Oeiras Municipal Golf Cabanas

Oeiras introduces Portugal’s first municipal golf course in the Cabanas Golf area, just 20 km from Lisbon. Approved by the city council this month, the project reactivates the previously closed course on two newly acquired lots, spanning 43 hectares. The objective is not just to reopen but to transform it into a public facility supporting community golfing, education, and recreation.

Until now, Portugal’s golf landscape has been dominated by private resorts and exclusive member clubs, especially across the Algarve and Lisbon regions. With this project, Oeiras breaks new ground by offering a municipal option designed to promote accessibility without compromising on course quality. For travelling golfers, this opens the door to a more affordable and relaxed golfing experience near the capital, ideal for those who want to mix urban exploration with a few rounds on the green. The new facility is expected to attract not only local players and students but also international visitors looking for something beyond the typical resort circuit.

Construction is expected to be completed by late August 2025, with the facility branded the Municipal Golf Academy in Barcarena. It will serve schools, universities, local clubs, and the wider community. This marks a significant shift for golf travellers seeking holiday options, offering easily accessible, public-course play just a short drive from Lisbon.

A Boost for Accessible Golf Holidays

This new municipal setup brings true convenience for golf travellers:

Close to Lisbon but outside crowded resort zones, it’s perfect for holidaymakers wanting easy access, yet a quieter experience. Golfers can pair a few rounds at Cabanas with stays in Lisbon or nearby coastal resorts for a balanced mix of city and leisure. The public nature of the course promises affordable green fees, a welcome change from private resort costs.

Community and Sustainable Focus

The agreement calls for the land to remain municipally owned, though managed by a dedicated operator. This hybrid model ensures robust investment, professional oversight, and accountability. The facility is also set to include green spaces and leisure areas accessible to everyone, not just golfers.

By embedding the course in local programming, schools, university partnerships, club use, Oeiras is positioning golf as a communal sport, not a luxury activity.

What This Means for Portugal Golf Holidays

For travellers based in Lisbon or those planning coastal escapes, this addition raises the bar for holiday planning:

Stay in a Lisbon villa, play a municipal course nearby, then head south to the Algarve for a full holiday experience. The course’s reopening in August coincides with late-summer travel, offering a fresh attraction for travellers seeking variety. Combining public-course rounds with nearby resort stays offers a layered experience without the usual peak-season pricing.

Redefining the Game: Spain’s First Par 6 Opens at La Marquesa Golf

Golfers in Spain now have a new reason to visit Alicante. La Marquesa Golf, located in the town of Rojales, has made history by unveiling the country’s first par-6 hole—a bold and exciting step that’s already sparking buzz across the golf community.

Stretching an eye-catching 644 meters from the back tees (623 from yellow, 593 from blue, and 505 from red), this unique hole offers something very few golf courses in the world can claim: a par 6 challenge that’s both strategic and accessible. Designed by architect Iñaki de La Cuadra, who has worked alongside renowned designer Peter Harradine, this hole transforms a former par 5 into a longer, more dynamic experience. The layout now includes a slight dog-leg to the left on the final approach, adding a layer of complexity that rewards precision and planning.

La Marquesa Golf: Always innovating

What makes this design truly innovative is the flexibility it gives golfers. Players can choose to tackle the hole as a par 6 or stick to the original layout and play it as a par 5, thanks to new tee platforms that preserve the original distance. In fact, when played as a par 5 from the white tees, it now holds the title of the longest par 5 in Spain, clocking in at 628 meters.

According to José Ángel Quesada, president of La Marquesa Golf, “This par 6 is a big leap forward for innovation and challenge in Spanish golf. We want La Marquesa to be a place where players not only enjoy their game but also find something memorable.”

La Marquesa is also part of the exclusive selection of golf courses offered by Tee Times Golf Holidays in Spain—perfect for those looking to experience top-tier golf in Alicante and its beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re planning a golf getaway or just want to tick a par 6 off your bucket list, Tee Times can help you make it happen for your Spain golf holidays.

This ambitious update is part of a broader vision to turn La Marquesa into a must-visit destination for golfers from around the world. Combined with standout features like its replica of the iconic 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, the course now offers a mix of tradition, creativity, and fun.

One thing’s for sure: if you’re looking for a golf experience that’s out of the ordinary, La Marquesa’s par 6 should be on your list.

Vale de Janelas Crowned Senior National Club Champion in Nail-Biting Finish

Vale de Janelas secured a thrilling victory at the 2025 Senior National Club Championship this past weekend in Montebelo, Viseu, cementing its dominance in Portuguese senior golf. The club edged out fierce rivals Quinta do Peru by just one stroke, reclaiming the national title it also won in 2022 and 2023.

The event culminated in a dramatic turnaround. After trailing by six strokes at the close of Saturday’s individual round, Vale de Janelas mounted a comeback during Sunday’s “Foursomes” format. Each club fielded two pairs, with both scores contributing to the final tally.
Gonçalo Mota Carmo and Ken Cooper carded a solid 79, while John Williams and Martin Playell posted 85. The 164 strokes added to the team’s Saturday score of 248, for a total of 412 (+52). Quinta do Peru, who led after the opening round, registered 171 on Sunday, finishing at 413 (+53) – just a single stroke shy of glory.

Steady Hands Under Pressure

Vale de Janelas’ victory was not just about skill; it was about nerve. In a format that demands trust and chemistry between teammates, their consistent play proved decisive. The narrow win highlights the razor-thin margins that define elite amateur competition.

CityGolf secured third place with a score of 420 (+60), followed closely by Vale Pisão and Ilha Terceira. Belas Clube de Campo, last year’s champion, fell to seventh.

A Testament to Portugal’s Thriving Golf Scene

The tight finish reflects the competitive spirit alive in Portugal’s senior golf landscape. With passionate players, iconic venues like Montebelo, and increasing participation across age groups, Portugal continues to grow as a respected golf destination at all levels.

Planning a golf break around Portugal’s finest fairways? Explore our curated Porto Golf Holidays to experience the country’s championship spirit firsthand. And for a seamless journey from course to coast, don’t miss our trusted Car Hire and Transfers options.