Golf in Portugal boasts a storied history that stretches back nearly 125 years. The tale began in 1890 with the establishment of the Oporto Niblicks Golf Club, now known as the Oporto Golf Club. It was the first golf course on the Iberian Peninsula and the fifth in continental Europe. Initially, 24 members brought life to this pioneering golf club in Portugal.
Golf first gained popularity among Britons who had settled near the Douro River in Porto. By 1900, the Oporto Golf Club expanded its course from 9 holes to 18. As the 20th century advanced, Lisbon also embraced the sport, creating courses by the Lisbon Sports Club and Estoril Club. Today, the Oporto Golf Club preserves its historical charm with its undulating holes reminiscent of the best courses in the United Kingdom. In the late 1950s, Philip Mackenzie Ross redesigned the course, maintaining its original character.
The Role of Sir Henry Cotton
In the 1960s, Sir Henry Cotton revolutionized golf in the Algarve by introducing the Penina Resort Championship course. This significant development integrated golf into the region’s tourism offerings, setting the stage for future advancements. Cotton also designed Vale do Lobo and the southern Algarve gem, Quinta de Benamor, a par 71 course spanning 6,100 yards, nestled among hills and lush trees.
The late 1970s and 1980s marked a period of rapid growth in Algarve’s golf courses, with iconic designs like Palmares, Vilamoura Old Course, and San Lorenzo enhancing the landscape. By the end of the 1980s, Portugal boasted 23 golf courses. The 1990s saw another surge in golf development, doubling the number of courses to over 50 by the new millennium. While the Algarve remained a central hub, other regions, including the north, central Portugal, Madeira, and the Azores, also embraced golf. During this decade, Tee Times Golf Agency was founded, offering Portugal golf breaks to international golfers.
Steps in the Evolution of Golf in Portugal
- 1890: Oporto Niblicks Golf Club is founded, marking Portugal’s first golf course.
- 1900: Expansion of the Oporto Golf Club from 9 to 18 holes.
- 1930s: Lisbon Sports Club and Estoril Club establish their golf courses.
- 1960s: Sir Henry Cotton designs the Penina Resort Championship course, integrating golf into Algarve’s tourism.
- Late 1970s-1980s: Rapid growth in Algarve’s golf courses, including Palmares, Vilamoura Old Course, and San Lorenzo.
- 1990s: Golf course numbers double, surpassing 50 courses by the millennium.
- 2024: Celebrating 75 years of the Portuguese Golf Federation and approaching 125 years of the Oporto Golf Club.
As detailed by The Clubhouse Algarve Magazine, the Oporto Golf Club proudly holds the Skeffington Cup, established in 1891, one of the world’s oldest continuously contested golf trophies. This rich heritage highlights the sport’s development and its integral role in Portuguese culture and recreation.
In 2024, we celebrate 75 years of the Portuguese Golf Federation and look forward to commemorating 125 years of the Oporto Golf Club. Golf in Portugal exemplifies a harmonious blend of sport and nature, with stunning courses that seamlessly transition between land and sea. The 21st century promises to further enrich Portugal’s golfing legacy.