It's all about dreams

Dreams are that state midway between sleep and awakening. It is often then fast sequences, cool clips and improbable occurrences.

One minute you are running on the mile-long sandy beach in Costa da Caparica, south of Lisbon, and bathing in the lovely, wet, warm waves of the salty Atlantic. In the next sequence, you have changed into a white tuxedo and stand like James Bond nonchalantly leaning over the roulette table at Casino do Estoril.
The next dream sequence you show up in the lead ball in the Portuguese Open at Estoril Golf Club, it could also have been Aroiera or Penha Longa. By coincidence you happen to be playing in the same ball as the Portuguese pro José-Filipe Lima. And you realize quickly, already after the tough third hole, that Lima will not be involved in the battle to win. The course is too narrow and his hit too lopsided.
You sink the decisive putt and win the competition, of course, and treat everyone to a victory dinner at a charming seafood restaurant in the old part of Cascais. Here the restaurants are close to each other and the smell of garlic shrimp or prawns is heavy.

You and your guests will eat well and drink well. In Portugal you can choose between white, red or green wine. Vinho Verde, the green wine, is worth a try.
Suddenly you wake up from the dream, just before you and your friends go to any of Cascais many discos and nightclubs. Someone also suggested that you take a taxi to the night life in Lisbon.
You step out of bed and pull away the curtains. Outside the sun is shining and warm winds from the Atlantic Ocean blow in.
Sometimes life is fair!
Today, you start at Quinta da Marinha Oitavos Golf, one of the new, spectacular golf courses on the Lisbon Golf Coast. In the coming days will you play on, among others, Quinta do Brincal and Bom Sucesso. You are also aware that the likelihood that you will get to play one of your green fee rounds with Lima is, in principle, equal to zero. But you also know instinctively, that along the Golf Coast in Lisbon anything can happen.
Your nostrils react to the smell of freshly baked bread from the restaurant and as one of the area’s nice courses is located beneath the balcony, your brain also notes the scent of freshly cut, green, lush grass.
It starts to twitch in your golf arms and you try a grip in the air. How was it now? How many knuckles should you see on the left hand? On the way to breakfast, you cannot help but think about the night's sweet dream.
What is dream and what is reality?
On Lisbon's Golf Coast, you can't really tell!

Johan Dahlqvist

Attractions

A country like Portugal and an area like Lisbon’s coast has so much more to offer than "just" golf. And it is a shame not to take the opportunity to explore the area. Don’t miss for example seeing the westernmost point of continental Europe, Cabo da Roca.

OCEANÁRIO DE LISBOA
Lisbon's aquarium opened at the World’s Fair in 1998 and is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. A very popular destination with around one million visitors per year. 12 euro for adults.
Address: Parque das Nacôes, Lisbon
Tel: 351 218 917 002
Oceanário de Lisboa

CABO DA ROCA
Be sure to visit Cabo da Roca in Sintra, continental Europe's westernmost point not far from Estoril and Cascais. Why not hit a drive from the mountain straight out into the sea?
Tel: 351 219 280 081
Cabo da Roca

SINTRA
Sintra has been put on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its culture and historical buildings.
Tel: 351 219 231 157
Sintra

SETÚBAL och TRÓIA
Exceptional beaches, fantastic scenery and impressive castle south of Lisbon.
Tel: 351 265 539 120
Setúbal och Tróia

SANTA MARIA MAJOR
Cathedral, Sé Cathedral, is a testament to Lisbon's history ever since Arab times and the conquest of the city in 1147.
Address: Largo de Se Alfama, Lissabon
Tel: 351 218 866 752.

Nightlife

Lisbon is a big city, with all that implies in entertainment. Along the coast, the night life is more peaceful, except in Cascais and Estoril.

CASINO ESTORIL
The casino is marketed as Europe's largest. During World War II, it was a known place for spies. Cool shows. 
Address: Av. Dr Stanley Ho, Estoril
Tel: 351 214 667 700
Casino Estoril

ARMAZÉM 
Popular dance spot with two floors in an old warehouse building.
Address: Rua da Cintura, Cais do Gás, Santos, Lisbon
Tel: 351 213 220 160
Armazém F

BLUES CAFÉ
Pleasant bar and dance area with disco as well as blues and jazz.
Address: Rua Cintura, Porto Arnz, H, Nave 3, Lisbon
Tel: 351 213 957 085
Blues Café

LUX
The Lux Bar in Lisbon in the harbour is a real party place, but come late, really late, and absolutely not before midnight.
Address: Avenida Infante D Henrique Santa Apolonia, Lisbon
Tel: 351 218 820 890
Lux

BBC BELÉM BAR CAFÉ
Bar, restaurant, a disco in Lisbon. Never wrong.
Address: Av. Brasilia, Pavichâo Poente, Lisbon
Tel: 351 213 624 232
BBC Belém Bar Café

SILK CLUB
On the sixth floor of Espaço Chiado  this elegant club offers both nightlife and awesome views of Lisbon.
Address: Rua da Misericórdia 14-6 Andar, Lisbon
Tel: 351 963 889 292
Silk Club

Restaurants

Lisbon and Lisbon's Golf Coast offer a large number of restaurants of diverse quality. But, without exception you eat well, above all fish and shellfish.

