Destination Golf Global (Summer 2020) | Page 24

Quinta do Lago (South) Quinta do Lago (North) Quinta do Lago (Laranjal) courses – the South Course, Laranjal and the widely-acclaimed North Course, co-designed by Ryder Cup-winning captain Paul McGinley. On site facilities include Europe’s only Paul McGinley Golf Academy and the only TaylorMade Performance Centre in Southern Europe. The jewel in the complex’s crown is the South Course which has hosted the Portuguese Open on several occasions. Plotted around umbrella pines, lakes and wild flowers, this superbly manicured track requires the correct positioning of shots to score well. Basically the same style as its sister course, the North is noted for its four excellent par-5 holes and numerous dog-legs that require accuracy off the tee. Featuring the same consistently high quality from tee to green as the other two layouts and built on ideal, rolling terrain around five attractive lakes, the Laranjal course which opened in 2011 completes 54-holes of stunning golf. www.quintadolago.com Vale do Lobo The luxury Vale do Lobo resort is a quality complex and home to two special courses – the Ocean and the Royal. Based on Sir Henry Cotton’s original design concepts and re-developed by respected American golf architect Rocky Roquemore, both courses have twice been host to the Portuguese Open. The Royal Course is famous for one of the most photographed holes in Europe - the par-3 16th. Set amid orange, fig and olive trees with rolling pine-covered terrain on one side and orange rock cliffs on the other, a well-struck tee shot (over 200 metres from the championship tees) is required to carry a series of precipitous cliffs before the green. Another excellent par-3 is to be found on the Ocean Course, and the scenic 15th which runs tight to the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean would receive a lot more attention if not for the fact that it is overshadowed be the signature 16th on the Royal. Both courses are equally top-notch, and if you have the time you are advised to play both. www.valedolobo.com 24 Destination Golf .TRAVEL