The Azores is one of those destinations that no one is quite sure exactly where it is – except for transatlantic sailors, who stop off en-route to America. Almost in the middle of the Atlantic, 950 miles west of Lisbon, this Portuguese archipelago consists of nine spectacular volcanic islands spread across 373 miles.
Each island is very different: some are mountainous, others are hilly with sparkling lakes nestled in extinct volcanic craters. The largest of the islands is Sao Miguel, known as the ‘green’ island because of its lush vegetation.

Measuring 30 miles long and, with a population of 150,000, Sao Miguel is the chosen location for Portuguese developer Siram Group to launch the first five star resort on the Azores.

Contrasting landscapes
The Azorean landscape is composed of contrasts, such as the powerful mountains divided by deep valleys and winding ravines which convey scenery of rare and unforgettable beauty. Landscape that lends itself to exceptional golf course layouts and the two golfing gems on Sao Miguel do not disappoint.
“The Azorean Government wants to promote the islands as a golfing destination” says Carlos Martins, administrator of the project known as Azores Golf Islands.
Azores Golf Islands belongs to VerdeGolf Resorts and is located on the island of
Sao Miguel. It is home to both the Batalha and Furnas golf courses. A third golf course will be built in the summer of 2008, on the island of Faial.

Golfing development
The breathtaking landscape of the Azores is the perfect setting for the oldest course in the Archipelago, Furnas Golf Club. Famous Scottish architect McKenzie Ross designed the first nine holes in 1936. The course was increased to 18 holes in 1986 by Cameron & Powell, but it is impossible to distinguish the new course from the old. A genuine test of golf! The fairways are framed amid stands of majestic Japanese cedars while the greens are fiendishly undulating. The course is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Sao Miguel Island, set above the Furnas Valley and close to beautiful Furnas Lake, 40 minutes east of Ponta Delgada.
Opened in 1996, Batalha Golf Club, home of the Azores Seniors Open and the European Seniors Tour, consists of 27 holes set on a historic site. Built on volcanic rock, the layout was designed in harmony with the natural landscape and has spectacular sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the villages below.

The sumptuous clubhouse offers a unique setting for weddings, group tournaments, and other banqueting events.
The quality of the golf courses are assured thanks to the management of the world renowned Troon Golf, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing, who oversee operations at more than 185 courses located in 30 American states and 22 countries.
A new real estate project is also underway at Batalha including apartments, 280 housing units, luxury villas, and an exclusive hotel with leisure centre, spa, tennis courts and a retail area.
Whether you are looking for a unique golf escape or an overseas property destination, the nine islands of the Azores are a truly different world waiting to be discovered.

Useful information

For further information regarding the Azores Golf Islands
Contact:
info@azoresgolfislands.com
+351 296 498 560
Pilar Melo Antunes
Sales and Marketing Director