Ponta do Pargo Golf Ready This Year

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

Ponta do Pargo, located on the most westerly point of Madeira, is currently at the centre of a significant infrastructure development that promises to reshape the local economy and tourism landscape. During recent celebrations for the Day of the Parish, Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries, Nuno Maciel, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the long-awaited Ponta do Pargo Golf Course, identifying it as a cornerstone for the region’s future.

A Strategic Investment

The golf project, which has been in development for over a decade, is backed by an estimated investment of 16.4 million euros. This ambitious endeavour is designed to act as a catalyst for growth in the Calheta municipality by:

Decentralising Tourism: By drawing visitors to the western cliffs, the project aims to redistribute tourist activity beyond the island’s more traditional hubs.
Economic Diversification: Beyond the course itself, the government has committed to advancing the associated real estate component, which is expected to attract further private investment and create local employment.
Environmental Stewardship: Development plans include a heavy emphasis on sustainability. Measures include the use of native Kikuyu grass, selected for its ability to thrive on natural rainfall, thus reducing the need for irrigation, and a state-of-the-art water management system to minimise environmental impact.

Project Scope

Designed by six-time Major champion Sir Nick Faldo, the course is described by the architect himself as a “designer’s dream.” The 18-hole championship layout takes advantage of the dramatic natural terrain, offering over 600 feet of elevation changes and panoramic Atlantic views.

In addition to the main 18-hole course, the facility is planned to include:

Comprehensive practice areas, including a driving range and short-game zone.
A nine-hole pitch and putt course.
Supporting infrastructure, such as a clubhouse, restaurant, and hotel facilities.

Timeline and Outlook

While the project has faced significant historical delays, including a construction halt during the 2009 financial crisis, progress has accelerated since work recommenced in 2023. Recent government statements reflect an optimistic outlook for the completion of the construction phases, with officials aiming for the development to be a functional reality in the near term. This milestone will mark the culmination of years of planning and signify a new chapter for both the parish of Ponta do Pargo and Madeira’s broader ambition to maintain its status as a world-class destination for golf tourism.

A look at the Ponta do Pargo golf course