Penina has 36 holes of golf, the classic Championship course, coupled with the testing and longish 9 hole Resort course and the Academy par 3 short course. The stylish clubhouse, which remains an integral part of the actual hotel, continues to be one of Portugal’s finest, with such a great ambience inside and outside on the terrace. This is a golfers haven, with the exception of the School Holidays Penina is monopolised by golf nuts so the craic is always great with everyone comparing their last round experiences.
This is a great golf course originally designed by Henry Cotton and laid out through old rice fields over predominantly flat land, but with lovely mixed deciduous forest lining most of the 18 fairways and canny burns criss - crossing the golf course, making it very tricky on a number of holes with later water hazards coming into play. Penina is tough for two reasons, you have to hit it long off the tee and it is heavily bunkered. Accuracy is important for strategic positioning for second shots but the fairways are not tight. The greens are superb and well protected. Home of the Portuguese Open many years Penina is legendary.
The Resort Course is not a push over and is almost as long as the Championship nines, it is laid out through eucalyptus trees and is characterised by some long par 4 holes. It makes a nice change from the main 18 holes and is a must play option during your stay. The greens, fairways and tees are manicured to the same standard. The Academy is an ideal par 3 9 hole course for beginners or good players needing to brush up on their short iron play.