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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