Faldo Resurrects Ponta Do Pargo on Madeira Island 04:20, 05/01/2024

The site of Sir Nick Faldo’s newest European project is located on the western clifftops of the famous Portuguese Island. The terrain is as dramatic as golf gets, with over 200 metres (600 feet) of elevation change, rising from the 16^th green tucked up against the infamous lighthouse that guards the coastline, to the 7^th tee that towers above 400-foot cliffs dropping below to the Atlantic. The 7^th, 8^th and 9^th greens sit on the edge of the world as they cling to the cliff edge.

Sir Nick Faldo said: “We have something special on Madeira, having a design / build site that lets us carve the course out on site is very exciting. We believe this will be a bucket list course that every golfer will dream of playing. My on-site design team is being led by Paul Jansen who was involved with the project back in 2007 and has been working with me on some routing adjustments. Our objective is to utilize the unique terrain and ensure each hole is as captivating as the natural features already there. The scale of the site is hard to explain; the cliffs are massive.” 

Faldo Design has been working closely with the local authorities to ensure the project is fully back up to speed and they are currently selecting the shaping team, planned to be on site in early 2024 as the major earth works are nearly completed on the front nine. Holes 7, 8 and 9 are as memorable as golf gets, with jaw dropping views of the coastline famous for its sunsets. Balancing the nines was essential. “I’m really looking forward to getting out there again this spring to study and create what we believe at Faldo Design could be 18 fabulous golf holes. The land, cliffs and views are so dramatic and stunning. There are some opportunities for incredible green locations that may require some equally incredible shots to reach them. We are still finalizing some green locations on the back nine as we need to make sure this beast is playable when it starts to blow off the Atlantic. The greens on holes 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 are fully exposed to the full force of the sea. Wide open linksland perched on cliff tops has our whole team very excited” Sir Nick continued.

Sustainable golf design has been a Faldo Design principle for decades. After reviewing the old routing from 2007 and based on some master plan requirements, we have adjusted a few holes and reduced the overall irrigated areas. The site is covered with a local Kikuya grass that is being selected for the tees, fairways and rough. This will reduce the water requirements and allow for a seamless transition between the course and the native flora that gives Ponta Do Pargo such majestic beauty.