Tróia Golf Nears Completion of Major Renovation Ahead of Spring 2027 Reopening

One of Portugal's most distinctive championship golf courses is preparing to make its return, with Tróia Golf entering the final stages of an extensive 12-month restoration project.

Located on the spectacular Tróia Peninsula, around an hour south of Lisbon, the Robert Trent Jones Sr-designed course is undergoing a complete transformation ahead of its planned reopening in spring 2027.

For us at Hashtag Golf Travel, this is particularly exciting news. Tróia Golf has long been one of the standout courses on Portugal's Atlantic coast, offering a very different golfing experience from the more familiar resorts of the Algarve.

The renovation promises to restore the course's original character while introducing modern playing conditions, improved facilities and a stronger connection to its remarkable natural surroundings.

A Classic Robert Trent Jones Course Reimagined

Originally opened in 1980, Tróia Golf is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sado Estuary, with views towards the Arrábida Mountains.

Designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course is known for its narrow fairways, pine-lined holes, challenging bunkers and natural sandy terrain.

What makes this restoration particularly interesting is that the work is being carried out by Robert Trent Jones II Golf Architects, bringing a third generation of the famous course-design family back to Tróia.

Rather than completely redesigning the course, the team has focused on restoring the original vision, making greater use of the surrounding dunes and bringing back the natural sandy areas that helped define its character.

We think that's exactly the right approach.

Tróia already has the foundations of a fantastic golf course. The opportunity here is to enhance what makes it special rather than turning it into something unrecognisable.

What's Changing at Tróia Golf?

The renovation covers almost every aspect of the playing experience.

All 18 greens have been reconstructed, while every bunker has been rebuilt to integrate more naturally with the surrounding dunes.

Fairways, tees and green surrounds have also been improved, with the aim of creating more strategic options and making the course more enjoyable for different abilities.

One of the biggest changes is the renewed emphasis on the natural landscape.

Sandy areas and dune vegetation are being restored, allowing the course to blend more naturally into its coastal surroundings.

There's also a completely new irrigation system, including modern controls and a replacement pump station, designed to improve water efficiency and long-term course maintenance.

For golfers, we think the most exciting element is the renewed focus on traditional links-style golf.

The restoration is intended to encourage more creativity around the greens, including the option to play lower, running approaches rather than always relying on high shots through the air.

That should make Tróia an even more interesting test, particularly for golfers who enjoy using the ground and thinking their way around a course.

New Practice Facilities and Clubhouse

The improvements extend well beyond the 18 holes.

Tróia is introducing a completely redesigned practice area, featuring a new driving range with target greens, dedicated short-game facilities and a huge 3,000m² putting green designed for both practice and social use.

The clubhouse is also being completely rebuilt.

The new design will feature contemporary interiors, natural materials and indoor-outdoor spaces that connect the building with the golf course and surrounding coastline.

There will be refreshed lounge, bar and terrace areas, alongside a redesigned pro shop.

For us, this is an important part of the investment.

The golf course itself may be the main attraction, but a memorable golf holiday is about the experience before and after the round too.

Having somewhere comfortable to relax, enjoy a drink and take in the surroundings makes a big difference.

Why We Love the Tróia Peninsula for Golf Holidays

One of Tróia's biggest strengths has always been its location.

The peninsula is surrounded by beautiful Atlantic beaches, pine forests and the Sado Estuary, creating a peaceful setting that feels very different from Portugal's busier golf destinations.

It is also surprisingly accessible from Lisbon, making it an attractive option for shorter golf breaks as well as longer holidays.

Golfers can stay at the five-star Tróia Design Hotel, which overlooks the estuary and provides a convenient base for enjoying the championship course and wider region.

Away from golf, there are beaches, restaurants, a marina, boat trips and opportunities to spot dolphins in the Sado Estuary.

We particularly like this part of Portugal for golfers who want excellent courses but prefer a quieter atmosphere than the traditional Algarve hotspots.

An Exciting Future for Golf Around Lisbon and Comporta

Tróia's reopening is also significant because of the growing reputation of golf along this stretch of Portugal's Atlantic coastline.

Nearby, Terras da Comporta has already attracted international attention with its David McLay Kidd-designed Dunas Course and Sergio Garcia-designed Torre Course.

The return of Tróia will give golfers another outstanding option within the same region.

For us, combining Tróia with both courses at Terras da Comporta could become one of Portugal's most exciting three-round golf itineraries.

You would have three distinctive championship layouts, each offering a different architectural style, all set within one of the country's most beautiful coastal regions.

It's exactly the sort of trip we'd recommend to golfers who have already experienced the Algarve several times and are looking for somewhere new.

When Will Tróia Golf Reopen?

Tróia Golf is currently scheduled to reopen in spring 2027, although a confirmed date for visitor play has not yet been announced.

The restoration forms part of a wider investment programme, with further improvements planned for the resort's hotels and infrastructure.

We would therefore recommend waiting until the reopening and tee-time arrangements are confirmed before building Tróia into a fixed golf itinerary.

However, it is definitely one to keep on the radar for 2027.

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Our Verdict

We think Tróia Golf's restoration is one of the most interesting developments in Portuguese golf.

It isn't every day that a classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design receives such a comprehensive renovation, particularly with the architect's own family involved in restoring the original character.

The rebuilt greens, natural bunkering, improved practice facilities and new clubhouse should make the overall experience considerably stronger.

But what excites us most is the emphasis on bringing the golf course closer to its natural surroundings.

Tróia has always had an extraordinary setting, and this renovation looks set to make much better use of it.

Combine that with the growth of nearby Comporta, and Portugal's Atlantic coast is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to the Algarve.

For golfers planning a Portugal golf holiday in 2027, we'd certainly recommend keeping Tróia near the top of the list.