Destination Golf Portugal 2018 * | Page 36

www.destinationgolf.travel San Lorenzo Pinheiros Altos Dom Pedro Victoria Pinheiros Altos is an independent 27-hole course designed by Ronald Fream and Jorge Santana. The course has an unusual layout with three nines of contrasting character -- ‘The Pines’, ‘The Corks’ and ‘The Olives’. The Pines, as its name suggests, meanders through typical Algarvian pine woods whereas many water hazards must be negotiated coming home. The rest is much flatter but the holes work their way through a series of lakes requiring accurate driving and precise iron play. The greens have a reputation for being the most difficult to read and to hit because they are small and undulating and usually in very good condition. Seen by many as the jewel of the golf portfolio in the Algarve, Victoria Golf Course is one of seven courses in the Algarve that are owned and managed by the Oceanico Group. The Championship par-72 course measures over 6,560 metres and occupies a total area of 90 hectares. Designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, this possesses wide undulating fairways, large greens, man made lakes, well positioned bunkers, and typical Portuguese vegetation such as carob, olive and almond trees. The course has hosted many prestigious tournaments, and been home to the Portuguese Masters on the European Tour for the last few years. Pestana Vila Sol San Lorenzo The magnificent 27-hole course at Pestana Vila Sol Spa & Golf Resort is surrounded by a vast 150 hectares. The resort is situated in the heart of one of the most highly developed tourist areas in the Algarve. It has stunning natural surroundings with a vast range of fauna, animal and plant life. At Pestana Vila Sol Golf you will find a fabulous Donald Steel design, which stretches along a wide valley, naturally sculpted by Mother Nature and divided into three loops with three different levels of difficulty: Prime, Challenge and Prestige. Pestana Vila Sol Golf has twice played host to the Portuguese Open, in 1992 and 1993. It was honoured by the Green Globe organisation in 1996 with the Green Flag award, certification of meeting their environmental requirements. San Lorenzo offers the golfer a rare beauty and unique golfing experience. Situated in the exclusive Quinta do Lago estate, the course runs parallel to the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa which is always oozing with wildlife and alive with chirpy sounds of nature. The course is a very enjoyable 6,238 metre par-72 layout, but one can be forgiven to be distracted by the panoramic beach views and inherent beauty. Designed in 1988 by American golf architect, Joseph Lee and his partner, W. Roquemore, the course is heavily trafficked by club members. It is owned by Hotel Dona Filipa, who run golf packages throughout the year and pre-booking is advised. The layout presents 18 cleverly carved holes that weave their way through lakes, pine wood forests and white sanded beaches that are dotted along the Algarve coastline. 34