Tivoli Estela Golf & Lodges Porto

The Estela course is built on a three kilometre long stretch of sand dunes on the beautiful Minho coast line. This is one of the Portuguese golf links that secured a high reputation for itself when it was selected to host two events in the European Professionals' Circuit. Situated near a lively summer resort, Povoa de Varzim, and only 15 minutes from Porto's Francisco Sa Carneiro international airport, the Estela course was inaugurated in January 1989.   Designed by Portuguese architect Duarte Sottomayor, the course is a typical links following the Scottish tradition with only one difference: Bermuda grass.   Built over three kilometres of beautiful dunes on the Minho coast line, it provides breathtaking views over the Atlantic. Two big lakes add to the beauty of the course, which can become quite challenging when the wind is blowing.   Inaccurate drives will be punished by landing in the sand-dunes and on almost every occasion a ball lands off the fairway, there is little chance of reaching the green with the second shot.   Despite being one of the newest golf courses in Portugal, it has already hosted two events in the European Professionals' Circuit: in 1990 the Atlantico / Vinho Verde cup was won by the Scot, Stephen McAllister, in a play-off that involved six players: in 1991 it hosted the Portuguese Open in which the Briton, Steven Richardson triumphed.