Voted one of the most exciting new course openings of 2017, the stunning links at West Cliffs, located on Portugal’s dramatic Silver Coast, deserves to be on everyone’s list of must-play courses in 2018
1. WORLD’S BEST NEW GOLF COURSE
West Cliffs may be a new name in the golfing world, but it has wasted no time in becoming the most talked-about new golf course project in the game. The clifftop seaside links is well on the way to establishing itself as the new number one in Portugal, and has already won a host of leading global accolades – including being named as the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the 2017 World Golf Awards.
2. DYE DESIGN HERITAGE
Designing great golf courses quite clearly runs in the Dye family’s blood. Niece of the legendary golf architect Pete, Cynthia Dye took 14 years to create West Cliffs from start to finish, and her first layout in Portugal has been well worth the wait. “This has been an incredible project to be involved in, right from the moment when I first visited the site and saw what was possible,” said Dye. “It’s an amazing piece of property and the most incredible setting I’ve seen for a golf course anywhere. My family all love coming here. It was very exciting at the beginning, and it’s just as exciting today.”
3. SWEEPING VIEWS OF THE ATLANTIC
Situated less than an hour north of Lisbon, on Portugal’s magnificent Silver Coast, one of the first things that catches the eye at West Cliffs is its incredible setting. Occupying a privileged location high above the sea, the spectacular par-72 clifftop links has been created over 200 hectares of natural landscape, rolling sand dunes and coastal vegetation, and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from each hole.
4. VARIETY OF HOLES
By modern-day standards, West Cliffs is not overly long – it measures barely 7,000 yards off the back tees – but its clever design features a number of carries and an array of outstanding holes that have to be negotiated if you’re to score well. Nowhere is this more evident than with the magnificent final three holes, while
Dye also pays homage to her family’s design heritage and famous uncle, with parts of the course being inspired by Pete Dye’s two acclaimed courses at Whistling Straits.
5. GREAT VALUE GREEN FEES
West Cliffs may be making the headlines across the globe but, refreshingly, it won’t cost golfers the price of a second mortgage to play it. Featuring a choice of several tees, the 7,003-yard layout is accessible to golfers of all abilities, with green fees starting from €80 per person.
6. ECO-FRIENDLY CLUBHOUSE
Adjoining an exclusive 2.5km stretch of Atlantic coastline, one of West Cliffs’ many joys is the way that it fits seamlessly into its surroundings. Dye and her team worked in close collaboration with the local government to ensure minimum disruption to the environment, and to create a harmonious and sustainable links. West Cliffs’ commitment to nature is reflected in the design of its stylish, eco-friendly clubhouse, which was built using natural and certified materials, and offers exclusive panoramic views of the course and the Atlantic from three sides of the glass-fronted building.
7. PRAIA D’EL REY AND CHOICE OF ACCOMMODATION
West Cliffs is managed by Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, which is situated less than a 10-minute drive away and provides the ideal base for a golfing break. As well as boasting an 18-hole championship course designed by Cabell Robinson – which is also rated inside Europe’s top 30 layouts – Praia D’El Rey offers an ever-growing range of sports and leisure services and activities, and a choice of five-star hotel and self-catering accommodation.
Stay & Play at the Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort this spring. Four nights’ BB / 3 rounds on a choice of West Cliffs and Praia D’El Rey, starts from €410 per person, Based on sharing a room. It includes breakfast and complimentary transfers to West Cliffs.
For details, visit www.westcliffs.com or call +351 262 249 880
