Penha Longa Resort – The Atlantic Championship Course
Sintra
Overview
Nestled in the heart of the Sintra Mountains and surrounded by lush greenery, Penha Longa Resort's Atlantic Championship Course is one of Portugal’s most prestigious and celebrated golf courses. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr., this par-72 course offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, strategic challenges, and luxurious amenities, making it a top destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide. Located just 30 minutes from Lisbon and near the charming coastal town of Cascais, Penha Longa’s Atlantic Championship Course is a standout on the Portuguese golf scene.
Penha Longa Resort is set on the grounds of a former 14th-century monastery, and the course is woven into this historical landscape, offering golfers a unique experience that combines natural beauty with cultural significance. The course is part of the Penha Longa Resort, a five-star luxury retreat that offers world-class accommodations, dining, and spa facilities, ensuring that players can relax and enjoy their stay both on and off the course.
The Atlantic Championship Course is renowned for its stunning location within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The course features dramatic elevation changes, rolling hills, and breathtaking views of the Sintra Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The lush vegetation, pristine lakes, and manicured fairways add to the course’s visual appeal, creating a golfing experience that feels both secluded and majestic.
The Atlantic Championship Course is the crown jewel of Penha Longa Resort, meticulously crafted by Robert Trent Jones Jr. to challenge and delight golfers of all levels. The course measures 6,786 yards (6,200 meters) from the championship tees and is known for its strategic layout, undulating fairways, and fast, challenging greens. It offers a perfect balance of playability and difficulty, with a variety of holes that test both accuracy and power.
Jones used the natural contours of the land to create a course that is both visually stunning and technically demanding. The front nine winds through the hills and valleys of the resort, offering tight fairways, elevated tees, and several water hazards that demand precision. The back nine opens up with wider fairways and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, but it also presents its own set of challenges, particularly with the course’s signature holes.
One of the course’s standout features is its risk-reward design. Several holes, including the par-5 6th and the par-4 10th, give players the opportunity to go for the green in fewer shots but at considerable risk. This creates an exciting dynamic where golfers must carefully weigh their options, adding an extra layer of strategy to their round.
The Atlantic Championship Course is full of memorable holes, but a few stand out as true highlights of the golfing experience at Penha Longa. The 6th hole, a 463-meter (506-yard) par 5, is considered one of the best par 5s in Portugal. It offers a tantalizing risk-reward opportunity with a dogleg right that invites long hitters to attempt reaching the green in two shots, but it requires precision to avoid the water hazard and deep bunkers that guard the green.
Another iconic hole is the 16th, a 204-meter (223-yard) par 3 that is as beautiful as it is difficult. The hole plays over a lake to a narrow green surrounded by trees, with stunning views of the Sintra Mountains in the background. Precision and nerve are required to avoid the water and make par on this demanding hole.
The finishing hole, the 18th, is a magnificent par 5 that plays downhill towards the resort, offering sweeping views of the historic monastery and surrounding landscape. It’s a dramatic conclusion to a round that challenges players with every aspect of their game, from long drives to delicate approach shots.
While the Atlantic Championship Course is designed to challenge even the most skilled golfers, it is also highly accessible for players of all abilities. With multiple tee options, including championship tees for low-handicap players and forward tees for beginners, the course provides a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone. Its thoughtful design ensures that while the course can be demanding, it is always enjoyable and rewarding, regardless of skill level.
For those looking to improve their game, Penha Longa offers excellent practice facilities, including a driving range, short game area, and putting green. Golfers can also take advantage of personalized coaching and golf clinics, making it an ideal destination for those looking to sharpen their skills.
Penha Longa Resort enhances the golfing experience with its luxurious amenities and world-class service. The clubhouse is a stylish and comfortable retreat where players can relax before or after their round. It features a pro shop offering the latest golf apparel and equipment, as well as a restaurant with a terrace that provides stunning views of the course and surrounding mountains. The dining experience here is exceptional, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and Mediterranean cuisine.
In addition to the golf facilities, the resort itself is a haven of luxury. Penha Longa is home to several award-winning restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred LAB by Sergi Arola, which offers a gourmet dining experience that is second to none. The resort also features a state-of-the-art spa, where guests can unwind with treatments inspired by the region’s natural elements.
For those looking to explore beyond the resort, Penha Longa is ideally located near some of Portugal’s most famous cultural and historical attractions. The enchanting town of Sintra, known for its palaces and castles, is just a short drive away, as is Cascais, a charming seaside town with beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Penha Longa’s Atlantic Championship Course has earned a reputation as one of Portugal’s premier venues for golf tournaments and events. The course has hosted several high-profile competitions, including the Portuguese Open and the Estoril Open de Portugal, part of the European Tour. Its challenging layout, combined with the resort’s luxurious accommodations and services, makes it an ideal location for both professional tournaments and corporate events.
