Golf in the Azores – Information and Golf Courses

Have you ever thought about practicing golf while enjoying the lush nature surrounding the entire course? In the Azores, this is not just possible; it’s a reality! Located in the Atlantic Ocean, this wonderful archipelago made up of nine islands is rich in natural beauty everywhere you look.

With this, golfers have the privilege of playing alongside hydrangeas, camellias, cryptomerias, cedars, and many other species that add vibrant colors to the landscape. Additionally, the region’s silence and tranquility are attributes that ensure the growth of golf in the Azores, especially since it is a sport that requires a lot of concentration from the player.

Golf in the Azores

The archipelago has three courses designed to cater to both beginners and professionals: Batalha Golf Course, Furnas Golf Course, and Terceira Island Golf Club. All of them have excellent infrastructure and are easily accessible from the airport as well as nearby cities, increasingly attracting tourists.

And there is no shortage of tourist attractions on the islands to enjoy before or after golf, such as the rich Azorean cuisine, hiking trails, volcanoes and lakes, waterfalls, vineyards, boat tours, diving, whale watching, historical buildings, and many more.

Therefore, if you enjoy playing golf, don’t miss the chance to visit the Azores, certainly a unique place in the world to play this sport.

Best Time to Play Golf in the Azores

The weather conditions in the Azores are favorable for golf at any time of the year, thanks to the mild temperatures that, even in winter, usually offer pleasant days and breathtaking green courses. Thus, there is no excuse not to play golf in the Azores; any season is a good time to enjoy this elegant sport.

Required Equipment

Golf requires some equipment, such as clubs, balls, a bag, a cart, clothing, gloves, shoes, etc., which can be brought by the player or, if they do not own any, can be rented at the golf courses. Just contact the staff for more information and rental prices.

Golf Courses in the Azores

Batalha Golf Course

Inaugurated in 1993 by architect Cameron Powell, Batalha Golf Course is located in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, covering an area of 120 hectares. Since September 2002, it has featured three 9-hole courses, totaling 27 holes.

The name Batalha reflects the area’s history, which suffered from the conflict between liberals and absolutists in the 19th century, fighting for control of the island. Regarding the golf “fairways” and “greens,” the course has varied dimensions and essentially flat characteristics, preventing any type of monotony throughout the round.

The Batalha Golf Course also manages to combine utility with pleasure, as besides playing the sport, the golfer is surrounded by lush nature, with stunning blue sea views to the north and the grand mountains to the south. It also offers a clubhouse that includes a bar and restaurant for players, as well as a complete structure for weddings, banquets, and other events.

How to Get There

Rua do Bom Jesus – Aflitos
9545-234 Fenais da Luz
Ponta Delgada
São Miguel Island

Email: info@azoresgolfislands.com
Phone: +351 296 498 559

Location on the Map

Operating Hours

Summer: 8 AM to 7 PM
Winter: 8 AM to 6 PM

Reservation is recommended.

Furnas Golf Course

Located on São Miguel Island, Furnas Golf Course was the first course to exist on the island and offers players a landscape filled with typical Azorean features, such as volcanism and abundant green vegetation—a true paradise for any golfer.

This course originated in 1936 when Scottish architect Mackenzie Ross created the first nine holes. Later, in 1992, Bob Cameron and Chris Powell expanded the course, and it currently has 18 golf holes while preserving the original nine holes and the Scottish style. The clubhouse at Furnas Golf has an excellent variety of services for visitors.

The most impressive aspect is that the course is surrounded by majestic Japanese cedars and manicured greens, making the golfing experience incredible, as it is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of São Miguel, in the Furnas Valley, home to the famous hot springs and Terra Nostra Park, also close to the renowned Lagoa das Furnas.

How to Get There:

Achada das Furnas
9675-000 Povoação
São Miguel Island

Email: info@azoresgolfislands.com
Phone: +351 296 584 651

Location on the Map

Operating Hours

Summer: 8 AM to 6 PM
Winter: 8 AM to 5 PM

Reservation is recommended.

Terceira Island Golf Club

This is the only golf course on Terceira Island, near Angra do Heroísmo, a region where this sport is held in high regard by local residents. It was inaugurated in 1954, and the area was inherited from a course built by Americans for the recreation of their military stationed at the Lajes airbase. There are no records of the architect responsible for the work.

After undergoing alterations, the course became perfect for golfing, offering a unique experience of sharing swings with other sports enthusiasts from different social backgrounds and professions. Not to mention the impressive scenery that comprises the course, with pine trees, azaleas, hydrangeas, lakes, and many other natural beauties typical of the Azores.

The standout feature of this course is hole 18 (par 3), classified as the most challenging on the course, as the “green,” due to its steep slopes and complicated lines to read, is protected by a lagoon. It is a challenging hole and requires a lot of skill from the player. Thus, it is considered one of the most important golf clubs in Portugal.

How to Get There:

Fajãs de Agualva – Caixa Postal 15
9760-909 Praia da Vitória
Terceira Island

Email: info@azoresgolfislands.com
Phone: +351 295 902 444

Location on the Map

Operating Hours

Summer: 8 AM to 6 PM (Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 AM to 6 PM)
Winter: 8 AM to 5 PM

Reservation is recommended.

Curiosity: Rustic Golf

Rustic Golf is a unique modality that is expanding in the Azores, practiced entirely in a rural environment. Its origins are linked to courses in England and it is economical, attractive, and fun. But how does this type of golf work?

Shots occur in the midst of a pasture, and cows are the true spectators, making it a unique and unforgettable experience. The rules of this modality are the same as traditional golf, and the holes are replaced by flags and circles drawn on the grass. The entire community can participate in the games, whether residents or visitors, ensuring total contact with pure nature and interaction with locals. It is definitely worth enjoying this experience!