User Reviews
for Palheiro Golf, Funchal-Madeira, Portugal
Reviews 1 - 39 from 39
Loved it. Great views
Reviewed February 1, 2018
I almost didn't play the course but I am glad I did. Some fairways are recovering (you already see the grass) but that didn't matter. The course is well taken after and it is eco orientated as I was told. Played very well and had a great time.
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11 days of very good golf
Reviewed February 29, 2024
We spent the last 15 days in Madeira and enjoyed this golf course for 11 days.
During this time, all golf carts were replaced and various work was done on the course.
New bunkers were built and old bunkers renovated. The course is in good to very good condition and played very well. But it is challenging on many holes and requires careful golf play. The greenkeepers work every day to maintain the course.
The distances are long and if you walk you can add up to 8-9 km. That's why my recommendation is to always take a cart.
The staff is very friendly and helpful and the service of storing and cleaning the clubs is a nice service.
It's relaxed and playing the round is a real joy with the view and the vegetation.
The end of the round of golf in the golf restaurant is also rewarded with a great view and very good food.
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- Original version
Great place and view
Reviewed February 27, 2024
Super exciting place, great condition, bunker in need of repair but no problem
The par 3 down the hill are fun (pay attention to your choice of clubs, the course is already 500m high, at least 1 club length shorter)
Was fun
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Spectacular views of Funchal but poorly maintained site
Reviewed December 11, 2023
Friendly welcome; around 60 euros in a package of 5 for the two golf courses; Buggies outdated and the place is not maintained; We still didn’t regret it😊
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Only supplement to Santo da Serra
Reviewed March 28, 2023
With four stars rather overrated.
The location of the clubhouse is unique and the staff is very friendly and helpful. It's worth reserving dinner there.
The place is hilly but still fair. Cart is recommended.
Training facility insufficient but should be rebuilt.
We would play Palheiro again but only as a complement to Santo da Serra
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- Original version
Value for money could be better
Reviewed February 4, 2023
Date: January 2023 (played 6 times).
Arrival: at approx. 500 m above sea level. The site is accessible via a winding road.
Secretariat: friendly, courteous.
Green fee: between €90-110 (according to the website: Unlimited golf package for €335 per person/week).
Driving range: built on a slope, it is difficult to reach on foot. First down and then back up and back. No ball machine, you have to buy the balls in the office (approx. 30 balls €5).
Course: apart from water hazards, this challenging course offers everything a golfer's heart desires; Up, down, slopes, blind tees, fast greens. The condition is average.
Buggy (E-Golfcar): due to the topology, a buggy (€45) makes sense, BUT since you can only drive on the fewest fairways (buggy path is demarcated), you always have to get from the path (car path) to the ball and back, which is the case with the Depending on the position of the ball, inclined positions mean long distances. Hand trolley €7.50.
Criticism: Fairway bunkers are washed out due to heavy rain, are hard and full of stones.
Some ball washers are stuck and the others are full of muddy water.
Refreshments: The Halfway Tea House (snacks, toilets) is located near holes 6,10 and 13.
Cozy clubhouse restaurant with terrace and views of the city and cruise ships in port.
Good service and selection.
Note: in the winter months it is often windy, cloudy and rainy, although the weather down in Funchal is beautiful.
Conclusion: A masterpiece of golf course architecture that deserves to be played, but the value for money could be better.
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Masterpiece of golf course construction - 01/30/2023
Reviewed January 31, 2023
Golf on the Rock. Palheiro Golf Madeira Island, incredibly beautiful, challenging course, high above the Atlantic. Great clubhouse, great service, friendly, very open members, all very British in the most beautiful way.
However, so is the weather. During an 18-hole round, we felt we had the opportunity to experience all 4 seasons several times in quick succession. The bunkers give an idea that there has been a lot of rain this January.
The start times are very unproblematic at all pleasant times of the day.
