This traditional course is certainly one of the most impressive mountain courses in Europe. The original course was opened in 1937 before architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. converted it into a spectacular 27-hole course in 1991. At 700 meters above sea level, the views over the Atlantic Ocean are always magnificent. The Madeira Open is regularly held on Machico and Desertas, two of the three 9-hole loops. Differences in altitude and wind conditions are a constant challenge for players. Shots over deep ravines are part of the appeal of the course. To be fair, many of the trees on the hilly terrain are quite far away from the fairways.