The construction of a new golf course in Obidos, Portugal is underway.

Marking Cynthia Dye’s first course design in Europe, the new course will form part of the Falesia D’El Rey Resort, which lies around 50 miles, or an hour’s drive, north of Lisbon.

The project has been on the table for some 15 years, but a change of ownership and the need for sensitive planning and permitting has caused a delay in work getting underway.

“I have never worked so hard for so long to see a project through to construction,” said Cynthia Dye. “For many years we had to stay focused on making this course a reality. Now it’s very rewarding to see it come true.”

The course is being built on a site that has been described as ‘natural rolling sand dune and coastal vegetation’, with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Obidos Laguna.

Cynthia Dye recently spent ten days onsite at Falesia D’El Rey to oversee the adjustments to centre lines, green complexes and fairway edges. 

“Over the years the site has continuously changed due to the raw elements, a forest fire and public access issues,” she said. “We needed to be certain that the final layout took into account these subtle changes. We are now ready to create great golf holes.”The course is scheduled to open for play in spring 2017.