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This 36-hole course is spread over some 66 acres
of the Quinta do Lago estate. Designed by the late
American golf course architect William Mitchell it
consists of four nine-hole loops set in picturesque
terrain of pinetrees and artificial lakes. The course has
been widely acclaimed for its design and high standards
of maintenance and the tees and greens are said to be
among the best in Europe. Quinta do Lago has been the
location of numerous major tournaments including the Portuguese
Open on seven occasions. Many professional and
amateur competitions are held each year, notably European
PGA Pro/Ams and events hosted by such names as BMW,
TAP, MARTINIROSSI, LANCOME,
MERCEDES, OMEGA & BRITISH
AIRWAYS. Water is a big hazard on all the
courses, as are the strategically placed bunkers. The A
course features 7 dogleg holes demanding precision from
the tee. The par 5 9th epitomises this, with a 170 metre
carry over a lake, to a right hand turn, protected by
bunkers left and right. The newer D course is a great
design, with the par 3 6th and par 5 8th being
exceptional. One of the most challenging holes is the par
3 6th on the C course which requires a carefully measured
shot over a lagoon with a carry to the front of the green
of 170 metres. Two favourite holes on the B course are
the par 5 5th and the par 4 9th. The former is 505 metres
and the tee shot has to be placed between two fairways
bunkers about 200 metres away because of a double dogleg.
The following shot needs to go to the right side of the
fairway to provide a clear view of the elevated and well
bunkered green. The par 4 9th runs from an elevated tee
to a fairway that doglegs sharply to the left in the last
100 metres. A drive right of the centre is the best line
in order to set up an iron shot to a deep elevated green.
But beware of the grain on this green which runs towards
the fairway so you may need to choose a club of a higher
number than at first appears. This holes sum up the
concept of the Quinta do Lago courses which is to offer a
good test of golfing skills in a beautiful environment. |