But despite the inclement weather. The Palheiro course is beautiful and built with so much skill into the rocks of Madeira, respect! There is also a very busy teahouse restaurant between the front and back nine for a stylish halfway. But the course also put a lot of pressure on me because pretty much everywhere I had the feeling that I had to land the ball precisely so that it didn't get lost on the steep slopes. In addition, monster-fast greens, behind which it often threatens to go deep into the valley. And then rapid weather changes and turning gusts of wind...
There were plenty of ingredients to unpack many old mistakes, so as not to have to leave the field after just a few lanes because of missing balls. I guess I'll bring a lot of training work for home 🥹 But we agree: this is one of the most beautiful places we've played so far. So to speak, Pinnacle Point with asterisks. Definitely recommended!
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Great experience high above the sea
Reviewed December 29, 2022
Played a great course today at 21 degrees, sun and hardly any wind. Lots of spectacular views, surprisingly for Madeira mostly rather wide and 'little' inclined holes (compared to the rest of Madeira 😊).
Deductions well, fairways always green and extremely playable (always a few millimeters of air under the ball), greens undulating, super fast and on track, really nice and heavy!
Reception really very friendly, changing rooms and showers apparently recently renovated, towel on request at the front desk (perhaps also shower gear on request?) Beautiful terrace with a view of the sea a few hundred meters below and almost all of Funchal, friendly service and reasonable prices.
And then the bunkers, which a lot and rightly reviled: There are still clay holes, except for a few that have been repaired, so it seems it's your turn
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He's not that bad.
Reviewed March 13, 2022
We play here at the beginning of March 22 and, in contrast to other reviews, find a normal, well-playable course, except for the bunkers.
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Negatively surprised
Reviewed November 30, 2021
We played the Palheiro Golf Course for the first time today. After we had heard only positive things about this place from many friends, we were a bit irritated by the last reviews.
First, however, we have to give very positive feedback for the club office and the employee who works there. Very friendly staff.
A really scenic area.
However, the place is really in a rather neglected condition. The bunkers are actually an imposition, it is more in the direction of mud holes at around 80%.
Also the fairways and tees are sometimes extremely holey.
Some greens are also borderline.
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Course maintenance stopped?
Reviewed November 24, 2021
After a long time I played the Palheiro golf course again and I am very disappointed.
The place is in a very bad condition. On the fairways there are many areas only with bare earth, which means that even well-hit balls can take unpredictable paths in the very hilly terrain and end up in no man's land.
The greens are partly as hard as concrete, which doesn’t make it easier to play.
There are no more bunkers in the usual sense - with soft sand in them. These have evidently (I also experienced it differently years ago) degenerated into holes in the ground, in which there is still muddy water days after a rain.
The infrastructure (driveways for buggies, entrances / stairs to the tees, sanitary facilities) is in a deplorable condition and is sometimes dangerous to use.
The still beautiful view of the Atlantic and Funchal alone does not compensate for these deficits.
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- Original version
Expensive and poor
Reviewed September 5, 2021
The layout of the course may be ok, the condition of both the fairways and the T-boxes is miserable and not worth the money. When we arrived we were informed that the driving range was closed. Overall, a disappointing golfing experience and not recommended.
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- Original version
Course maintenance deficient
Reviewed August 6, 2021
Palheiro is a very interesting place to play, varied and demanding. The greens were ok and often very undulating. When you are on the green, you are still a long way from holing. So-so tee boxes, fairways brown and not really well maintained. Too bad.
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Fantastic mountain place with small weaknesses
Reviewed April 14, 2019
I (hcp 11.5) have played the course a total of 3x between 06. and 13.04.19 and am totally thrilled about the course design. Although the first round is due to the often blind or steeply sloping blows on heavily undulating and often falling backwards greens next to it, but on almost all tracks grandiose views over Funchal and the sea make up for it. Here is more strategically clever and varied game with the landscape asked. Not for lowland golfers! But: those who come here reasonably near his hcp can play in any place in the world. A cart for
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Oh how nice to be here again!
