Destination Golf Portugal 2015 2015 | Page 57

Quinta do Vale Benamor Quinta do Vale Officially opened in March 2000, this course is the first golf course to open east of the capital of the Algarve, Faro, and lies just outside of Tavira. The owning Martins Dias family invited the late Sir Henry Cotton make a concept design for an 18-hole course. Sir Henry was inspired by the beautiful church next to the site of the Clubhouse and by its spectacular location. The final result is a delightful par 71 golf course of 5,500metres. Benamor offers all golfers a pleasant test of golf. The course is undulating but not hilly. The views of the mountains to the North and the Atlantic Ocean to the South are stunning. The greens, tees and fairways are always kept in good condition. Players’ accuracy is particularly called upon by the architects’ retention of as many of the old trees as feasible. These natural obstacles coupled with strategic placed bunkers and occasional water hazards make the course a worthwhile challenge. Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, Quinta do Vale Golf Resort features an 18-hole Championship layout including 6 Par-5´s, 6 Par-4´s and 6 Par-3´s. The course has Bermuda grass fairways, Bent grass greens and the rough is abundant with Festuca & Ryegrass. Marvellously integrated into the landscape and with a great view over the Guadiana River, Quinta do Vale Golf Club sits in a natural valley and is always overlooked from the Clubhouse. At Quinta do Vale, players will notice Seve´s creativity as well as his promise: To please everyone no matter what their handicap is. Numerous dogleg holes, wide fairways and obstacles enhance the course quality and its breath-taking surroundings… Quinta da Ria Quinta da Ria Golf situated in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve has already been described by experienced golfers as the most beautiful course in the region. The Rocky Roquemore design is perched above the Ria Formosa estuary boasts views down to the sand bellow, with the tidal waters and the ever flowing currents across the Nature Reserve. The back nine holes are particularly impressive as it takes the player close to the beach, providing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. A game at Quinta da Ria must be accompanied by a good camera. The course has Bermuda grass fairways, Bent grass greens and the rough is abundant with Festuca & Ryegrass. 55