Golfing in the Azores on Sao Miguel Island
The Azores islands are a golfer’s dream, where on the island of Sao Miguel, there are two of Portugal’s most impressive golf courses. Located within a 4-hour direct flight out of Boston or a 5-hour direct flight out of Toronto. The island of Sao Miguel is known as the “Green Island”. The reason is obvious as it is covered with shades of green as far as the eye can see. This is a special spot in the middle of the Atlantic where you can get your golf game on. Here on the island of Sao Miguel, you are provided not only with a beautiful view but an ideal climate and terrain for a perfect round of golf almost all year round.
The Batalha golf course is located only a few miles from the city capital; Ponta Delgada. This charming spot has three separate nine-hole courses. Considered to be one of Portugal’s most extensive golf courses, it was built on 297 acres, with wide fairways and perfect greens to master your skills. The course was constructed in the late 1980s by architects Cameron & Powell, opening to the public in 1993. This 27 hole course is the smaller of the two on the island of Sao Miguel but deserves recognition as an excellent golf course. The Batalha course has played host to many events, including most recently the Azores Open. The course has a professional length of 6435m with 72 par of the course, with a driving range and putting green on-site for practice. The pro shop has clubs for rent if you decide, with a plethora of other golfing accessories, if you desire to take a last-minute round of golf at this picturesque course. With a restaurant, clubhouse, golf clinics, and caddies; the Batalha Golf course has everything you need for a first-class golfing experience in the Azores.
The hours of operation depend on the season; from mid-October to mid-March hours of operation are 8 am – 6 pm daily, while from March 15th – October 15th, they are open from 8 am – 8 pm daily. Getting there: Rua does Bom Jesus – Ponta Delgada 9545 Sao Miguel, Azores (Signs located throughout highways on the Island.) Phone: +351-296-498-559
The Furnas golf course is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the island of São Miguel. Rated Portugal’s 2nd best golf-course in 2016 by Golf Digest USA, it is set just above the Furnas Valley; 25 minutes from Ponta Delgada & Ribeira Grande. This is the first golf course ever created in the Azores and was designed in 1936 by Philip Mackenzie Ross as a nine-hole course with the other nine holes being extended in 1992, making it now an 18 hole golf course.
Surrounded by exotic tropical vegetation and ancient Japanese cedars, this course’s unique beauty and design is an experience of a lifetime for the avid golfer. Master golf-course architects Cameron & Powell did an exceptional job in 1992, adding in a putting green and chipping area next to the British-style clubhouse/restaurant. Here you can rent carts, trolleys, and even clubs if you need. This is the place to go if you want a unique and challenging golfing holiday. Whether you are new to the sport and want to take lessons in a golf immersion course of 1-7 days with a trainer, or just are looking at, getting the unlimited golfing package for both golf-courses in Sao Miguel there are many options available. It is best to book an all-inclusive package with Azores Golf Islands on Sao Miguel. They are the best at arranging anything golf related in the region.
The fee is 80 euros a day for the 18 holes, with a 72 par. There are many specials available if you book in a package. Again, the rates change in the summer and winter months with many discounts available so it is recommended to book in advance.
Getting there:
Address: Achada das Furnas -Furnas, Sao Miguel Azores Phone: +351 296 584 651 Managing Director: Mrs. Pilar Melo Antunes – Hours: March 15 – Oct 15, 8 am-8 pm Daily with 8 am-6 pm during the offseason.