GALETO
One of the best spots in Lisbon for dinner. How many restaurants are open 20 hours a day, except fast food places? Low price.
Address: Avenida da República 14, Lisbon
Tel: 351 213 544 444

ELEVEN
Exciting restaurant with gourmet cuisine. Expensive.
Address: Rua Marquês da Fronteira, Jardim Amália, Lisbon
Tel: 351 213 862 211
Eleven

ESPALHA BRASAS
Cosy restaurant serving tapas and Portuguese specialties. Moderate prices.
Address: Doca de Santo Amaro, Armazém 12, Lisbon.
Tel: 351 213 962 059

SENHOR PEIXE
Pleasant and good seafood restaurant down by the river Tejo. Moderate prices.
Address: Zona Ribeirinha Norte, Rua da Pimenta, Parque das Ncöes, Lisbon
Tel: 351 218 955 892
Senhor Peixe

O GRELHADOR DA DOCA
This authentic Portuguese restaurant is a must in Setubal. Low prices.
Address: Rua da Saúde 38, Setúbal
Tel: 351 265 526 656

TONY BAR
Tony Bar in the old charming seaside resort of Sesimbra is the most famous restaurant; even the owner Tony’s, mustache! Fish and shellfish are on the menu. Moderate prices.
Address: Largo de Bombaldes 19/20, Sesimbra
Tel: 351 212 233 199

BORDA D 'AGUA
Known for delicious seafood and great drinks like caprinha. Not far from Aroeira Golf. Moderate prices.
Address: Praia Morena in Caparica beach.
Tel: 351 351 212 975
Borda d´agua

PEIXE NA LINHA
Great fishing, wonderful ocean views at this restaurant 5 km from Cascais. Over the medium price range.
Address: Av. Marginal, Praia de Bafureira, Sao Pedro de Estoril
Tel: 351 214 685 388

Golf Courses

Lisbon's Golf Coast has a wonderful variety and selection of golf courses. There are 22 excellent golf courses. In the photograph above, Quinta da Marinha, one of Portugal's very fine golf courses.

CLUBE DE GOLFE DA BELAVISTA 
Here we really are talking about "Golf in the City" because Belavista is located in the city park Belavista. A nice 9-hole course with exciting views of Lisbon.
Course desginer: Emmanuel D'Almeida
Year built: 2002
Number of holes: 9, par 32
Address: Av. Avelino Teixeira da Mota, 1900 Lisboa, Portugal
Tel: 351 218 310 860
Green fee: 30 euros
Handicap requirement: 54

CLUBE DE GOLFE DO PACO DO LUMIAR
Seven par 3 holes and two par 4 holes in the heart of Lisbon. Can it be any better than this?
Course designer:  Gary Grand Staff
Year built: 2004
Number of holes: 9, par 29
Address: Rua Principal, Lumia, 1750-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Tel: 351 217 591 719
Green fee: 25 euros
Handicap requirement: 54
www.golfepacodolumiar.pt
Club de Golfe do Paco do Lumiar

AROEIRA I & II 
On the south side of the Tagus river, only 30 minutes from Lisbon, is this complete golf facility with championship character. The Portugal Open for the women’s as well as the men’s Europatour has been played here several times.
Course designers: Frank Pennink (Aroeira I), Donald Steel (Aroeira II).
Year built: 1972 (Aroeira I), 2000 (Aroeira II).
Number of holes:18, par 72 (Aroeira I), 18, par 72 (Aroeira II)
Address: Herdade da Aroiera 2820-567, Charneca da Caparica, Portugal
Tel: 351 212 979 110
Green fee: 52-83 euros
Handicap requirement: 28/36
Aroeira I
Aroeira II

TRÓIA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE
Tróia is one of the most fascinating golf challenges in Portugal, ranked in the top 50 of European golf courses. Links golf on a peninsula near the sea and you take the ferry here, just think!
Course desginer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Year built: 1980
Number of holes: 18, par 72
Address: Troia, 7570-789 Carvalhal, Grandola, Portugal
Tel: 351 265 494 112
Green fee: 85-102 euros
Handicap requirement: 27/35
Tróia Golf Championship Course

