The stunning venue, which boasts 36 holes and has been hailed by some as the Valderrama of Portugal, was selected by the EIGCA for its suitability to assist the students in a project about the theoretical redevelopment of an existing golf course to help them learn more about golf course layout design.
One of the most innovative new brands in golf, Orizonte –Lisbon Golf has quickly established a reputation for its forward-thinking approach to the game and is playing a key role in helping educate the next generation of golf course architects.
Ribagolfe is one of seven courses close to Portugal’s capital that is managed by Orizonte, and was chosen by the European Institute of Golf Course Architects to host a group of its first-year golf design students during a trip to Lisbon.
The stunning venue, which boasts 36 holes and has been hailed by some as the Valderrama of Portugal, was selected by the EIGCA for its suitability to assist the students in a project about the theoretical redevelopment of an existing golf course to help them learn more about golf course layout design.
After being briefed on Ribagolfe’s development history by project administrator Manuel Leal da Costa, where he explained the challenges of combining golf course and urban design and outlined the key masterplanning decisions, impact of environmental issues and the potential of golf to raise the value of real estate, students were then treated to a tour of the courses by Ribagolfe director of golf Jose Maria Cazal Ribeiro.
Ribeiro said: “Golf course design is constantly evolving and we were delighted when the EIGCA contacted us to see if we could assist with the visit.
“Trips like this are invaluable in giving students first-hand experience of the many challenges that are involved when designing a course and Ribagolfe and the other Orizonte courses would be more than happy to help out again.”
Ribagolfe has 36 holes set within mature cork oak forest and will have the honour of hosting the European Tour First Qualifying Stage for the sixth year running later this year.
Situated 40km to the east of Lisbon in the beautiful Costa Azul region, the two courses – Ribagolfe I and II – were designed by Ross McMurray, a senior member of the EIGCA, in association with former Ryder Cup players Michael King and Peter Townsend.
Ken Moodie, past EIGCA president and member of the EIGCA Education Committee, accompanied the students on their tour and was quick to highlight the benefits that they will experience as a result of the trip to Lisbon.
Moodie said: “The trip was invaluable to our students’ education, allowing them to understand more about the development of residential and resort golf and the particular challenges and opportunities that occur.
“The students are now undertaking a design project where they are required to integrate golf and real estate which will allow them to demonstrate what they have learned, both in the classroom and importantly during this visit.”
While Ribagolfe I measures 6,707m and features superb, oversized greens and narrow landing areas for long and straight hitters, it, Ribagolfe II is a shorter test at around 6,800 yards but no less exacting, and both courses are available to play from just €48 through the Orizonte Lisbon Golf Passport
Launched this spring, Orizonte – Lisbon Golf offers the chance to play some of the leading courses in close proximity to Portugal’s capital together with exceptional value for money on a wide range of accommodation options across the region.
In addition to Ribagolfe’s two courses, Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club has hosted several European Challenge Tour events while Aroeira features two championship layouts including Aroeira I, venue for the Portuguese Open in 1996 and 1997.
Golfers can also enjoy the 7,000-plus yards challenge at Santo Estevao and the 9-hole course in Oeiras, which is located just 15 minutes from Lisbon’s centre, while the extensive practice facilities available across the venues help make Orizonte the ideal option for individuals and groups looking to book a stay, play and learn package.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
