Once called “The St. Andrews of Portugal,” the Robert Trent Jones Sr. design had been all but lost; exciting renovation restores links conditions and character
PALO ALTO, Calif. – Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and shaped by more than four decades of golf history, Tróia Golf Course is one of Portugal’s true golf treasures. A major restoration of this classic layout, that both preserves its legacy and lays the foundation for a bold and bright future, is under way.
Robert Trent Jones II Golf Architects (RTJ II) is finishing construction on a reimagined course that is “not just a restoration of my grandfather’s work,” explains Trent Jones, Chief Operating Officer. “The new Tróia has a much more dramatic feel, especially utilizing the surrounding dunes. We’ve tied the course into the dunes, flashing bunkers into them and using the dunes to cradle greens. We’re bringing back the original Jones Sr. character, updated to modern design standards.” The golf course, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, the Sado Estuary and the Serra da Arrábida, is scheduled to open for play in March 2027.
Leading the RTJ II team are President Bruce Charlton and Senior Project Designer Mike Gorman, who have been on property numerous times over the past year. In the company archives, Gorman found Jones Sr.’s original, hand-drawn grassing plan for Tróia, which, says Trent Jones, “showed how the rough edges naturally bleed into the sand and showcased how the course flows in and out of the dunes like an Irish links.”
“Land like this just doesn’t exist anymore for golf. I equate it to Spyglass Hill,” says Gorman, referencing one of Jones Sr.’s most famous and beloved courses, located on California’s Monterey Peninsula. “It’s on the same type of land as Spyglass, a mix of dunes and pine trees. But while Spyglass has it on four holes, Tróia has it on all 18. We think this is the best renovation opportunity in the world.”
The renovation includes widening fairways, restoring dunes, and changing routing to reduce trees’ impact. Some holes are slightly rerouted to add a variety of strategic angles, all bunkers have been rebuilt, and lost ocean views have been restored.
Gorman says the emphasis will be on playability—including bringing back the ground game options that were lost over the years—and fun. The course will be easy to walk, with the renovation connecting holes more seamlessly. “Tróia had become a very aerial, one-dimensional, parkland-like course by the sea. We’re digging deep on linksland inspiration, promoting links golf, which is the best kind of golf.”
The reopening will re-establish Tróia as one of Europe’s must-play golf experiences, as well as playing a leading role in raising global awareness for the Alentejo region as an international golf destination. Offering a full resort experience, with a marina, a wide variety of accommodation, and the gastronomy and leisure to match, Tróia—which is led by Details – Hospitality, Sports, Leisure—gives guests plenty to enjoy both on and off the course.
João Godinho, general manager at Tróia Golf, said, “The transformation of Tróia Golf represents an important new chapter for one of Portugal’s most distinctive golf experiences, and the extensive renovation program has addressed every aspect of the course.
“Central to the project is a commitment to preserving the character and identity that have made Tróia Golf so special. We have not sought to change what makes the course unique but to restore and elevate it, to create an experience that respects Tróia’s heritage while introducing it to a new generation of players.
“This new investment forms part of the wider evolution of Tróia as an Atlantic golf destination. The renewed golf experience will complement the destination’s exceptional natural setting, hospitality and broader tourism proposition, strengthening Tróia’s position within Portugal’s golf landscape and re-establishing the course as one of Europe’s bucket-list venues.”
A redesigned practice facility will include a new driving range, short-game area and 3,000-meter social putting green. The clubhouse is also being rebuilt as a contemporary premium venue with enhanced hospitality, social and retail spaces connected to both the course and surrounding landscape.
Jones added, “Troia is legendary in the Portuguese golf community. It is called ‘The St. Andrews of Portugal’ because is the most natural true links course in the country, if not the continent.”
For more information about RTJ II courses, award-winning sustainable designs, visionary water conservation, and world-class tournament venues, visit the company’s website at www.rtj2.com.
About Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects
Headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects (RTJ II) is a preeminent global golf design firm, with 300 courses in 50 countries across six continents. As trustees of a great tradition of golf course architecture, the RTJ II team works in harmony with nature to create the best course for each unique site. Its expertise spans every aspect of golf course development, providing support from project conception through completion. For additional information, visit www.rtj2.com or contact the firm at +1 650-475-0329 or info@rtj2.com.
About Details – Hospitality, Sports, Leisure
DETAILS – Hospitality, Sports & Leisure manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality and sports assets across Portugal and Italy, including 28 hospitality projects that are operational or under development. Its portfolio includes Hyatt Regency Vilamoura Algarve, Hilton Vilamoura, Palmares Signature Apartments, The Pearl Tróia, The Anchor Tróia and Tróia Residences. DETAILS also owns Portugal’s largest golf-course portfolio, comprising Vilamoura’s Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium and Laguna courses; The Els Club Vilamoura, the Algarve’s first private golf course and the first Ernie Els club in Europe; PGA Aroeira Lisboa; and Palmares, Vale Pisão, Tróia Golf, Monte Rei and San Lorenzo. In Italy, DETAILS manages two courses under the Costa Ragusa Golf brand. Its sports assets also include Browns Sports Centre, the Equestrian Centre and a sports centre under development in Vilamoura.
Media Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
908-963-6013
kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com
