Desertas at Clube de Golf Santo da Serra

Desertas occupies the eastern portion of Clube de Golf Santo da Serra's property in the mountains above Machico, on the Portuguese island of Madeira. Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the original 27 holes here in 1991, carving fairways and greens from volcanic terrain at elevations between 2,000 and 2,300 feet. The Desertas nine takes its name from the uninhabited Desertas Islands visible from several elevated tees on clear days, part of the dramatic Atlantic panorama that defines golf on Madeira.

The routing moves through rolling terrain marked by native vegetation, pine and eucalyptus stands, and the occasional ravine. Jones incorporated the natural elevation changes into holes that often play uphill or downhill, with approach shots to greens set against mountain backdrops or ocean views. The design reflects his characteristic emphasis on strategic bunkering and generous but contoured putting surfaces. Wind is a frequent factor, particularly on exposed holes where the Atlantic influence is strongest.

Santo da Serra has hosted professional events on the European Challenge Tour, using various combinations of the 27 holes. The club sits in a rural mountain setting that remains cooler and often mistier than Madeira's coastal areas, contributing to the course's distinct playing conditions. The facility serves both members and visitors, functioning as one of Madeira's primary golf destinations alongside the newer courses that have developed on the island in subsequent decades.