DESTINATION GOLF PORTUGAL 2023
Amendoeira O ’ Connor
Amendoeira O ’ Connor
Perfectly complementing the Faldo course , the Christy O ’ Connor layout provides a very different challenge . Here the rich valley soil contrasts sharply with Faldo ’ s arid hillside . Large areas of water are scattered throughout the course and they demand accurate play and creative shot-making . These lakes and streams are also home to a wildlife sanctuary . Holes 7 , 8 and 9 are cleverly guarded by one such lake but it has been strategically designed so that golfers might think it is there just for the aesthetic beauty . Not so . Locals call this the Amen Corner of the course . Other large bodies of water with meandering features will challenge golfers throughout the round .
Pine Cliffs
Opened in 1990 , Pine Cliffs is a compact 9-hole golf course surrounded by magnificent old pine trees . This is not a long course , but it does demand accuracy . No more so than the much pictured Devil ’ s Parlour , a challenging par-3 that crosses the cliffs with breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean . The course provides a well-equipped golf academy that will satisfy the needs of all level of golfer . Celebrities are often to be 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 .
Amendoeira Faldo
Surrounded by rocky outcrops and meandering water features , this Nick Faldo-designed golf course demands accuracy and patience . It is a fine test of golf and full of character with ancient olive trees , cacti , wild herbs and desert scrub bunkers of crushed limestone adding vibrancy at every turn . 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 18th brings the final chapter to a close with a magnificent par-5 . By then , a drink in the stunning clubhouse has been well earned .
Penina
Only a short drive from Portimao is the stunning Penina Golf Resort . Set in a vast 360 acre estate , Penina offers golfers an allencompassing golf break . Penina has three courses : the revered 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 mustplay on any visit to the Western Algarve . The Academy course and Resort course both provide golfers with the opportunity to fine-tune their short game , while also 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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