Rua do Balancal nº 29,
Funchal, Madeira 9060-414
Office
+351 291 790 120Fax
+351 291 792 456Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Edgar Rodrigues (Head Professional)Academy
Palheiro Golf AcademyThe Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined & open parkland. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Woodland.
Designer:
Cabell B. Robinson
6-hole Academy course.
32.653152
-16.872307
6 km E of Funchal.
Palheiro Golf: set within the magnificent Palheiro Estate and adjacent to the 5-star Casa Velha do Palheiro hotel, this 18-hole championship golf course meanders through a pristine environment of maritime pine, botanical woodland and lush, sub-tropical vegetation. At nearly 500 m above sea level, the location is blessed with spectacular views of Madeira’s mountainous skyline, the country's capital city of Funchal, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Designed by renowned golf architect Cabell B. Robinson, the picturesque layout reflects Madeira’s hilly terrain, with sharp ridges and deep valleys providing a challenge for high and low handicappers alike. There's not too much room for error, with the contoured and at times not overly wide fairways, reinforced by strategically placed bunkers that guard fast, undulating greens.
Teeing off here is to walk through a verdant and tranquil 200-year-old country estate, with its ever-present abundance of fragrant, exotic flora. With water in play on 11 of the 18 holes, and five par-3s complementing the five par-5s, Palheiro will certainly test your golfing skills ... and at the same time, offer up some truly spectacular views.
Stay&Play at Palheiro Golf: onsite accommodation available, see Where2Stay section below.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. Maximum handicap: men 28; women 36.
Soft spikes only. Walking permitted. Golf carts available for hire.
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Set under the 18th green at Palheiro Golf, the clubhouse restaurant sits high above the city of Funchal and affords a stunning panorama of the bay, the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. If you're playing the course, ensure you leave plenty of time to enjoy the terrace, some excellent Mediterranean cuisine, and those fabulous vistas.
Portugal's 32nd best course (Golf World, 2022).
29 Rua do Balancal, 9060-414 Funchal, Madeira
+351 291 790 120
Visit websiteNestling in rolling hills above Funchal, the Casa Velha do Palheiro is a charming country house hotel that enjoys a privileged location within the Palheiro Estate next to the celebrated Palheiro Gardens, originally created by the 1st Count of Carvalhal. The 37-room boutique property, recognised by Relais & Châteaux, offers guests direct access to the Palheiro Golf Course, with privileged tee offs from near the halfway house, or Tea House, a short stroll from the gate.
Palheiro
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Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
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Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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