Jorge Santana da Silva - His most iconic projects

With a legacy like no other, Jorge Santana da Silva is one of the leading names in golf course architecture, with a body of work that spans different parts of the world and a variety of landscapes. From the Algarve to Angola, via Marbella and northern Portugal, we have compiled some of his most iconic projects, courses where harmony with nature, technical excellence and enhancing the local landscape stand out as the hallmarks of his work.

LARANJAL GOLF COURSE, ALGARVE
Part of the Quinta do Lago resort, Laranjal Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 championship course, that opened in 2009. Built on the site of a former orange grove in Vale do Ludo, the course is characterised by its rolling fairways, exceptional quality greens and five strategically positioned lakes. The layout calls for precision and concentration, while providing a balanced technical challenge for players of varying skill levels. The course extends over approximately 6,480 metres and is widely recognised for its excellent maintenance and scenic setting.

‘LAS BRISAS’ GOLF COURSE, MARBELLA
Real Club de Golf Las Brisas is one of the most prestigious courses on the Costa del Sol. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in the late 1960s, it has 18 holes and is a par 72. The course is characterised by elevated greens, strategically placed bunkers and numerous water hazards, including artificial lakes that come into play on several holes. With a parkland layout surrounded by a richly varied botanical collection of trees and plants from different parts of the world, this is considered a challenging course, which favours precision and strategic play.

VALE DO PISÃO GOLF COURSE, SANTO TIRSO
Located in Água Longa, in the municipality of Santo Tirso, Vale Pisão Golf Club is an 18-hole (9+9) course developing within an extensive green area. Its layout was designed to respect the natural features of the terrain, making the most of the slopes, existing vegetation and watercourses that run through the property. The result is a varied course that combines holes of great scenic beauty with others that are more technically demanding, posing a balanced and enjoyable challenge for players of all skill levels. It also boasts a driving range and golf support facilities.

MANGAIS GOLF COURSE, ANGOLA
Located in Barra do Kwanza, about 80 km south of Luanda, Mangais Golf Resort forms part of an eco-friendly tourist development. The 18-hole, par 72 course develops over more than 7,000 metres from the back tees. Featuring a championship style layout, the course is played on flat terrain near the mouth of the River Kwanza. Water features are present on more than half the holes, making them one of the course’s key strategic elements. The course also offers six tee positions, catering for different levels of play.

OMBRIA GOLF COURSE, ALGARVE
Ombria Golf Course is one of the Algarve’s latest golf courses and stands out for how harmoniously it blends into the natural landscape of the Algarve’s interior. Developing over 18 holes, this is a par 71 course. The course follows the natural contours of the landscape, winding through valleys, streams and areas of native vegetation, offering a playing experience that is deeply connected to the surrounding environment. The variety of changes in elevation, water features and panoramic views creates an engaging technical challenge, placing greater emphasis on strategy and precision than on power. The course is also known for its commitment to environmental sustainability.