For those planning a golf holiday, Penha Longa offers bespoke packages that include accommodation, green fees, and access to the resort’s wide range of amenities. Whether you’re planning a casual golf getaway or a more formal event, Penha Longa provides an unforgettable experience.
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Penha Longa Resort is set on the grounds of a former 14th-century monastery, and the course is woven into this historical landscape, offering golfers a unique experience that combines natural beauty with cultural significance. The course is part of the Penha Longa Resort, a five-star luxury retreat that offers world-class accommodations, dining, and spa facilities, ensuring that players can relax and enjoy their stay both on and off the course.
The Atlantic Championship Course is renowned for its stunning location within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The course features dramatic elevation changes, rolling hills, and breathtaking views of the Sintra Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The lush vegetation, pristine lakes, and manicured fairways add to the course’s visual appeal, creating a golfing experience that feels both secluded and majestic.
The Atlantic Championship Course is the crown jewel of Penha Longa Resort, meticulously crafted by Robert Trent Jones Jr. to challenge and delight golfers of all levels. The course measures 6,786 yards (6,200 meters) from the championship tees and is known for its strategic layout, undulating fairways, and fast, challenging greens. It offers a perfect balance of playability and difficulty, with a variety of holes that test both accuracy and power.
Jones used the natural contours of the land to create a course that is both visually stunning and technically demanding. The front nine winds through the hills and valleys of the resort, offering tight fairways, elevated tees, and several water hazards that demand precision. The back nine opens up with wider fairways and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, but it also presents its own set of challenges, particularly with the course’s signature holes.
One of the course’s standout features is its risk-reward design. Several holes, including the par-5 6th and the par-4 10th, give players the opportunity to go for the green in fewer shots but at considerable risk. This creates an exciting dynamic where golfers must carefully weigh their options, adding an extra layer of strategy to their round.
The Atlantic Championship Course is full of memorable holes, but a few stand out as true highlights of the golfing experience at Penha Longa. The 6th hole, a 463-meter (506-yard) par 5, is considered one of the best par 5s in Portugal. It offers a tantalizing risk-reward opportunity with a dogleg right that invites long hitters to attempt reaching the green in two shots, but it requires precision to avoid the water hazard and deep bunkers that guard the green.
Another iconic hole is the 16th, a 204-meter (223-yard) par 3 that is as beautiful as it is difficult. The hole plays over a lake to a narrow green surrounded by trees, with stunning views of the Sintra Mountains in the background. Precision and nerve are required to avoid the water and make par on this demanding hole.
The finishing hole, the 18th, is a magnificent par 5 that plays downhill towards the resort, offering sweeping views of the historic monastery and surrounding landscape. It’s a dramatic conclusion to a round that challenges players with every aspect of their game, from long drives to delicate approach shots.
While the Atlantic Championship Course is designed to challenge even the most skilled golfers, it is also highly accessible for players of all abilities. With multiple tee options, including championship tees for low-handicap players and forward tees for beginners, the course provides a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone. Its thoughtful design ensures that while the course can be demanding, it is always enjoyable and rewarding, regardless of skill level.
For those looking to improve their game, Penha Longa offers excellent practice facilities, including a driving range, short game area, and putting green. Golfers can also take advantage of personalized coaching and golf clinics, making it an ideal destination for those looking to sharpen their skills.
Penha Longa Resort enhances the golfing experience with its luxurious amenities and world-class service. The clubhouse is a stylish and comfortable retreat where players can relax before or after their round. It features a pro shop offering the latest golf apparel and equipment, as well as a restaurant with a terrace that provides stunning views of the course and surrounding mountains. The dining experience here is exceptional, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and Mediterranean cuisine.
In addition to the golf facilities, the resort itself is a haven of luxury. Penha Longa is home to several award-winning restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred LAB by Sergi Arola, which offers a gourmet dining experience that is second to none. The resort also features a state-of-the-art spa, where guests can unwind with treatments inspired by the region’s natural elements.
For those looking to explore beyond the resort, Penha Longa is ideally located near some of Portugal’s most famous cultural and historical attractions. The enchanting town of Sintra, known for its palaces and castles, is just a short drive away, as is Cascais, a charming seaside town with beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Penha Longa’s Atlantic Championship Course has earned a reputation as one of Portugal’s premier venues for golf tournaments and events. The course has hosted several high-profile competitions, including the Portuguese Open and the Estoril Open de Portugal, part of the European Tour. Its challenging layout, combined with the resort’s luxurious accommodations and services, makes it an ideal location for both professional tournaments and corporate events.
For those planning a golf holiday, Penha Longa offers bespoke packages that include accommodation, green fees, and access to the resort’s wide range of amenities. Whether you’re planning a casual golf getaway or a more formal event, Penha Longa provides an unforgettable experience.