Reviewed February 28, 2019
After 3 years break, we are finally back on Madeira. Oh how nice to be here again! Although the Madeirans say the winter was too dry, the place is in a pretty good condition! Undulating and punctate greens, but not as fast as in Santo da Serra. The bunker at first needed getting used to (sand-earth mixture). We booked the Madeira Island Golf Passport (a total of 5 GF's that are valid on both courses) so € 72, - pp - a cart (definitely recommended) costs € 45 (for 3 rounds a total of 99, -). What attracted attention: in both places (beginning / middle of February) not much going on. Except on Saturday, there was a tournament. A token for 1 basket balls costs € 6, - - really expensive, moreover, since the exercise facilities are not perfect (from the DR - mats - no wood may be beaten). Despite all this, the place was fun again and we'll be back! Nice terrace with a fantastic view down to Funchal.
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Varied
Reviewed November 11, 2018
First for the price: via the Pestana Carlton Hotel greenfee costs EUR 71.50 in November including shuttle round trip. Big difference to the official EUR 110 .--, which would be too expensive for this short course.
Varied tracks with many relatively short holes.
Often sloping, but overall well embedded in the hilly terrain. Some blind haircuts. Greens rather slowly. Fairways with various types of grass. Care condition in order, not more.
Gorgeous landscape and view.
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Regrettable condition
Reviewed September 25, 2018
The course presented itself in a very unkempt condition from the tea-box without grass over overgrown fairways to bumpy greens on almost every track.
On top of the mountain with a view to Funchal and the sea, there is a lot of potential in the course, which is currently presented as if it has its better times behind it.
Pointing to the bad state, the secretariat became very blocking, trying to explain it with the change of season. I thought Madeira was the island that does not know something?
In our view, it was simply a lack of care that caused the weeds and the old grass.
Therefore from our point of view absolutely no recommendation. Especially not when regular € 110 are estimated. Not for half the price.
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- Original version
Spectacular cars
Reviewed February 4, 2018
I played this place several times in February 2017.
Striking the sometimes very steep tracks and paths between the tracks (especially 16-17-Teebox 18), which justify a cart in any case.
The driving range with mats tees from high altitude was rather getting used to. Also the pitching green "expandable".
I liked the course design very much, a lot of variety from long and wide to tracks that demand humility and good tactical play.
Care condition was not outstanding, but ok.
At the Halfway House you can pass 2x and the Gastro in the clubhouse was fine.
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- Original version
Average - too expensive
Reviewed January 21, 2018
Played January 2018.
The location is partly spectacular, some impressive views, that's it but already. The condition is average at best, the infrastructure is getting older or down. But the place is simply too expensive.
Once played enough in each case.
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Golf course to forget
Reviewed October 17, 2017
We have already played a lot of golf courses, this was by far, with the worst condition.
There is no fairway on this square, but only hard brown earth without any grass, which is justified by the operators, which were 70 per cent less precipitation on the island this year.
We refused to play this place, as originally booked, a second time to play, which gives us at least a credit of
€ 45 for the original cost of the cart.
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Rather not
Reviewed August 19, 2016
A place the already significant better times has experienced. The Grennfee for 2 persons incl. 2 sets racket and golf car completely € 110 is absolutely fair.
The course design spectacular, the Plfegezustand pathetic including a driving range which does not deserve the name.
The sanitary Einnrichtungen are inadequate and outdated, you should take a shower at the hotel.
Too bad about the beautiful golf course.
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Spectacular place over Funchal
Reviewed March 12, 2016
In early February played, place in top condition. Walk in good physical condition is required. Great place, with spectacular views and fairways. We recommend. Both courses in Madeira are outstanding.
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Gloria
Reviewed January 20, 2016
We have booked 7 times and golf are two weeks in Palheiro remained Hotel. The journey into the new year 15/16.
In 500 m above sea level has provided for us the surprising finding, clouds can also hang low. No sight! Gloria but has regulated everything, start time moved without problems. Thank you Gloria!
