www.destinationgolf.travel
Dom Pedro Pinhal
Dom Pedro Laguna Dom Pedro Pinhal
This modern course is laid out over low lying coastal terrain. Its
many water hazards and few trees makes it considerably different
from the other courses in this area and many of its holes convey
a links feel. U.S. golf architect Joseph Lee designed this course
which has been subject to continual improvements over the
years. Measuring 6,121 metres from the white tees, the par 72
course includes several lakes which influence play on a total of 11
holes. Apart from the lakes and an impressive total of 79 bunkers
across this design, another hazard is the wind that frequently
blows over this somewhat exposed location. Laguna shares a
large, welcoming clubhouse with the neighbouring Millennium
Course. Pinhal is the second oldest golf course in the Vilamoura region.
Although it was originally designed by Frank Pennink (who also
designed the Old Course), several modifications were made by
Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1985. One of the major change was to
lengthening the course to 6,353 metres to cater for advances
in modern technology. The clubhouse was also completely
renovated at the turn of the millennium, to now boast stunning
panoramas from the large veranda. A game of golf at Pinhal
is chatacterised by gently sloping terrain which is enclosed
by numerous umbrella and Atlantic pines that tower over the
fairways. There are a few waters features, like well positioned
ponds but most are there to catch a very errant shot.
Dom Pedro Millennium Dom Pedro Old Course
The aspect of this course leads itself to prevailing winds, which
usually comes into play. In general, the course is fairly exposed,
although some earlier holes play between pine trees - similar to
the neighbouring fairways of the Old Course and Pinhal. In this
more wooded area, the fairways are narrower and require greater
accuracy - while the rest of the course has a clear landscape
enriched by lakes at the 4th, 17th and 18th holes. Major work
was put into refurbishing this course by Martin Hawtree, the
renowned UK golf architect. The end result is an exciting 18-hole
course that makes it one of the main courses in Vilamoura. Any golf course with “old” in the name always describes a charm
and a layout untouched beauty. Although this course has had a
facelift of two since it opened in 1969, no major changes were
made to the magnificent layout. Often described as the Grande
Dame of Algarve courses, it meanders throughout impressive pine
trees which line most of the holes. This is one of the courses in
Portugal that will always stay in the memory of visiting golfers.
After an enjoyable 18-holes on the Old Course, a fully serviced
clubhouse awaits those who feel they’ve earned a nice cold beer.
32