We revisited Madeira to unwind and rejuvenate in the first half of February (just like last year). Even in February, the island enjoys delightful weather, with an average temperature of 21°C.
When I first visited Madeira in 2019, I was captivated by Palheiro Golf (par-72, 6,656-yard (6,086m).
Recently, I reached out to my LinkedIn followers to learn about the changes at the golf club since my last visit, and I was pleased to hear from the new executive golf director, Alfredo Do Cunha, who shared an impressive list of improvements.
This trip was particularly intriguing as I had the opportunity to interview Sir Nick Faldo, which sparked my curiosity about the new golf course in Ponta do Pargo.
While the development of this course faced its share of challenges, it appears we are now approaching a promising resolution and can look forward to exciting developments ahead.
While there, we went to Ponta do Pargo to see where we would be playing golf. Hopefully, next year, when the golf course is ready, we will be able to play there.
I can already say that there is no doubt that we will have a stunning visual experience while playing. I can already see thousands of Instagram posts in my mind’s eye, including the lighthouse, the cliffs, and the ocean.
But why is it 50 minutes from Funchal, the capital? Those golf clubs that are close to Funchal are in an advantageous position. Also, the big cruise ships come here.
I did not receive an answer, nor could I find any indication on the site regarding whether there will be a hotel on the golf club grounds or if we will have to find accommodation in the area.
The new golf club would be at a significant disadvantage without its own hotel comparable to Casa Velha do Palheiro, which is part of the Relais & Châteaux network.
Santo da Serra Golf Club addressed the accommodation issue by providing courtesy buses from Funchal to the golf course. This is better than nothing, as it is about a 27-minute journey.
I observed these changes at Palheiro Golf
The clubhouse’s recent updates are pretty impressive. It now features a cleaner, more elegant, and spacious design. Upon entering, guests are greeted by the pro shop seamlessly integrated with the restaurant area.
In contrast to the Old Course in Vilamoura, the clubhouse opts for more subdued colors, creating a sophisticated ambiance that distinguishes it from traditional British pub styles.
These thoughtful changes enhance the overall experience for visitors.
The golf course seemed to have fewer bunkers and wasn’t too deep. If you’re a high-handicap golfer, you’ll be happy…
I would have liked them to be deeper, even though I don’t like my ball landing in a deeper bunker.
It wasn’t noticeable in 2019, but I found the greens really tricky this time.
It would be a big help if the golf carts had a navigation system or better signage in critical areas to make it easier to find the next hole.
Final thoughts
Once the Ponta do Pargo golf course is built, Palheiro Golf will benefit from a unique market position.
Alfredo Da Cunha mentioned that they are considering incorporating advanced driving range technology, although the specific choice—such as TrackMan, Toptracer, or Inrange Golf—has yet to be finalized.
This development could greatly enhance the overall golfing experience in the golf club and in general in the area.
