Course
Opened – 1991
Course Designer – Robert Trent Jones Snr
Special Features - The course descends 300 metres from top to bottom
General Playability - Can be tricky judging the distance because of the altitude and wind.
Undulating/ flat - Very hilly course at 700m
Tree lined/exposed - Most of the trees are quite a long way from fairways
Many / few water hazards - There are quite a few water hazards but not too close to play.
Changes to the course - none in 2008
Greens
Type of grass - Penncross / Poa
Height of cut - 3.75 mm
Speed/stimp reading – 9.6
Any specific comments – Sloping greens which can be difficult to read
Fairways
Type of grass – Penneagle / Poa
Height of cut – 10 mm
General width and contouring – Generous fairways 25m – 35 m
Any specific comments - Fairways in the best condition ever
Tees
Type of grass – Penneagle / Poa
Height of cut - 9 mm
Any specific comments - No
Collars
Type of grass - Penneagle / Poa
Height of cut – 9 mm
Any specific comments - No
Rough
Type of grass – Ryegrass/Poa
Semi-rough - Height of cut – 32mm
Intermediate Height of cut – n/a
Rough - Height of cut – 75-90 mm
Any specific comments –
Weather
In advance – Cold, windy with some sunshine
Forecast for tournament – However, the annual issue of passing low cloud and mist over the course due to its altitude often causes visibility problems and delays during tournament play.
Other Features
Stunning views of the Atlantic ocean. Santo da Serra has been host to the Madeira Island Open for the last 15 years.
