The golfing world has been given a tantalising new glimpse of the challenge that awaits playing The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta in Portugal as the final countdown begins to the launch of architect David McLay-Kidd’s first course in mainland Europe this summer.
The par-71 links-style layout, which is situated one hour south of Lisbon, is one of the most eagerly-anticipated golf course design projects that will be unveiled in 2023 and has been captured in a new light by up-and-coming English photographer and videographer James Hogg ahead of being unveiled in June.
Hogg, who has photographed many of north-west England’s finest courses including Royal Birkdale, Formby and Hillside, as well as the new-look Links course at La Hacienda Links Golf Resort in southern Spain, spent three days bringing The Dunas Course to life with a combination of images and videos as preparations continue ahead of the venue opening in June.
Rodrigo Ulrich, director of golf at Terras da Comporta, said: “David McLay-Kidd has done an amazing job designing a world-class course on the most spectacular piece of golfing terrain I’ve ever seen.
“With the project now nearing its conclusion, it’s vital that we have a set of photographic and video content that shows the course off in its full glory and demonstrates why we are so excited about its launch.
“James was given a very specific brief and carried it out to perfection. We couldn’t be happier with everything he’s delivered and we are already looking forward to him returning to reshoot the course as it develops and matures over the coming years.”
Vanguard Properties, the largest real estate developer in Portugal, took ownership of the spectacular Terras da Comporta development in 2019 and the site features two plots: Torre, comprising 365 hectares of land in the Alcácer do Sal municipality, and Dunas, which occupies around 1,011 hectares of land in the Grândola municipality.
Situated in a secluded coastal setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, The Dunas Course is one of two 18-hole championship layouts that is planned at Terras da Comporta.
Created over 84 hectares of natural, sandy terrain, The Dunas Course – which will measure 6,555 from its back tees – has been built using the highest sustainable practices and is predicted to quickly become of Europe’s must-play golfing venues when it opens.
Complementing The Dunas Course will be a new clubhouse and golf academy. Away from the fairways, an array of lifestyle activities will be available including horseriding, wellness and sailing, with a wide range of plots for hotels, tourist and residential condominiums also on offer.
To see a new video of The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta, go to https://youtu.be/yFKLopBaevc