But even the toughest cloud disappeared sometime and rounds of golf was nothing in the way. Beautiful place, with many slopes and bunkers. The decimated by fire trees is still impressive and so affects sometimes the game. The walking golfers should save a good bit of stamina for the tracks 16 to 18.
All in all, the place is fun, eats no balls and is meisst fair.
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Great views of Funchal
Reviewed March 5, 2015
The course was in good condition. The fairways were now to be too dry already at the border. The greens very fast and extremely hard. To play a good score is extremely difficult. But the views and layout with the great old trees indemnify! Exact match is essential on some tracks, or the balls are nowhere to be found.
The weather here is much better than the Santo de Serra.
The next Madeira stay there again.
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Impressive but...
Reviewed March 2, 2015
Overall a very interesting place, with great views of the Atlantic Ocean. Super fast well-maintained greens. Definitely a place through which you can tell a lot after the round.
However, in the investment desire and reality drift apart somewhat. Probably relying too much on the nature and the great views, especially from the club terrace. Due to illness I could not play every day, but the days of absence wanted to credit me not... unfortunately addition, the fairways almost all been brown spite February and too hard. It was unfortunately often pure coincidence where the balls are ultimately executed rolls. Priced green fees and also fits Restaurant therefore unfortunately not quite to the invoked prices.
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Interesting place
Reviewed March 2, 2014
Up to 2 tracks, this is an interesting place, which seems well run (Ranger, tee time, etc.). The views of the harbor, the sea, the variety of paths, manicured greens. the Freundlichekeit at the reception, restaurant, and it makes sense, as a minus point are the fairways to call, which could still use some more attention. In sum, it is worth having once been here, at all events;
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Golf with a View
Reviewed June 5, 2013
Were on holiday in Madeira. This time should be short vacation without golf.
The golf fever but was suddenly there. Have set of clubs (Wilson) and a borrowed Cart (€ 32 / € 45). Both are ok. German reception with no problems, very nice and accommodating. Greenfee booked through hotel (€ 75). Driving range of large height difference, no wood (max. 180 m) The course is very hilly, Cart beneficial. Space does not rain, as spoiled in the Sauerland. Fairways for Mediterranean conditions well, as does the fast wave and often challenging greens.
It was on this day only a few flights on the way, so we have experienced a super relaxing day of golf on a scenic extremely beautifully situated golf course. The view from the restaurant over Funchal should not treat yourself to non-golfers!
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Super design and magnificent views
Reviewed March 9, 2013
Once you get up the mountain tormented you reach a parking lot with a great view.
The course (Buggy Book!) Goes up and down. Hardly just Fairways therefore consider in advance exactly where the ball is going to pay. The course maintenance could be a bit better, although the Gruen were good. The view of some teas was impressive. After the round, a great meal in a crowded club restaurant. Always happy!
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Just lovely
Reviewed March 2, 2013
We played 4 times in late February in beautiful weather on this one-but also challenging, run by friendly people place.
The wide variety of delicious but also the manicured fairways, fast greens have from time to time "Scottish" character. But it's always fun at this tree-particularly trees and flowering shrubs wonderful place to play.
An additional highlight is the final visit of the Restäurants. The view from the terrace over the sea and Funchal, but also the excellent cuisine are well recommended.
We will definitely be back!
Karsten and Alfred P. from North Germany.
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Probably never again
Reviewed February 24, 2013
Difficult in the years come unkempt accident-prone system, catastrophic fairways, semi-rough that consists largely of weeds or bare soil, the greens are because of the hardness (water shortage) barely playable. Unfortunately, heavy fire damage in the beautiful trees. Not appropriate prices for green fees and e-carts. Violent differences in height, this is also transverse. The view from the clubhouse is great however.
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Beautiful looks are not everything...
Reviewed February 17, 2013
The plant something in the years come truly has some nice holes, but the fairways are often similar to a field in winter... Sophisticated approaches, because here do not like to be left on the often small greens the ball. We had booked unlimited golf and enjoyed driving to another place in Madeira...
