Great Value

PGA Aroeira No.1 (Pines Classic)

Charneca de Caparica, Setúbal · Designed by Frank Pennink (1973) · Est. 1973

Aroeira's Pines Classic — now branded PGA Aroeira No.1 after becoming one of Portugal's first PGA National courses in a 2024 renovation — is a mature, tree-lined parkland just south of Lisbon on the Setúbal peninsula. Designed by Frank Pennink and opened in 1973, it is set within a 345-hectare enclosed estate of dense umbrella pine, and its narrow, tree-framed fairways earned it the nickname "the Wentworth of Lisbon" from the British golf press.

At par 72 over around 6,000 metres, it is a classic, shot-maker's course: the pines crowd every hole, so accurate driving and positioning matter far more than length, and the quiet, forested setting — home to deer and abundant birdlife — gives it a serene, secluded character close to the capital.

With a second course (the Challenge / No.2) on the estate and the beaches of the Costa da Caparica nearby, Aroeira is a relaxed, well-priced golf base within half an hour of Lisbon.

Holes worth knowing

1The pine corridors — every fairway is framed tightly by umbrella pines, so straight, positional driving is the whole game here.
2The secluded forest holes — deep in the enclosed estate, quiet and shaded, with deer and birdlife for company.

Highlights

The "Wentworth of Lisbon" (Frank Pennink, 1973)
Dense umbrella-pine, shot-maker's parkland
Now a PGA National course after a 2024 upgrade
Two courses on an enclosed forest estate near Lisbon

Good to know

→Nicknamed the "Wentworth of Lisbon" for its tight, tree-lined fairways — leave the driver in the bag and prize accuracy over power.
→It became one of Portugal's first PGA National courses in a 2024 renovation and rebrand (now PGA Aroeira No.1).
→There is a second course on the estate (the Challenge / No.2), so Aroeira works as a two-course base close to Lisbon.
→The Costa da Caparica's long Atlantic beaches are minutes away, and central Lisbon is about 35 minutes over the bridge.
→Combine a couple of Aroeira rounds with sightseeing in Lisbon and Sintra for a city-and-golf break.