West Cliffs scales new heights

West Cliffs Golf Links has further enhanced its reputation as one of the leading lights of world golf after claiming a leading accolade in Golf Inc. magazine’s prestigious ‘2019 Golf Development of the Year’ awards.

Portugal’s newest golfing star beat off fierce international competition from a collection of golfing venues around the world to be chosen as one of the three main winners in this year’s contest.

Entries were judged across a variety of different categories – including the success of the overall business model, achieving the vision of the architect and the level of sustainability of each development both environmentally and economically. The winners will be recognised at a special ceremony at the Golf Inc. Strategies Summit in Georgia in September.

The accolade is the latest in a growing list of international honours that West Cliffs has won since opening to widespread praise in June 2017 – including being ranked second in the Top 100 Golf Courses website’s latest list of the top golfing layouts in Portugal and being voted as the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the 2017 World Golf Awards.

Keith Carter, managing editor of Golf Inc magazine, said: “In recognising West Cliffs Golf Links as one of the best new developments of the past year, the Golf Inc. judges pointed to the incredibly scenic location and outstanding design by Cynthia Dye as key factors in their selection. The project team's outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship should serve as a model for the golf industry in Europe.”

Francisco Cadete, director of golf at West Cliffs Golf Links, said: “It’s an honour to receive any award, and to have been acknowledged in a renowned international competition amongst such esteemed company makes everyone at the resort immensely proud.

“The first 18 months have been outstanding for West Cliffs and the course is developing and maturing all the time. The feedback that we continue to receive from golfers from all over the world is incredible, and the most exciting thing from my point of view is that the course is going to get even better in the years to come as it reaches its full potential.”

Managed by Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, West Cliffs has been created over 200 hectares of natural landscape and rolling sand dunes, and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from each hole.

Situated less than an hour north of Lisbon on the Silver Coast, the par-72 layout – which was designed by Cynthia Dye, her first course in Portugal – has wasted no time at all in making a name for itself across the golfing world, earning rave reviews from golfers and the media alike.

Its growing worldwide reputation was borne out by golfers from no fewer than six continents and 34 different countries – including USA, China, South Korea, Brazil, South Africa and New Zealand – visiting in its opening year, and its popularity has been reflected in green-fee bookings, with the number rounds played expected to reach its target of 28,000 in 2019 – helping to generate golf revenue of €3m a year.

The instant impact made by West Cliffs has also helped Praia D’El Rey cement its status as one of Europe’s elite golf resorts, and the leading golf and lifestyle venue in Portugal.

As well as featuring two 18-hole championship courses, Praia D’El Rey offers an array of other world-class sports and leisure facilities including remodelled five-star oceanfront and ocean premium accommodation at a cost of more than €1m and an upgrade of its restaurant facilities.

www.westcliffs.com,  www.praia-del-rey.com