Designed
by Christy O’Connor Jnr., this Algarve golf course complements
the
neighbouring Oceanico Faldo Course and also takes full advantage of
being situated in a fertile valley.
Its
various water features, both
lakes and watercourses that are spread throughout the entire course,
demand accuracy and test all golfers, and the rich topsoil was
skilfully landscaped and planted with mature palm–trees,
affording a
lush, ornamental setting like an extensive oasis.
This
course has tees that are generally connected to the fairways but
its greater overall distance, the water hazards and big greens provide
its challenge. Golfers must also be prepared to read the subtly
contoured putting surfaces that are strong features.
Holes
7, 8 and 9 average length par-fours, offer a particular
challenge as all three run alongside lakes, so golfers’
concentration
and accuracy of tee-shots as well as approaches are vital. 3rd and 17th
holes are both excellent par 3’s.
Two
consecutive par-fours, the 14th and 15th with rolling
greens, are tough hurdles to overcome at such a critical stage of the
round, and then the finishing hole, 356 meters off the white tee,
requires a precision drive to set up the approach to a two tier green
benched into the hillside.
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