There is a quiet revolution going on in the Portuguese golf industry and it’s good news for the thousands of visitors who flock in droves for a sporting holiday in the sun.
Several clubs, many short of investment in recent years, have been taken over by a new owner who is determined to restore quality across the board.
The company behind the shake up is Arrow Global, a UK based asset management fund that is spending millions on acquiring some well known names across the country.
Clubs such as Monte Rei, Palmares and all those at Vilamoura are among the acquisitions and there are likely to be more on the way.
More recently they have been joined by Troia and PGA Aroeira where Golfshake visited to find out what’s in store.
Troia Golf
This famous course, well regarded by better players due to its challenging layout, has been bought and is now managed by Arrow’s management company, Details.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr, this course, which opened in 1979, remains as raw and natural as you can find. It was constructed on the Troia Peninsula, a 13k long sand spit that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Sado Estuary.
It has been a firm favourite among travelling golfers who like a testing golfing environment. While it is not overly long, the natural landscape – very flat with vegetation made up of small pine forests with a mix of coastal grasses and wild flowers encroaching the narrow fairways – makes up its main defences, bolstered by a seemingly endless number of bunkers placed just in front of greens to make precise approach shots a must.
Sadly it suffered from neglect over the past few years and visitors complained that it had gone to the dogs.
Under new ownership in 2025 things were already changing when we visited and there was an optimistic buzz about the place. Improvements have been made and a comprehensive investment programme is imminent.
At the time of writing the level of investment was unknown. But it is likely to be significant, as Arrow doesn’t mess about when it comes to acquisitions, particularly in Portugal which it sees as a real opportunity.
Once the course is fully restored it is certain to regain its place as one of the best in Portugal, and among the finest in continental Europe.
I visited in October 2025, and improvements under Detail’s stewardship were already plain to see and it was in good shape throughout. It is only going to get better and should be on all travelling golfers’ list for consideration.
Arrow has great plans for the Troia Marina too. As in Vilamoura, the company has bought numerous properties and hotels and upgrades are underway. It is a great place to stay and is in easy reach of the course at Troia and those at Comporta, which is only 30 minutes drive away.
As well as buying up much of the Troia Marina, Arrow has even acquired the ferry concessions that runs across the mouth of the estuary connecting Troia with the town of Setubal, which lies only a 30 minute drive from Lisbon. If you are travelling by road from Lisbon I’d recommend this 15 minute crossing, it really puts you in the mood for a great break.
PGA Aroeira Lisboa
Details has been operating the two courses here since 2023, changing their names to PGA Aroeira 1 and PGA Aroeira 2, from Aroeira Pines and Aroeira Challenge respectively.
Investment has already taken place on the original layout, PGA Aroeira 1, a Frank Pennink design which opened in the 1970s. It was closed for renovation in 2024 for the remodelling of tee boxes, bunker renovation and a new irrigation system. Greens were overseeded with bent grass, fairways replaced with Bermuda and extensive landscaping has taken place to enhance play while maintaining its traditional parkland appearance.
Noted for its pine tree lined fairways the course is now improved and will get better as everything settles in.
The Donald Steel design PGA Aroeira 2 opened in 2000. It is more technically challenging and I believe most players would prefer it, although not all members would agree.
It has a more modern feel throughout and features large, undulating greens and a number of lakes which come into play for golfers who don’t hit it straight.
With a four month renovation programme completed only in the autumn of 2025, it will take a while to reach its full potential, but it is already very playable and most enjoyable.
Work has included the overhaul of all tee boxes and bunkers, the renovations of greens and fairways and work on the cart paths and bridges.
There is more going on off the course too. Improvements will be made to other leisure facilities; villas, apartments, restaurants, a new clubhouse and hotel are in the pipeline.
In somewhat of a coup the resort has teamed up with the Italian fashion house Missoni to develop the Aroeira Collection by Missoni, an exclusive residential and tourist project.
Once a little behind the pack in terms of that ‘wow factor’ everybody seeks in Portugal, Aroeira, under its new ownership, is set to compete with the best and should be on everybody’s radar.
Our tour operator Golfbreaks offers a range of options and deals for golf throughout Portugal, including these resorts. See here for Troia deals and here for Aroeira.
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Andy Waple is Golfshake’s Travel Editor and an experienced journalist with decades of experience reviewing golf destinations worldwide. A member of Hallamshire Golf Club in Sheffield, he has a deep appreciation for courses across the UK, Ireland, and abroad. Andy provides detailed insights into equipment, apparel and travel experiences with his favourite destinations including South Africa, the Dominican Republic and Portugal. His knowledge of international golf travel brings valuable insights for golfers planning trips in search of memorable courses and quality travel experiences.