Amendoeira O’Connor
Amendoeira O’Connor Amendoeira Faldo
Perfectly complementing the Faldo Course, whilst taking
advantage of the rich valley soil in contrast to the arid hillside,
Christy O’Connor Jnr’s course at Amendoeira offers no less of a
challenge. Large areas of water demand accurate play and creative
shot making, and these lakes and streams are to be maintained
as a wildlife sanctuary. Holes 7, 8 and 9 are cleverly guarded by
a lake that comes into play on a few occasions. This lake has
been stragetically designed so golfers think that it is just there
for astetic beauty but they could get caught. Locals call it the
Amen Corner of the course. Other large bodies of water with
meandering features will challenge golfers throughout the round. Surrounded by rocky outcrops and meandering water features, this Nick
Faldo designed golf course is designed to test accuracy. The course is
full of character - ancient olive trees, mature trees, cacti, wild herbs and
desert scrub bunkers of crushed limestone. Due to its elevation in some
parts, the course boasts stunning views of the Alcantarilha countryside,
over the large orange groves to the mountains in the distance. Positional
play is key, but there are some great risk and reward holes on offer too,
especially on the earlier holes that play close to the clubhouse. After
leaving high ground to the west, the eighteenth brings the final chapter to
a close with a magnificent par 5. By then, a drink in the stunning clubhouse
has been well earned.
Pine Cliffs Penina
Opened in 1990, Pine Cliffs is a compact 9-hole golf course that
is surrounded by magnificent old pine trees. This is not a long
course, but it does demand accuracy. No more so than the much
pictured devils parlour, a challenging par-3 that crosses the cliffs,
with breathtaking views to the Atlantic Ocean. The Pine Cliffs golf
course provides a well equipped golf academy that meets the
requirements of both the hobby golfer as well as the tournament
player. Celebrities are often spotted at Pine Cliffs, as they holiday
in the luxurious Sheraton Hotel that is onsite. For several years, the
club president was British motor racing star Nigel Mansell. Only a short drive from Portimao is the stunning Penina Golf
Resort. Set in a vast 360 acre estate, Penina offers golf enthusiasts
a complete golf break. Penina offers three golf courses: an 18-hole
par-73 Championship Course, A 9-hole Academy course and a
9-hole Resort Course. The Sir Henry Cotton Championship course,
has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times and is a must play
on any visit to the Western Algarve. The Academy course and
the Resort course both provide a golfer the opportunity to fine-
tune one’s short game, while providing gentle training grounds for
beginners. The greens are relatively small and therefore accuracy off
the tee and for approach shots is required and it also provides players
the opportunity to fine tune their short game.
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