The British colony, which settled on Madeira some centuries
ago, has had a preponderant influence on the economy of this
island. The famous Madeira wines carry the names of some
G
distinguished families of English origin on their labels. The
British also introduced golf into Madeira. In 1937 they built their
olf
first nine-hole course, designed by the Miles Brothers, assisted
by the Leacock and the Blandy families.
T
A new golf course, at Santo da Serra, was inaugurated in
he
December 1991. It was originally designed by Trent Jones but
G
has had some changes and now offers a choice of 3 nine hole
options. The courses have been built at an altitude of around alle
700 metres and offer incredible panoramic views over Machico,
São Lourenço point, the Deserta isles and to the mountainous
interior of the island. The Clubhouse, built in 2000, offers an
r
y
excellent Restaurant and Bar, and there are also acclimatised
locker rooms with separate saunas for men and women as well
as a well-equipped gym. Santo da Serra has hosted the
European PGA tour - Madeira Open since 1993.
Palheiro Golf is situated in the hills to the east of Funchal,
boasting fantastic views over the bay and the city. This 18 hole,
6000 metre plus course was designed in 1993 by Cabel
Robinson, and is skilfully set within the gracious parkland of the
Quinta de Palheiro Ferreiro. Remarkable for tight fairways, fast
greens, and judicious use of the beautiful trees that once covered
the hillside, the course is a worthy challenge for all handicap
levels.
The stylish Clubhouse is in the traditional Madeiran style using
local stone, red tiling and marble quarried from the Portuguese
mainland. It is open throughout the year, providing a well-
equipped Pro-Shop, buggy hire and an informal grill bar. The
Clubhouse lies below the eighteenth green, and offers
spectacular views over Funchal Bay.
To reduce pollution on the course the golf buggies have been
substituted and now are electric instead of petrol.
There’s now a golf course on Porto Santo,
the neighbouring island to Madeira, where you
can discover unique challenges while playing
amidst breathtaking scenery and enveloped in
a sea breeze, the Porto Santo Golf Course has
everything you need to play golf the whole
year round.
This links course was designed by the golfing
legend Severiano Ballesteros. Its first phase
has already been completed and two 72-par
nine-hole circuits are available, plus another
nine par-3 "pitch and putt" holes.
The second phase, due for completion in
2010, will include another 18-hole course,
giving the Golden Isle the largest golf course
in the region and certainly one of the best in
the country.
‘With Pestana, your well-being is our priority’
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14