Thanks to multiple champion Sir Nick Faldo, golf in Madeira has been reinvented once again with the resurgence of the Ponta do Pargo Golf Course. Fifteen years after the project fell victim to the global financial crisis in 2009, this masterpiece will materialise on the “Hawaii of Europe” in 2026.
The site of Sir Nick Faldo’s new European project is located on the western cliffs of the famous Portuguese island. With more than 200 meters of elevation change, from the green of the 16th hole, hidden next to the famous lighthouse that guards the coast, to the tee of the 7th hole that rises above 400-foot cliffs towards the Atlantic. The 7th, 8th and 9th greens are at the world’s edge, clinging to the cliff’s border.
Golf in Madeira is special
Faldo commented in an interview published by Destination Golf: “We have something special in Madeira; being able to sculpt the course on the site itself is exciting. We believe this will be a dream course that every golfer will want to play. The scale of the place is difficult to explain; the cliffs are massive.”
Faldo Design has worked closely with local authorities to reactivate this golf project in Madeira fully. They are currently selecting the design team, which is expected to be on-site in early 2024, as the major groundwork on the front nine holes is almost complete.
Sustainable golf course design has been a core principle for Faldo Design for decades. After reviewing the original 2007 design, they have adjusted some holes and reduced the irrigated areas, using a local grass (Kikuya) that will reduce water requirements and allow a smooth transition between the field and the native flora that overlooks Ponta do Pargo its majestic beauty.
For a long time, at Tee Times Golf Agency, we have been offering the best golf packages in Madeira with a high-level offer. When Ponta do Pargo is completed, it will join a list that includes Santo Da Serra Golf, the Palheiro Golf Course, and Porto Santo Golfe for those looking for the best Madeira golf breaks and relaxing experiences.
The project promises to be the best golf in Madeira experience and is expected to be playable even in challenging weather conditions. Fans are already preparing to enjoy the best golf in Portugal on the Atlantic Ocean.
