Developments
GEO Certified Development 08/2017
The approach to the design and construction of the golf course was carefully planned and integrated the native landscape throughout. The course routing has been laid out to align with natural characteristics of the ground, to benefit from the stunning natural topography and landscape character, and to minimising the overall amount of intensively-maintained areas.
Alexandra Betâmio de Almeida, Independent Verifier - West Cliffs Golf Links, Óbidos
The project, West Cliffs Golf Links golf course by Praia Del Rey, is situated less than an hour north of Lisbon – on Portugal’s Silver Coast, in Óbidos (UNESCO world heritage site). The golf course has been designed by Cynthia Dye (ASGCA member), of the golf architecture firm Dye Designs Group.
With the Atlantic visible from every hole, the par-72 seaside links has been created over 230 hectares of natural landscape, rolling sand dunes, and coastal vegetation. The varied landscape and natural terrain were maintained as undisturbed as possible to create a unique and world-class 18-hole seaside links golf course alongside the coast. The most distinguishing architectural feature on the course is the collection of bunkers with irregular perimeters blending into and dictated by the native vegetation.
The project team worked in close collaboration with the local government to ensure minimum disruption to the environment and to create a harmonious and sustainable links, designed to perfectly fit into the native coastal environment. The result is a links that is modest in its footprint but provides a fun and fast surface that guarantees accessibility to golfers of all abilities.
The approach from the whole team has been measured, responsible and highly creative. A long process of assessment and understanding of the site meant once work began the team was focused, excited, and determined to get the best golf from the site. The overall transformation of the site from pine plantations to a rich and diverse coastal scrub landscape is remarkable and testament to the skill and innovation of everyone involved.
Sam Thomas, Director of Golf Developments for GEO Foundation