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Vilamoura UM, a par 73 course which in 1994
celebrate its 25th anniversary is the oldest of three
courses located within the 4.000 acre Vilamoura estate.
This course has been the
venue for a number of major championships including the
World Ladies Amateur, The Portuguese Open, and The
Portuguese Ladies Open. Designed by golf course architect Frank Pennink
along the lines of the classic English course, the 6331
metres layout is set among gentle pine-covered slopes
with the sea providing a spectacular backdrop. The
relatively narrow fairways which cut through the pine
woods create a stiff test for all golfers and every hole
presents a new problem. Many golfers clam that the key to a good score
at Vilamoura UM is to master the short holes and great
accuracy of play is required in order to achieve this,
especially on the par 3 4th, 6th and 15th. The 144-metre
4th has to be played over a pond with bunkers on either
side. It requires a good tee shot and a neat pitch to
make a birdie possible. To salvage a par on the 207-metre
6th you may have to pin your hopes on a good bounce and
the rub of the green.
The 15th is difficult to club from an elevated tee to a
high green with steep bank in front and a valley-of-death
bunker at the back. There are also some memorable par 4
holes including the 404 metre 8th which calls for an
accurate drive from an elevated tee to find the narrow,
tree-lined fairway that rises to the green. Also
unforgettable is the par 3 10th from the clubhouse where
the tee is flanked by pink and white oleander trees with
breathtaking views of the Atlantic ocean. |
