Portugal Life & Travel Magazine | Page 65

FEATURED COURSE - MONTADO GOLF RESORT | GOLF the course has only 51 bunkers , an unusually small number in comparison to many southern-european courses , they are well positioned and influence play considerably . The Bermuda grassed fairways are not too narrow but are probably more testing for the longer hitter .
The six lakes come into play on 11 holes but there is always a safer option on dry land – the par 5 second is a perfect example of risk and reward , but confidence is required to go for the green over the lake so early in the round . The island green on the par 3 18th is a challenge but there are a selection of 4 tees , as on all holes , ranging from 176 to 116 yards to meet a broad spectrum of golfing ability .
Those holes without any large water presence provide a rich assortment of challenges – the taxing approach to the raised green of the 400 yard 4th , the testing drive at the dogleg left 5th with its awkward central fairway bunker , the long 465 yard downhill 11th with out of bounds on both sides of the tee shot and imposing cork oaks to the right of the approach shot , and the dogleg left 14th with its tee shot up a gently ascending fairway before a second shot down to its sloping bunkered green .
Although many golfers are probably more familiar with the popular Algarve than this more native region just south of Lisbon , there are a number of excellent courses within 30 minutes ’ drive of Montado – Quinta do Peru , 2 courses at both RibaGolfe and Aroeira , and the links on the Troia peninsula – and their variety , together with the rich local character and cuisine , contributes to provide an excellent location for a great golfing holiday .
Further details are available at : www . montadoresort . com
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