Aroeira Pines, Classic & Challenge

AROEIRA PINES CLASSIC & AROEIRA CHALLENGE

Nestled amid tranquil natural pine forest, Aroeira I – venue of the Portuguese Open in 1996 and 1997 – has been renamed Aroeira Pines Classic with its sister course, Aroeira II, being rebranded as Aroeira Challenge.

The rebranding follows a period of significant recent investment in both venues by ORIZONTE – Portugal’s leading golf management company – and both courses being included in Golf World’s new list of the best courses in Portugal.

Located 25km south of Lisbon, Aroeira is rated among Europe’s top-50 golf resorts. Dubbed the ‘Wentworth of Lisbon’ by many observers, both courses have undergone strict maintenance programmes during the lockdown period to upgrade the condition of the tees, fairways and greens, with the Aroeira clubhouse also being given a fresh new look this spring.

Set in a pine wood with several lakes, and benefiting from a microclimate that allows you to play golf all year round, the Aroeira I and II golf courses offer players of all levels a stimulating and varied challenge. Only half an hour from the centre of Lisbon, Frank Pennink’s Aroeira Pines Classic course undulates through dense pine forests with strategic water hazards testing the golfers accuracy. This 18-hole course opened in 1973. Specialists say it is one of the best in Europe and it hosted the Portuguese Open in 1996 and 1997 and a number of Ladies Opens.

Aroeira Challenge was opened in April 2000. Its architect, Donald Steel, took care to comply with European Tour recommendations and designed a course with future Portuguese Opens in mind. Its 18 long greens wind round 5 lakes and the various tees for each hole mean it can be played by players of all levels. For a number of years it has hosted the Qualifying School of Ladies European Tour and several Portuguese Ladies Opens