The 6,175 metre long Vale do
Lobo Royal
Golf Course has championship tees, and is a lot more difficult than the
Ocean Course. This is because of its more interrupted terrain, the
amount
of water and sand obstacles and its generally longer holes.
The original
design is by Sir Henry Cotton. However, these days Rocky
Roquemore’s design
trademarks are a lot more visible along the course.
The U.S. architect, very
active nowadays in Portugal, has been responsible for the enlargement
of
the ‘yellow’ course.
The high point of the Royal
Golf Course is its famous hole 16, Par 3, one of the most photographed
in the world because of its unique conditions. To play this hole
from the
championship tee, one needs a 218 metre stroke over three spectacular
cliffs
to reach the green.
It should also be mentioned
hole 9, a Par 3, where
the green is preceded by a lake. Water is also part of the game in
holes
6, 16 and 17.
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