Seve Ballesteros courses could quickly identify Porto Santo as one of his. For starters, Ballesteros was one of the few advocates of courses having six par three holes, six par fours and six par fives – as is the case here. It means there’s plenty of variety and every hole comes with its own challenges.
Porto Santo nearly spans the entire width of the island, with the highlight undoubtedly coming from the 13th to 15th holes, a coastal stretch blessed with thunderous views out to sea. It takes a special course to justify a lengthy ferry ride; this Seve classic is more than worth the wait.
What else is there to do in Madeira?
Of course, even the best courses are only as good as their surroundings, but as you might expect, Madeira doesn’t struggle to deliver on culture, cuisine and hospitality. Much of the action can be found in the bustling city of Funchal, while further afield you can find spectacular countryside peppered with nature trails and smaller towns. Watersports are also extremely popular here if you’re so inclined.
Madeira will host the World Golf Awards in November, and there could be even more reason to celebrate: all three of the archipelago’s venues are nominated to be crowned Europe’s Best Golf Course, while Madeira itself has made the shortlist for ‘World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination’.
Verdict
Not only does Madeira have a trio of exceptional courses, but the Madeira Golf Passport means it couldn’t be easier to experience them all. It’s tough to single out one venue as a clear winner, so your best bet is to play all three for yourself and make up your own mind.
