The essential guide to mastering Golf in Cascais

We were welcomed at the driving range of the Onyria group's golf course in Quinta da Marinha, and nervousness was already setting in. Despite thinking it would be a relaxed morning, we had never experienced anything so far outside our comfort zone. The line of people focused on hitting shot after shot made us realize the seriousness with which they take the sport and the purpose that brought them there. Now, we had a purpose too: to lift as many balls from the ground and try to get at least one to pass the 50-meter target. Spoiler alert: they flew, just not so high. Nor so far.

We learned that this area is characterized as the warm-up before heading to the "real" green. For beginners, it's ideal for learning the technique behind the swing and an opportunity to refine it in a trial-and-error exercise. It was there that we learned that the trajectory of the ball is the swing, that the back foot should be turned forward and not in the direction of the rest of the body, that the wrist has to be loose, and that the eyes have to follow the ball. None of these things can be left to chance if we want a good result.

Knowing how to choose the right club is also crucial: larger clubs (number 9) have a shorter swing, and smaller ones (number 4) have a longer one. We repeated the information like a mantra. The contrast between the heavy appearance and the feeling of lightness in the hand was a surprise.

And don't be fooled, like us, thinking that golf is just leisure and fun: the aches in our arms and legs accompanied us in the following days, from the effort we made to hit and get the lazy balls, which didn't want to rise from the ground enough for us to see them.

Proper posture, correctly chosen clubs, and many buckets of balls later, the question arises: are we ready for competitions? Some (many) of our swings suggest that we're not there yet. Others, more positive, say that with practice, we can get there. But the truth is, we've come a long way, and even if it never happens, the experience is worthwhile on its own – we know it's a cliché. But anyone who ventures into a few swings on the green golf courses of Cascais quickly realizes that it's true.

Is there a greater motivation to master the sport than visiting a hole as beautiful as the famous 13th? This hole is like a legend among golfers, located in a stunning setting, challenging players with its complexity and beauty. With the longest stretch of all and an uninterrupted sea view, it's the perfect moment to gain extra strength and continue refining the swing and all the other specific movements learned in the classes we haven't attended yet (still!).

Golf in Cascais dates back to 1929 when the Estoril Golf Course was inaugurated – initially featuring only nine holes, commissioned by Fausto Figueiredo. Nowadays, this is a preferred destination for golf enthusiasts, boasting some of the best courses in Portugal: Oitavos Dunes Links Golf, Onyria Quinta da Marinha Golf Resort, Estoril Golf, Belas Clube de Campo, Lisbon Sports Club, Pestana Beloura Golf – all with 18 holes – and Penha Longa Resort – featuring 27 holes.

At all these courses, mastering the practice of golf can be cultivated, especially if athletes can enjoy various different courses to adapt and refine their skills. With this in mind, the online Golf Passport was created to allow golfers looking to book three or five rounds at the seven golf courses in the region to do so in less than a minute and at attractive prices.

Did you know that in 2022, more than 215,000 rounds were played on the golf courses of Cascais? This sport is an integral part of the town. Therefore, with the Golf Passport, you are not just getting a course (or 7) to hit some shots. You are joining a vibrant community of golfers. Who knows, you might find a partner for the next round?

Here, we remain amateurs, but with a new perspective on the sport. Practice is the key to success, and there are few things better than the sound of the club hitting the ball just right. We dare say we are already addicted, chasing it shot after shot.

See you on the green?