Donald Steel Course Reopens at PGA Aroeira Lisboa
Portugal’s golfing landscape has received a significant boost with the completion of a four-month PGA Aroeira No.2 renovation programme.
The Donald Steel-designed course, located just 25km south of Lisbon, reopened last month following comprehensive improvements that mirror the successful transformation of its sister course, PGA Aroeira No.1, which was completed a year earlier.
The resort, Portugal’s only PGA National venue, closed the doors on its younger of two championship layouts in June to undertake extensive maintenance work.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the course formerly known as Aroeira Challenge has been meticulously upgraded while preserving Steel’s original design philosophy and routing.
Donald Steel’s Classic Layout Returns with Enhanced Conditioning
The PGA Aroeira No.2 renovation focused on elevating the playing experience without altering the fundamental character of the course.
The resort’s greenkeeping team conducted a comprehensive overhaul of all tee boxes and bunkers, whilst fairways and greens received significant attention to improve overall conditioning.
All five of the course’s characteristic lakes were renovated as part of the general landscaping improvements, maintaining the water features that come into play on nine holes.
The layout’s large, undulating greens—a signature element that provides a stern test for golfers of all abilities—remain unchanged in their specifications, preserving the course’s reputation as one of the region’s most challenging yet underrated designs.
Sustainability and Water Conservation at the Heart of Upgrade
Environmental responsibility played a central role in the renovation project, with state-of-the-art irrigation systems installed throughout the course.
Drought-resistant Bermuda grass has been introduced to drastically reduce water consumption, underlining PGA Aroeira’s long-term commitment to sustainable golf course management.
Infrastructure improvements extended to the course’s cart paths and bridges, which have been enhanced to improve accessibility and overall player experience.
Nuno Sepulveda, co-CEO at Details – Sports, Hospitality, Leisure, the resort’s management company, commented:
Aroeira No.2 maybe very different in style to Aroeira No.1, but it is every bit as good as its older brother. It is an amazing design and the changes that we’ve made will only serve to improve the experience offered on one of most underrated courses not just in Lisbon, but in the whole of Portugal.
Major Investment Programme Continues Across Lisbon Resort
The PGA Aroeira No.2 renovation represents the latest milestone in an ambitious transformation of the 36-hole resort.
Details – Sports, Hospitality, Leisure, which took over management two years ago and operates Portugal’s largest golf course portfolio, has committed to further investment including a new clubhouse.
The resort is also progressing with Aroeira Collections by Missoni, an exclusive residential and tourist development in partnership with the renowned Italian fashion house.
Set to open in 2027, the Aroeira Collections Hotel will feature 138 one and two-bedroom apartments positioned between the resort’s two championship courses, promising a significant boost for Portuguese tourism and the local economy.
Sepulveda added:
PGA Aroeira Lisboa is a venue with so much potential. It has all the ingredients needed to be the go-to golf venue in Lisbon, and reopening Aroeira No.2 is the next step in reestablishing the resort at the forefront of Portuguese golf.
With both championship courses now operating at peak condition and substantial infrastructure investment on the horizon, PGA Aroeira Lisboa is positioning itself as southern Lisbon’s premier golf destination.
