Tróia Golf, the classic par-72 championship course located along Portugal’s Golden Coast, is nearing the completion of a major 12-month restoration project. Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in 1980, the course is scheduled to reopen in spring 2027.

The extensive overhaul aims to preserve the layout's historical legacy while modernizing facilities and boosting global recognition for the Alentejo region as an international golfing destination.

Architectural Evolution Led by RTJ II

The project is being executed by Robert Trent Jones II Golf Architects (RTJ II), marking a third-generation family involvement in the layout’s evolution.

"The new Troia will have a much more dramatic feel, especially utilising the surrounding dunes," explained Trent Jones, chief operating officer at RTJ II. "We’re focusing on tying the course into the dunes, flashing up bunkers into them, and using the dunes to cradle greens. We’re bringing back the original Trent Jones Sr. character, updated to modern design standards."

RTJ II President Bruce Charlton and Senior Design Associate Mike Gorman led on-site operations after analyzing Jones Sr.’s original hand-drawn grassing plan, which revealed rough edges that naturally bled into the sand.

"Land like this just doesn’t exist anymore for golf. I equate it to Spyglass Hill," said Gorman, comparing Tróia to the famed California course. "It’s on the same type of land as Spyglass – a mix of dunes and pine trees. But while Spyglass has it on four holes, Troia has it on all 18. We think this is the best renovation opportunity in the world." Gorman emphasized that the renovation prioritizes playability, seamlessly connecting holes, and restoring the ground game: "Troia became a very aerial, one-dimensional, parkland-like course by the sea. We’re digging deep on linksland inspiration, promoting links golf, which is the best kind of golf."

On-Course Upgrades and Environmental Upgrades

Situated an hour’s drive south of Lisbon between the Atlantic Ocean, the Sado Estuary, and the Serra da Arrábida, the resort's course-wide infrastructure improvements include:

• Greens & Bunkers: All 18 greens have been reconstructed using a native sand mix, and every bunker has been rebuilt with natural dune integration.
• Turf & Tees: Fairways, turf areas, tees, and surrounds have been adjusted to enhance maintenance, aesthetics, and course set-up variation.
• Irrigation & Landscaping: A full replacement of the irrigation system—featuring a new pump station and controls—improves environmental efficiency. Landscaping efforts include dune restoration, native sandy area rehabilitation, and selective hydroseeding.

Redesigned Clubhouse and Practice Facilities

The investment extends to all off-course practice and hospitality amenities:

• Practice Area: Features a redesigned driving range with target greens, a dedicated short-game complex, and a 3,000 m² "social green" putting area.
• Clubhouse: Completely rebuilt into a contemporary space utilizing natural materials and fluid indoor–outdoor areas. It incorporates a shared reception, lounge, bar, and terrace.
• Pro Shop: Conceived as a curated lifestyle retail space tailored to the resort's premium positioning.

Leadership and Future Resort Transformation

The restoration is spearheaded by Details – Sports, Hospitality, Leisure, a management company whose portfolio includes 23 hotels, 12 golf courses in Portugal, two in Italy, an equestrian center, a planned sports center, and multiple dining venues.

"The transformation of Tróia Golf represents an important new chapter for one of Portugal’s most distinctive golf experiences, and the extensive renovation programme has addressed every aspect of the course," said João Godinho, general manager at Tróia Golf. "Central to the project is a commitment to preserving the character and identity that have made Tróia Golf so special... This new investment forms part of the wider evolution of Tróia as an Atlantic golf destination."

"This is the beginning of a new era for Tróia and the objective is clear: to restore the course’s natural character, protect its environmental integrity and elevate the playing experience to international championship standards," added Nuno Sepulveda, co-CEO at Details. "We’re so excited at the prospect of what lies ahead, and the chance to put the resort and the surrounding region firmly back on the map as a golf destination of international renown and repute."

This course overhaul serves as the first phase of a broader master plan for Tróia Resort, with future investments planned to upgrade existing hotels, marina facilities, and general infrastructure.

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