CAMPO DE GOLFE QUINTA DO PERÚ
With Arrábida Mountain in the background, you play on a nice course with a large lake on the 12th hole. Beautiful nature and fun course to play.
Course desginer: Rocky Roquemore
Year built: 1994
Number of holes: 18, par 72
Address: Alameda da Serra 2, 2975-666, Quinta do Conde, Portugal
Tel: 351 212 134 320
Green fee: 52-60 euros
Handicap requirement: 54
Campo de Golfe Quinta do Perú

GOLFE DO MONTADO
Near Setubal in an area of cork oak trees and small ponds, this is a quiet and well kept gem. You also play at Muscatel winery.
Course designers: Sottomayor Duarte (1992), and Jorge Santana da Silva (2005)
Year built: 1992, rebuilt 2005
Number of holes: 18, par 72
Address: Urbanizacâo do Golfe do Montado, LTE, n 1, 2950-051 Palmela. Portugal
Tel: 351 265 708 150
Green fee: 55-70 euros
Handicap requirement: 36
Golfe do Montado

QUINTA DO BRINCAL
Quinta do Brincal, former Golden Eagle Golf Resort, is located 60 km north of Lisbon in a calm, scenic area. The course is a challenge for all players with 87 bunkers and eight lakes.
Course desginer: Rocky Roquemore
Year built: 1994
Number of holes:18, par 72
Address: E.N. 1, Km 63/64, Asseiceira, 2040-481 Rio Major, Portugal
Tel: 351 243 940 040
Green fee: 75-90 Euro
Handicap requirement: 54 weekdays, 36 weekends
Quinta do Brincal

GOLFE DO VIMEIRO
This challenging 9-hole course is located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with mountains and farmland on the other side. Hotel on the course.
Course desginer: Frank Pennick
Year built: 1963
Number of holes: 9, par 34
Address: Praia do Porto Novo, 2560-100 Maceira, Portugal
Tel: 351 261 980 800
Green fee: 25-30 euros
Handicap requirement: 54
Golfe do Vimeiro

CAMPOREAL
Campo Real is the perfect resort with all facilities. Donald Steel's course is in a lush, hilly area where the only thing that is disturbing is the birds chirping.
Course desginer: Donald Steel
Year built: 2005
Number of holes:18, par 72
Address: Rua do Campo, 2565-779 Turcifal (Their torres), Portugal
Tel: 351 261 950 200
Green fee: 40 euros
Handicap requirement: 36
CampoReal

CLUBE DE GOLFE DO BOTADO
Botado is an exciting 9-hole course that stretches between sand dunes along the Atlantic coast. Six lakes and wonderful views of the sea, further enhance the round.
Course desginer: Mateus Marteleira
Year built: 1996
Number of holes: 9, par 36
Address: Praia da Consolação, 2520 Peniche, Portugal
Tel: 351 262 757 700
Green fee: 20 euros
Handicap requirement: 54.

PRAIA D’EL REY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Praia D'El Rey is a course with championship qualities. Parts of the course are seaside where you feel the salt taste in the water droplets in the wind. One of Portugal's coolest courses.
Course desginer: Cabell Robinson
Year built: 1997
Number of holes: 18, par 72
Address: Óbidos, Portugal
Tel: 351 262 905 005
Green fee: 75-125 euros
Handicap requirement: 28/36
Praia dél Rey Golf & Country Club

ESTORIL GOLF COURSE
Estoril is an old course, which requires precision in the game. Located near the centre of Etsoril. The Portuguese Open has been played here for 20 years. Also a 9-hole course.
Course desginer: Mackenzie Ross
Year built: 1945
Number of holes: 18/09, par 69/34
Address: Av. Da República, 2765-273 Estoril, Portugal
Tel: 351 214 660 367
Green fee: 27-38 euros
Handicap requirement: 28/36
Estoril Golf  Course

LISBON SPORTS CLUB
An old, mature course which requires precision hitting of the ball. A ravine crosses the course and influences play on 12 of 18 holes on the course. Complete clubhouse including swimming pool.
Course desginer: Hawtree and Sons
Year built: 1964
Number of holes: 18, par 69
Address: Casal da Carregueira, 2605-213 Belas, Portugal
Tel: 351 214 310 077
Green fee: 45-65 euros
Handicap requirement: 36/54
Lisbon Sports Club

