Pitch & Putt at Porto Santo Golf

Porto Santo Golf is a nine-hole pitch and putt course designed by Severiano Ballesteros on Porto Santo, the smaller inhabited island in Portugal's Madeira archipelago. Located roughly 50 kilometers northeast of Madeira proper, the island is known for its long sandy beach and arid, rolling terrain that contrasts with Madeira's lusher volcanic landscape. The course occupies a modest footprint in this distinctive setting, where the climate and topography differ markedly from the main island.

As a pitch and putt layout, the course features short holes that emphasize approach play and putting rather than full shots. Ballesteros, who designed several courses in Iberia and beyond during his post-playing career, created a layout suited to the island's compact scale and the recreational needs of both visitors and locals. The routing takes advantage of the natural contours and the open character of Porto Santo's landscape.

The course serves primarily as a casual golf option for tourists visiting Porto Santo, which draws visitors mainly for its beach rather than golf tourism. It provides an accessible introduction to the game or a quick round for experienced players seeking a relaxed outing. The facility reflects the island's modest infrastructure and its role as a quieter alternative to Madeira, offering golf in a setting where the sport remains secondary to the island's other attractions.