Destination Golf Portugal 2021
Amendoeira O ’ Connor
Amendoeira O ’ Connor
Perfectly complementing the Faldo Course , whilst taking advantage of the rich valley soil in contrast to the arid hillside , Christy O ’ Connor Jnr ’ s course at Amendoeira offers no less of a challenge . Large areas of water demand accurate play and creative shot making , and these lakes and streams are to be maintained as a wildlife sanctuary . Holes 7 , 8 and 9 are cleverly guarded by a lake that comes into play on a few occasions . This lake has been stragetically designed so golfers think that it is just there for astetic beauty but they could get caught . Locals call it the Amen Corner of the course . Other large bodies of water with meandering features will challenge golfers throughout the round .
Amendoeira Faldo
Surrounded by rocky outcrops and meandering water features , this Nick Faldo designed golf course is designed to test accuracy . The course is full of character - ancient olive trees , mature trees , cacti , wild herbs and desert scrub bunkers of crushed limestone . Due to its elevation in some parts , the course boasts stunning views of the Alcantarilha countryside , over the large orange groves to the mountains in the distance . Positional play is key , but there are some great risk and reward holes on offer too , especially on the earlier holes that play close to the clubhouse . After leaving high ground to the west , the eighteenth brings the final chapter to a close with a magnificent par 5 . By then , a drink in the stunning clubhouse has been well earned .
Pine Cliffs
Opened in 1990 , Pine Cliffs is a compact 9-hole golf course that is surrounded by magnificent old pine trees . This is not a long course , but it does demand accuracy . No more so than the much pictured devils parlour , a challenging par-3 that crosses the cliffs , with breathtaking views to the Atlantic Ocean . The Pine Cliffs golf course provides a well equipped golf academy that meets the requirements of both the hobby golfer as well as the tournament player . Celebrities are often spotted at Pine Cliffs , as they holiday in the luxurious Sheraton Hotel that is onsite . For several years , the club president was British motor racing star Nigel Mansell .
Penina
Only a short drive from Portimao is the stunning Penina Golf Resort . Set in a vast 360 acre estate , Penina offers golf enthusiasts a complete golf break . Penina offers three golf courses : an 18-hole par-73 Championship Course , A 9-hole Academy course and a 9-hole Resort Course . The Sir Henry Cotton Championship course , has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times and is a must play on any visit to the Western Algarve . The Academy course and the Resort course both provide a golfer the opportunity to finetune one ’ s short game , while providing gentle training grounds for beginners . The greens are relatively small and therefore accuracy off the tee and for approach shots is required and it also provides players the opportunity to fine tune their short game .
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