Green side bunker at the 11thRisk and reward at the 12th Water features all along the 14th
The weather clears up in the afternoon, giving us a chance to play all 18 holes at one of the two courses at Riba Golfe. We tee it up on the Riba Golfe 1, which from the tips measures 7,370 yards. Luckily there are five tee options here and we decided to go with the whites.
You’re totally surrounded by nature in this beautifully silent part of the world, which is only 40 minutes away from Lisbon, it’s like being in two different worlds. The design sits in an old cork forest and Peter Townsend, of European golf design, has done a great job. There are some beautiful views, none more so than on the run of holes from 7 to 9 which sees the reservoir come into view; it’s a beautiful backdrop and as dusk started to draw the evening light, produces a tranquillity that just makes you want to stop and admire those vistas.
Riba Golfe 1 opens up with a tough dogleg right par-4 of 446 yards, so I would make full use of the practice facilities before you start out. I really rate this track and can imagine how beautiful this spot is in the summer and autumn months. Stand-out holes for me are obviously the seventh with that stunning view, and the par-5 twelfth at 539 yards where water comes into play on your second shot, a classic risk-and-reward hole. The 14th and 15th again have water as a feature and both are well-designed holes that you’ll enjoy playing. These holes particularly appeal to me and I’m sure they’ll appeal to you too.