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Beautiful place but dried
Reviewed August 16, 2012
A great place with many interesting paths. Unfortunately, the fairways were hardly available because they have not been watered. After all, the greens were green. Then it is already annoying when you have to pay full green fees. In addition, electric cards are very expensive at 45 €.
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Place in May 2012 almost unplayable
Reviewed August 9, 2012
The pictures were so promising, the anticipation of nice rounds of golf great, unfortunately we were totally disappointed. The square powder dry, no ball came to there, wherever they played him the Baelle rolled rows laterally the Haenge down, it just did not enjoy playing on this course. Unfortunately, there is probably now a water problem in Madeira (it has not rained for months), and the Wasserkontignent for the Palheiro Course is consumed. Only the Gruen were irrigated, these were the green oases of the place. To make matters worse still was that a fire storm in mid-July had destroyed much of the beautiful trees and we also looked at Baumstuempfe burned. A very sad sight and a shame for this course.
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Sun-rain-rainbow
Reviewed November 10, 2011
Scenically beautiful golf course.
Beautiful clubhouse with breathtaking views of Funchal.
Friendly staff (golf manager speaks German) There were 12 golfers at 23:10 on site. Greens and fairways in very good condition. Spacious game (4.5 hrs) For some birdie holes you have to pull the book initially rate. Cart is highly recommended.
We all want to come back.
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Sporty challenging course in a beautiful natural
Reviewed October 7, 2011
We played the course in October 2011 and had three very excited.
The topography provides many slopes that challenge as well as the slopes or the descent playing with large height differences. The parkland layout is characterized by the typical vegetation of Madeira and very attractive. The embedding in the Palheiro Estate is another highlight.
The flora difficult in some places the game: even large trees are apparently deliberately "in the way". The African Lily (Agapanthus) grows like a weed in many places and "swallows" in the imprecise game balls. However, the course is very playable.
Some canyons come into play, though far less dramatic than in other GCs in Madeira, Santo da Serra.
The condition was good except for the greens. The greens seemed to have been recently aerifiziert and the grass had been grown only imperfectly together, which made impossible a precise game. But more likely a temporary phenomenon.
A cart is recommended, but not mandatory.
The training facilities are in rather poor condition.
The service is good and very friendly.
Overall, the atmosphere was very relaxed and without a hassle.
Of some of the holes and also the clubhouse terrace has a phenomenal my views of Funchal and the vastness of the Atlantic.
For me, one of the most beautiful places ever played - I am looking forward to the next time
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Palheiro again
Reviewed March 31, 2011
I have now played the place to second place in the time frame of AIDA tours.
Fantastic views over the sea of exotic plants and Funchal.
Devilishly fast and undulating greens.
Two years ago I carried the bag there... then this is a real challenge. This time, however, prefer to Cart :-)
This place definitely again.
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Guaranteed to challenge
Reviewed February 22, 2011
We played the course in early February, 2011. Because of the many slopes and parkland Designing the place has its claim. High HC will not have fun. The condition was OK but not particularly outstanding. The bunkers were not in good condition due to the wet conditions. The staff was friendly and the restaurant you can eat very well in features panoramic Funchal. The GF-price of 100, - € is at least 20, - € too high. Thanks Golf Fee Card we got 25% Rabtt. A cart is recommended! We have gespiet Friday afternoon, there was little traffic.
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Actually a round thing...
Reviewed January 2, 2011
The complex has a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and Funchal.
The staff are super friendly and helpful and the restaurant you will be treated to delicacies of the round.
The course is challenging, but can play very well. Golfers of all handicaps come at their expense. Do not forget to book an e-Card! Something unkind was the condition of the bunkers and the training ground. We would love to come again.
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Varied plant with beautiful Clubhouse
Reviewed December 29, 2009
The 18 holes run through a varied hilly landscape.
The place has some blind holes so that the first round offers a number of Überrraschungen.
If you then know the place a little better, interesting ways to play and a beautiful landscape open up.
The club terrace offers spectacular views over Funchal, the not to be missed.
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