Our first golf stop was the breathtaking Praia D'El Rey Golf & Beach Resort located about an hour north of Lisbon, and right on the Atlantic Ocean. Our ‘home' for two nights was the 5-star Marriott; yes, it is a tough job. Shortly after checking in, we poured a fine glass of Golfers' Wine, stepped out on to our balcony and stared in awe. With the golf course in sight, and the sandy beaches and the natural beauty of the Silver Coast, we realized that two nights simply was not enough.

Our first night was a relatively quite one, with all of us feeling the effects of the overseas flight and time change. Having a quiet night wasn't a problem, though. We were all looking forward to getting out on the course early the next morning and making the most of our short time at Praia D'El Rey. If you want talk about a course that has a WOW factor, this is it.

According to Golf World's Europe rankings, Praia D'El Rey is ranked #13, and Valderrama is ranked number one. On this trip I was able to play both of these courses, and can now honestly say that the goal for the rest of my life is to be able to play courses number two through twelve.

Two completely different nines await you at Praia D'El Rey. The front nine is a parkland setting, and unless you get a sneak peak at the course before hand, the first tee gives you no idea of what you are in for. Holes 2 and 3 provide you with brief previews of the Ocean holes awaiting you on the back nine. The 4th turns you away from the Ocean and back into the parkland-style holes. This hole is a memorable one though; the short 300 yard uphill par 4 has a cavernous sand dune down the left hand side that you just don't want to be in – nothing good over there. Playing it over the bunker on the right leaves you a sand wedge to a long, narrow, undulating green.

As you wind your way through the rest of the front nine's narrow fairways, which are carved out of the pine forests, you might even think that you are at Harbour Town minus the small greens.

The back nine! Fasten your seat belts folks. If the wind is blowing - as it can on the Atlantic Coastline - you are going to need all the help you can get. I am a big fan of the Ocean Course at Kiawah and the back 9 at Praia D'El Rey is as close as it gets. Every hole on the back nine offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Berlanga Islands.

Designed by American architect Cabell B. Robinson, the course plays to a par 73. Don't let the slope rating of 129 fool you; whoever gave the course that rating must have played on a windless day.

During low season, guests of the resort can enjoy a round for as little as 32€ (around $40 CDN) and during high season, green fees are 55€. Can you get any better than that? Accommodations vary depending on preference; these include 5-star hotel, luxury homes, townhomes and villas. Golf packages are available, and you can check out their website here.