Golf in The Azores: The Golf World's Best Kept Secret

The mild Azorean climate, beautiful scenery and quiet courses make the archipelago an ideal year round golfing destination.

There are currently three golf courses on the islands, 2 with 18 holes and 1 with 27 holes. On São Miguel, Batalha overlooks the sea and is the newest and most challenging course while Furnas (located in the mountains) is sprinkled with lakes and stands of Japanese Cryptomeria. The courses were designed by Mackenzie Ross and Cameron Powell Associates and offer many facilities including, trolley, club and caddie hire, together with clubhouse and training facilities. The Vila Nova course on the island of Terceira is a heavily wooded course close to the UNESCO World heritage site of Angra do Heroismo. The course dates back to 1954 and is well maintained, offering similar facilities to those on Sao Miguel.

We can tailor golfing vacations to suit your requirements with accommodation, transfers, reservations and green fees all included. We can even include an excellent sightseeing package for partners who don’t share the passion for golf.

Getting to The Azores is as easy as possible thanks to our friends at SATA Airlines who offer direct flights from the US East Coast. It's Europe only 4 hours away!

Additional Detail on Each Golf Course

FURNAS

The course is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Sao Miguel set above the Furnas Valley and close to the beautiful Furnas Lake with its famous boiling cauldrons.

The original 9 hole course was completed in 1939 by the designer MacKenzie Ross, who is probably best known for the Estoril Golf Course near Lisbon and for his work in restoring, from near ruin, the world famous Ailsa and Arran Courses at Turnberry in Scotland.

Extended in 1990 - under the supervision of the British Golf Course designers Cameron Powell Associates - the full 18 hole Course is now par 72 with a maximum length of 6232 yards.  We are sure that MacKenzie Ross would be delighted to see that the new 9 holes are so in harmony with the style of the original that it is becoming increasingly difficult to ‘spot the join’.

The course itself - set amid stands of majestic Japanese cedars and with fiendishly contoured greens - is quite gentle in nature but is without doubt a genuine test of skill and finesse.

Facilities - Clubhouse with bar and restaurant, pro shop and TV/video room.  2 putting greens, practice tee and chipping area.

BATALHA

This course is located on the north coast of São Miguel, just 10 minutes from the centre of the capital, Ponta Delgada.

Designed by Cameron Powell Associates, this 27 hole course was opened in 1993.  Its magnificent setting, nestling in surrounding hills with sweeping views to the ocean and its large flowing greens, wide and generous fairways and wonderfully contoured bunkers make it one of the most popular courses on the islands.  It is also deemed the most challenging.

It is difficult to select a best hole - they are all in some way exceptional - but there is a very special feeling when you are standing on the soaring 6th tee on B loop. 

The clubhouse covers over 3,000 square meters and offers a superb range of support services.  With its elevated views, across the course to the mountains and the ocean, there can be very few better places, anywhere, to enjoy a drink, snack or meal… either before or after your round of golf.

Facilities – Clubhouse, social bar, luxury restaurant and Banquet room.  Pro-shop and TV/video room. WiFi access. Driving range for up to 30 players, chipping and pitching area and 2 putting greens.

TERCEIRA

Located just 13km from the World Heritage city of Angra do Heroismo, this rural course is at 350m above sea level, with several wooded areas and 6 artificial lakes.  It is probably at its most beautiful in May and June when the azaleas and hydrangeas are in bloom.

The course was built in 1954 and is par 72 (18 holes), 5886 yards.  It was built by the North American military who are based at Lajes.

Facilities - Driving range, putting green, snack bar/restaurant and pro shop.

For more information about Azores Golfing Vacations, visit us at www.worldwidegv.com or call us at 800-946-5318 and speak with one of our Golf Vacation Specialists.

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