OITAVOS DUNES
Lovely, nature adapted golf in a landscape of forest, sand dunes and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Mountains. Ranked 88 as one of the world's best courses.
Course desginer: Arthur Hills
Year built: 2001
Number of holes: 18, par 71
Address: Quinta da Marinha, Quinta da Casa, N 25, 2750-715 Cascais, Portugal
Tel: 351 214 860 600
Green fee: 110-150 Euro
Handicap requirement: 36
Oitavos Dunes

PENHA LONGA GOLF COURSE
Penha Longa’s 18-hole championship course where several  multi-Europatour competitions have been played. Exciting holes, nice greens and a wonderful view.  The 9-hole Monastery course is not as rugged and easier to play for those with a bit higher handicap.
Course desginer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Year built: 1992 (Atlantic Course), 1995 (Monastery Course)
Number of holes: 18 holes, par 72, (Atlantic Course), 9 holes, par 35 (Monastery Course)
Address: Estrada de Lagoa Azul Linhó, 2714-511 Sintra, Portugal
Tel: 351 219 249 032
Green fee: 90-120 euros
Handicap requirement: 28/36
Penha Longa Golf Course

BELOURA GOLF COURSE
Beloura is a fairly flat course, but despite that, wonderful to play among the course’s 40,000 trees. Six ponds or small lakes, are some of the challenges on the course.
Course desginer: Rocky Roquemore
Year built: 1994
Number of holes: 18, par 73
Address: Rua das Sesmarias, n 3, Quinta da Beloura, 2710-692 Sintra, Portugal
Tel: 351 219 106 350
Green fee: from 55.50 to 72.50 euros
Handicap requirement: 27/35
Beloura Golf Course

QUINTA DA MARINHA
Several memorable holes, especially the 13th hole that is played straight out into the Atlantic. The course was designed by legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Course desginer: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Year built: 1984
Number of holes: 18, par 71
Address: Quinta da Marinha, Quinta da Casa, N 25, 2750-715 Cascais, Portugal
Tel: 351 214 860 600
Green fee: from 47.50 to 95 euros
Handicap requirement: 28/36
Quinta da Marinha

BELAS CLUBE DE CAMPO
Belas is a varied and beautiful course in beautiful surroundings. The course has five lakes and many interesting holes.
Course desginer: Rocky Roquemore
Year built: 1997
Number of holes:18, par 72
Address: Alameda do Aqueduto, 2605-193 Belas, Portugal
Tel: 351 219 626 640
Green fee: 78-90 euros
Handicap requirement: 28 weekends, 36 weekdays
Belas Clube de Campo

RIBAGOLFE 
Challenging course that stimulates all your senses, not the least, you can enjoy all the cork oak trees around the course. The course designer comes from European Golf Design that works with the men's Europatour. Both courses are in other words really good.
Course designers: Peter Townsend (Ribagolfe I), Michael King (Ribagolfe II)
Year built: 2004
Number of holes:18, par 7
Address: Vargem Fresca EN 119 KM 23, Infantado, 2135-407 Samora Correia, Portugal
Tel: 351 263 930 040
Green fee: 50-65 euros
Handicap requirement: 36
Ribagolfe

SANTO ESTEVÂO GOLFE
Here you are treated to a pleasant, natural adapted course about 30 minutes east of Lisbon's airport which is suitable for all types of players.
Course desginer: Donald Steel
Year built: 2004
Number of holes: 18, par 73
Address: Vila Nova de Santo Estêvão, CC n 19, 2130-127 Santo Estevao, Portugal
Tel: 351 263 949 492
Green fee: 45-60 euros
Handicap requirement: 36
Santi Estavâo Golfe

ALDEIA DOS CAPUCHOS
The course is admittedly only 1,402 metres long, but not without qualities. Perfect to practice on with many bunkers and some ponds. The sea view of is included.
Course designer: Jorge Santana da Silva
Year built: 2008
Number of holes: 9, par 29
Address: Largo Aldeia dos Capuchos, 2825-017 Caparica, Portugal
Tel: 351 212 909 000
Green fee: 30-35 euros
Handicap requirement: 54
Aldeia dos Capuchos

BOM SUCESSO GOLF
Bom Sucesso is one of the most recently built golf courses in Portugal. The course was designed by renowned Donald Steel who has planned the course to suit all types of players. The greens were made taking into consideration that the approach should be hit from the "right" place. Consequently, what matters is playing the ball to the right place to facilitate the approach.
Course designer: Donald Steel
Year built: 2008
Number of holes: 18, par 72.
Address: Bom Sucesso, Vau, 2510-662 Óbidos, Portugal
Tel: 351 213 303 430
Green fee: 74-90 euros
Handicap requirement: 36
www.bomsucesso.com.pt
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