The Golden Eagle is a private course set on a property near Rio Maior, 55 kms north of Lisbon. This championship course, designed by Rocky Roquemore of Atlanta, USA, occupies almost the double of an ordinary course. It is also unique because of the beatiful natural setting and the calm that reigns, the space available and the golden eagles that circle over the property in the late afternoons. You will find pine trees, eucalyptus, mimosas, camellias, hydrangeas and a lot of other eyecatching plants bordering the fairways.

The fairway grass, Penn Eagle, is not often seen in Europe. Greens have Penn Cross and are quite sizeable but not too undulated. Bunkers are plentiful (87 altogether!) and, in many cases, very large.

Seven water hazardas really only affect the "wide" golfer. The restaurant provides very good meals with excellent wines, most of which are produced on the property. "Today's special" is likely to be a Portuguese speciality (which is well worth trying) but there is always a selection of international dishes.