The Dunas course designed by David McLay Kidd at Terras da Comporta, near Lisbon, Portugal, will open in July 2023.

“I’m super excited about the course and it is pretty much finished,” said Kidd, of what will be his first design in mainland Europe. “We are around seven months from a soft opening and, in the next few months, we’re going to be trimming up the bunkers and setting up the course so that it’s ready for players. And as part of that, I get to play to see how it feels after quite a few years of working on this project.”

The development was first launched in 2010 by Espirito Santo but delayed by several years following the collapse of Banco Espirito Santo in 2014. Following the purchase by Portuguese real estate developer Vanguard Properties, construction recommenced in 2019.

Read more from the April 2021 issue of GCA: Comporta Dunes: Back from the dead

Kidd has designed the new par-71 course to be demanding and fun. “It’s pretty challenging but is forgiving if you get into trouble,” he said. “You’ve got a chance to get back into the game, and how could you ever complain about the amazing weather in Portugal together with the beaches, cafes, food and people. It’s all beautiful and I would encourage anyone to come and visit.”

Rodrigo Ulrich, director of golf at Terras da Comporta, said: “What David has created here is truly special and golfers are in for a real treat. The course adheres to all his design principles – to create a layout that is as natural, seamless and sustainable as possible – and the way he has made full use of the terrain and location is incredible.”

Terras da Comporta is also planning a second 18-hole course, Torre, which will be a collaboration between Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia.