If like me you love a round of golf, Portugal is a kind of heaven. In 2012, Golfers Today magazine named it “Best Golf Destination” and 14 of its many courses are ranked in Europe’s top 100. There are courses all over the country, so you’ll never be too far away from one. It’s my ambition to play on all of them at least once. Believe me you won’t want to miss out either.

But you don’t have to take my word for it. Before you come here on a visit you can sign up on line for the Portugal Golf Membership programme. It was set up in 2013 by the Portuguese Tourist Board and membership is free. The benefits include being able to book a round well in advance, plus discounts on green fees, and even hotels, and car rentals. Beginners are just as welcome as the more experienced players and pros.

Before we moved here my wife didn’t know one end of a putter from the other. Now, after just a couple of years … well, I won’t say she’s better than me … although she probably is. Why did I say that? She won’t see this, will she?

source