THE FACTS ABOUT PRAIA D'EL REY

Portugal

WHAT? Working with an area of Portugese coastland that wouldn't be out of place in northern California, US architect Cabell B Robinson turned the massive sand dunes, scrubland, and pine-and-eucalyptus forests into a great course in the tradition of Monterey's Spyglass Hill WHERE? About an hour's drive north of Lisbon, near the medieval town of Obidos and the Pousada do Castelo. Part of the Praia D'El Rey resort, its best holes run along the beach and cliff WHY? A serious golfing test, created by the same team that produced Kingsbarns near St Andrews, to worldwide acclaim. If Praia D'El Rey were nearer to the Algarve, crowds would be banging at the gates WHEN? Year-round play is possible, but the area doesn't share the winter temperatures of the Algarve. A new five-star hotel is scheduled to open this year, which will raise the course's profile, but it is too far from a big city to attract significant tournament play CONTACT 2510 Obidos, Portugal (00 351 262 905 005; www.praia-del-rey.com). Green fees from about £40