Destination Golf Portugal 2018 * | Page 21

Espiche Onyria Palmares Parque de Floresta The new Palmares Golf Course is a course of great beauty. It recently reopened, with a brand new layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr that perfectly blends mountain and coastal views. The par-71 layout uses a blend of manicured landscapes which boast a mix landscape of white sand and high dunes. New layout has plenty of breathtaking views to Alvor or to the sea mixed with great holes in the dunes. Located close to the historic city of Lagos, Palmares offers a wonderful blend of beach and mountain scenery. Its clubhouse affords a fantastic panoramic view over a 25-km stretch of Atlantic coastline. The Torneio das Amendoeiras em Flor, the oldest amateur tournament in the Algarve, has been played here since 1977. Situated in the westernmost part of the Algarve, only 15 minutes away from the city of Lagos, this varied course spreads over the slopes of the hills overlooking the ocean. The Parque da Floresta golf course was designed by the Spanish architect Pepe Gancedo, whose general philosophy is to interfere with nature as little as possible. The fairways therefore accompany the natural contours of the terrain, spreading along the valleys and gorges, with their vineyards and eucalyptus groves, bordered by olive-trees, palms and pines. With an enjoyable par-71 course and full resort facilities, Parque da Floresta always proves popular with tourists. Boavista Espiche Opened in January 2002, the Boavista golf course is one of the Algarve’s most recent courses and is built in the natural Algarvian landscape. The 18-hole Championship course is a design by Howard Swan. Built on a flat area just 200 metres from the Atlantic, the course is close to Praia da Luz beach. Half the course is located in the National Agricultural Reserve; typical trees of the Algarve (almond and carob) and ancient ruins form the characteristic landscape of this versatile course. One of the most unforgettable holes is the spectacular seventh, a par 4 built with the sea as a backdrop and panoramic views sweeping from the coast at Praia da Luz across to the mountains Serra de Monchique. Located just outside the popular fishing town of Lagos in the Western Algarve lies the picturesque course of Espice Golf. This challenging 5862 meter par-72 layout offer superb rolling terrain to include lakes, streams and indigenous plants. Unlike a majority of courses in the Algarve, Espiche is set in the countryside with unspoilt views of vineyards and the Monchique Mountains. Its new clubhouse was built on the site of an old Algarvian farm, maintaining its sense of heritage. It boasts stunning terrace views to the countryside. Facilities include bar, restaurant, changing rooms and reception area. There’s also a driving range to sharpen your game. 19