Destination Golf Portugal 2015 2015 | Page 42

www.destinationgolf.ie Quinta Do Lago South Course Salgados Golf Course Balaia Situated in one of the best-known regions of the Algarve, to the west of Albufeira, Salgados Golf is already a ‘postcard’ of Portuguese golf. It’s proximity of the sea and the variety of lakes make this a very interesting test of golfing skills, different from other courses in the Algarve. If you stay in the popular resort of Albufeira, a colourful fishing resort with plenty of après golf, Salgados Golf is practically on your doorstep at only 3km away. The eighteen holes at Salgados Golf are pleasant with a welcoming Club House waiting for you at the end of your round. Just outside the popular region of Albufeira is the popular Balaia golf course. A nine Par 3 hole gem that will test every golfer, irrespective of their handicap. With holes ranging in distance from 67 metres to 160 metres featuring undulating fairways and excellent greens, the course will test your distance control and short game. From the very start, the beauty of this course is apparent as the first hole is surrounded by two lakes that are divided by an old wooden bridge. Full Clubhouse facilities are available after your round. Quinta Do Lago South Course Quinta Do Lago Laranjal Located close to Almancil in the heart of the Algarve lies the two golf courses at Quinta do Lago. The 6,900 par-72 South Course was designed by William Mitchell. Set in a pine forest, with small swelling hills dotting the fairways, it has hosted the Portuguese Open seven times and is a truly magnificent course. Although the course lends itself toward the better golfer, there are different tee positions on offer to cater for all categories, making the course pleasurable for all. The course regularly ranks high in global golf course rankings. It’s clever design will assess ones game, given the strategic bunkering, occasional water hazards and contoured greens. A demonstration in excellence is once more shown by Quinta do Lago, as Laranjal golf course ticks all the boxes. A personalised service blended with the finest in golf refinement. This is the latest of the three courses at Quinta do Lago. This 18-hole championship layout is a true test. Its par-72 6,480 metre length is set amongst umbrella pines, cork-oaks and orange trees, owing to this previous state as an orange grove. The narrow Bermuda grass fairways and well defined Penn A4 greens require concentration and accuracy to navigate this testing route laid out on a rolling and distinctive terrain. Much is expected from this course over the coming years, and it is sure to grown in demand and popularity. 40