McLay-Kidd has teamed up with Vanguard Properties on his latest design project, with the eagerly awaited layout set to be unveiled to the golfing world in July 2023.

McLay-Kidd originally launched the links-style Dunas Course, which is situated one hour south of Lisbon, in 2010, and is thrilled that the project is finally coming to fruition 12 years later.

“I’m super excited about the course and it is pretty much finished,” said McLay-Kidd, whose other famous designs include Bandon Dunes, Queenwood, Beaverbrook, Machrihanish Dunes and the Castle Course at St. Andrews.

“We are around seven months from a soft opening and, in the next few months, we’re going to be trimming up the bunkers and setting up the course so that it’s ready for players. And as part of that, I get to play to see how it feels after quite a few years of working on this project.

“It’s a lot of fun but it’s not easy by any means. It’s pretty challenging but it is forgiving if you get into trouble. You’ve got a chance to get back into the game, and how could you ever complain about the amazing weather in Portugal together with the beaches, the cafes, the food, the people. It’s all beautiful and I would encourage anyone to come and visit.”

Situated on the coast in a secluded setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, The Dunas Course is one of two 18-hole championship layouts that is planned at the multi-million euro development.

Rodrigo Ulrich, director of golf at Terras da Comporta, added: “What David has created here is truly special and golfers are in for a real treat. The course adheres to all his design principles – to create a layout that is as natural, seamless and sustainable as possible – and the way he has made full use of the terrain and location is incredible.”