Santo da Serra Golf Club

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Golf Course

District: Madeira > Machico > Santo da Serra > Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra

Location

The Santo da Serra Golf Club is located in an elevated area in the locality of Santo da Serra, integrated into the municipality of Machico. Its position offers wide views over the stunning bay of Machico, a place of particular historical significance as it was the arrival point of the first discoverers of the island of Madeira. The surrounding area is characterized by its luxuriant nature, contributing to an experience of tranquility and contact with the natural landscape.

Access to the club is easy, being just a few minutes from a modern expressway. This connection allows reaching the city of Funchal in about fifteen minutes, making the location accessible without compromising the serenity of the environment.

A History of Excellence

The history of Santo da Serra Golf Club dates back to 1937, the year its original course was built. However, in 1991, the space was completely redesigned by the renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. This remodeling transformed it into a spectacular course with twenty-seven holes, set in one of the most beautiful natural landscapes of the region.

Trent Jones Sr.'s vision resulted in a course that stands out for its harmonious integration into the environment, offering a challenge aligned with the most demanding design standards of the sport. Its longevity and the signature of a reference name in golf attest to the value and quality of the space.

The Courses and the Playing Experience

Santo da Serra Golf Club features twenty-seven holes, divided into three distinct nine-hole courses: Machico, Desertas, and Serras. The Machico and Desertas courses are particularly known for having hosted professional competitions, including the Madeira Islands Open, part of the PGA European Tour. On these, holes 3 and 4 of the Machico course are often highlighted as memorable for those who play them.

The Serras course presents itself as a more relaxed alternative, with a layout that includes lakes, mountain views, and predominantly flat terrain. On each hole, there are four tee options, allowing golfers to choose their preferred level of difficulty, adapting the game for both a professional challenge and more relaxed play.

A Stunning Natural Setting

The golf course is often described as a true botanical garden, enriched by the presence of four beautiful lakes that complement the landscape. Its design takes advantage of the natural surroundings, offering panoramic views over the Atlantic and the island's orography. The fairways and greens reflect meticulous work and constant attention, maintaining playing conditions that integrate into the natural environment.

This symbiosis between the course design and the surrounding beauty creates a unique atmosphere, where sport merges with the exuberance of Madeiran nature. The quality of maintenance and the botanical richness of the space are elements valued by visitors.

Recognition and Prestige

Throughout its history, Santo da Serra Golf Club has been the venue for renowned events and has received praise from prominent figures in golf. Great names in the sport, including Ryder Cup players, have attested to the excellent quality of the fairways and greens. The famous golfer Severiano Ballesteros, for example, described the clubhouse as "very beautiful" during his participation in the Madeira Islands Open in 2001, highlighting the aesthetics and ambiance of the place.

This recognition is also manifested in its ranking among national golf courses, being considered one of the best in Portugal. Such a distinction underscores its role as one of the reference venues for golf practice in the country.

Practice Facilities for Golfers

For those looking to hone their golf skills, the club offers a vast practice area. This includes two putting greens, a chipping green, and a bunker green, which allow for the practice of different aspects of the short game. There is also a driving range with three distinct levels, one of which is covered, offering conditions for practice in various situations.

In addition to the practice areas, Santo da Serra Golf Club has a golf academy. This service offers technical training with a qualified professional, enabling individual or group lessons for those who wish to develop or perfect their technique in the sport.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt