THE YOUR DUNAS GUIDE TO COURSE
One of the hottest new openings on the planet enhances Lisbon’s golf options still further
With a golf design CV that includes Bandon Dunes, Queenwood, Beaverbrook, Machrihanish Dunes and the Castle Course at St Andrews, it’s safe to say that David Mclay Kidd knows a thing or two about what it takes to create a world-class golf course.
Up until now, the Scotsman has limited his work to regions other than mainland Europe and he has never opened a layout on the continent.
But all that is about to change in the coming months with the eagerly anticipated unveiling of the Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta in Portugal.
Mclay Kidd originally launched the linksstyle Dunas Course, which is situated one hour south of Lisbon, in 2010. The project was forced to be shelved on that occasion after the company financing the development ran into financial difficulties but, with the architect having teamed up with Vanguard Properties – the largest real estate developer in Portugal – the course will become a glorious reality when it is unveiled to the golfing world at the start of June.
It is something that Mclay-kidd is, understandably, hugely excited about.
“As golf has circled the globe, it never finds a better home than along sandy shores, like those at Terras da Comporta,” he said. “Sand and sea are the fundamental ingredients to great golf, just look at any list of the best courses in the world, from St Andrews to Pebble Beach, the sand, the breeze and the shoreline are the elements man cannot create, they have to exist naturally.
“Golfers yearn to play beautiful, natural, uncontrived courses, that’s why links golf is golf at its best, and Comporta is true links golf, unique in Portugal, unique throughout southern Europe. For golfers that know links, this will be a ‘must play’ golf course. And for those that don’t, it will be a new experience, an awakening of what golf is meant to be.
“I’m super excited about the course, it is a lot of fun but it’s not easy by any means. It’s pretty challenging but it is forgiving if you get into trouble. You’ve got a chance to get back into the game, and how could you ever complain about the amazing weather in Portugal, combined with the beaches, the cafes, the food, the people. It’s all beautiful and I would encourage anyone to visit.”
Situated on the coast in a secluded setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, the Dunas Course is one of two 18-hole championship layouts that is planned at the multi-million euro Terras da Comporta development.
Created over 84 hectares of natural, sandy terrain, the par-71, 6,555-metre layout has been built using the highest sustainable practices and it is predicted to quickly become one of Europe’s must-play golfing venues when it opens.
In keeping with all Mclay Kidd courses and his entire design philosophy, it is not only visually attractive but has been created in a way to not only reward great golf shots, but also allow players of all abilities to experience and enjoy its many challenges. Successfully taking on the most aggressive line off the tee will set up a realistic birdie opportunity, but there is more than enough space with the generous fairways and green surrounds for those who prefer to take a less adventurous route. Importantly, for the pace of play, it also means ball hunting should be kept to a minimum.
Rodrigo Ulrich, Director of Golf at Terras da Comporta, added: “What David has created here is truly special and golfers are in for a real treat. The course adheres to all his design principles – to create a layout that is as natural, seamless and sustainable as possible – and the way he has made full use of the terrain and location is incredible.”
Chris Bertram, Editor of our Top 100 Courses in Continental Europe, was lucky enough to be given a sneak preview of the layout by Mclay Kidd this winter and he has no doubt about its future star status.
“I was privileged to get a first look at the Dunas in the company of David Mclay Kidd as the finishing touches are made to his design south of Lisbon,” he said, having visited in February. “Dunas is playable, fun, strategic and spectacular – and there is nothing really like it in Europe. It sits on piles of sand and is framed by mature pines as it rumbles over undulating terrain with lots of space off the tee. We’ll have much more to say about it in the coming issues and online, not to mention in our next Continental Top 100 – it will definitely be in that ranking!”
Complementing the Dunas Course will be a new clubhouse and golf academy, while work is already progressing well on Terras da Comporta’s second layout, the Torre Course, which has been designed by Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia.
And the plans are just as impressive away from the fairways, with an array of lifestyle activities set to be available including horseriding, wellness and sailing, with a wide range of plots for hotels, and tourist and residential condominiums also on offer.
Green fees are bookable from June 1 from €175pp including buggy, driving range balls and engraved bag tag. Special summer prices are also available and for more details and to book, email golf@comporta.com