Aroeira I at Aroeira Golf Club

Aroeira I is the original championship course at Aroeira Golf Club, located approximately 25 kilometers south of Lisbon in the coastal pine forests of the Setúbal Peninsula. Designed by British architect Frank Pennink and opened in 1973, the course was among the earliest modern golf developments in the Lisbon region and helped establish Portugal as a European golf destination during the sport's expansion in the 1970s. Pennink, known for his work across continental Europe, routed the layout through dense umbrella pine forest characteristic of this Atlantic coastal landscape.

The course plays through relatively flat to gently rolling terrain, with the pine canopy creating defined corridors and strategic demands on accuracy from the tee. The sandy soil drains well and supports firm playing conditions typical of courses built on former maritime forest land. Pennink's design emphasizes positional play, with doglegs and tree-lined fairways requiring careful navigation rather than overwhelming length. The natural setting provides seclusion between holes while the pines frame approaches to greens that feature modest but thoughtful contours.

Aroeira I has hosted professional events on the European Tour schedule, including the Portuguese Open on multiple occasions during the 1990s and early 2000s. The club later added a second course, Aroeira II, designed by Donald Steel. The facility serves both members and visitors, offering a traditional parkland experience within convenient reach of Lisbon's city center and the resort areas of the Costa da Caparica.