DESTINATION GOLF PORTUGAL 2025
Pestana Gramacho
Gramacho
Another of the Pestana Group Courses, this is the brainchild of Nick Price, the former world No. 1 player, and renowned golf course architect, Ronald Fream. Together they have created a uniquely designed 18 hole course with 27 varied greens that enable the golfer to play the same course with new challenges several times. This Championship course hosted the Portuguese Ladies Open in 2005 and 2007, and prides itself on maintaining tournament standard conditions all year. The design involves well guarded greens with clever bunkering that makes the player think before going directly for the pin. Sometimes the centre of the green is the best option. The boulder outcrops and dry stone walls, as well as the fig, carob and olive trees, have been complemented by artfully positioned lakes and bunkers.
Vale da Pinta
Vale da Pinta has long been regarded for its excellent design. Inaugurated in 1992, it is a championship course with a super layout designed by the famous American golf course architect, Ronald Fream. Since opening it has earned a deserved reputation for the outstanding level of maintenance and for its design, which makes it a challenge to golfers of all standards. The Pinta course hosted the Seniors Tour on eight consecutive occasions. The fairways use Bermuda grass while strategically positioned bunkers protect the Pen Cross Bent-laid greens. Two ornamental lakes influence play at four holes.
Silves
Pestana Silves enjoys a serene location, away from the coast, caught up in a natural landscape looking towards mountains and olive groves. Do not be fooled, for the course is a strong test. Big driving is welcomed from the very opening tee shot, and the brave will be handsomely rewarded, but the bigger challenge is on the approach as greens possess some sharp fall-offs and deep bunkers. The excellent all-year-round condition is ideal for low scoring as precision-play will be rewarded with birdie chances. Silves was designed by Fausto Nascimento and the centrepiece is a small hill in the middle of the course. From here the unforgettable par-5 12th begins, driving from up high towards a green lurking beyond a lake. It also boasts a new clubhouse.
Alto
Located between the picturesque village of Alvor and the bustling tourist resort of Praia da Rocha, Alto has established itself as one of the most popular golf courses in the Algarve. Designed by the legendary golf course architect Sir Henry Cotton, the rolling fairways and elevated greens make for an enjoyable experience for all levels of player. With the combination of a fantastic golf course, a fully serviced golf clubhouse, state-of-the-art driving range and PGA professional golf academy, Alto caters to every golfing need. Stunning beaches are nearby, as is a wide variety of traditional and international restaurants and bars.
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