Stunning new Portuguese destination set to enhance profile of ‘Silver Coast’ when it opens this summer
By Chris Johnston
The eagerly anticipated West Cliffs Golf Club will officially open this summer. Situated less than one hour north of Lisbon - on Portugal’s magnificent Silver Coast - West Cliffs is set to be unveiled to a worldwide audience this June.
Designed by golf course architect Cynthia Dye, part of the world-renowned golf architecture group Dye Design, the course is predicted to become one of the most talked-about design projects in the world.
Mrs Dye, who is niece of legendary golf designer Pete Dye, said: “With the Atlantic visible from every hole, West Cliffs is the most natural golf course site imaginable.
“The terrain is amazing. On the vast majority
of the holes, it was only necessary to site the green complexes with a bit of shaping and
then define the limits of grassing. For the most part, the course was already there waiting for us.
“The most distinguishing architectural feature on the course is the collection of bunkers with irregular perimeters blending into and dictated by the native vegetation. It will be a very dramatic experience for the players.”
Construction work on the course began in February last year, with Dye and her team working in close collaboration with the local government to ensure minimum disruption to the environment.
Fitting seamlessly into its natural surroundings, West Cliffs will measure just over 7,000 yards in length but, with its modern design and a choice of several sets of tees, it will guarantee accessibility to golfers of all abilities.
Away from the course, the West Cliffs golf academy will provide the ideal atmosphere for players to warm-up, learn and improve, while a stylish and eco-friendly new clubhouse will offer panoramic views of the Atlantic links and provide the perfect environment to relax after 18 hole
DRAMATIC
Director of Golf at West Cliffs, Francisco Cadete, said: “Our vision was to build a golf course that fitted perfectly into a natural environment and offers a truly wonderful golfing experience. We believe we have just perfected nature.
“The beauty and challenge of this remarkable and rare ocean links course grows with each
hole that you play. It is thrilling and dramatic
but, at the same time, has been designed in
such a way that it can be enjoyed by players of all levels.
“Featuring one of the most spectacular golfing locations anywhere in Europe, the course is going to be tremendous fun to play and I can’t wait to see golfers’ reactions when they get here and see what we have created.”
