Quinta do Lago golf courses were built around 1972 and was one of the reasons why Algarve region became so popular with tourists. It boosted the economy and prestige of the region and even today, it is considered to be one of the premier golf resorts of not only Algarve but of Europe as well. There are three golf courses within the resort town ofQuinta do Lago and each of them offers something challenging to the golfer, whether he is pro or an amateur. If you love to play golf, then make sure you visit Quinta do Lago golf courses at least once.
The three golf courses will offer you a great chance to play the most challenging round of golf every day. Each of the golf courses is designed to offer something new to the golfers and they have to adjust their game accordingly. For your benefit, here is a short introduction to what kinds of challenges you might face in two of the Quinta do Lago golf courses:
The North Course
Designed by two architects, this golf course is adjacent to Ria Formosa and is a par 72 golf course. Spread over an area of 6,000 meters, it was co designed by William Mitchell and Joseph Lee. Golfers who play for the first time here are often fooled by the gentle looking downhill tee shot which marks the beginning of their round. The course has four fine par 5 holes and you have to be very accurate when you are off the tee at the many dog-legs. One of the most outstanding challenging holes of the North Course is the downhill par 3 14th hole. There are bunkers on the both side of this green hole which will challenge even the most jaded golf player. While playing at the fantastic 480 meter par 5 finishing hole and to set up the ideal second shot, you have to drive over a lake and between fairway bunkers. The approach to this hole is a steep rise to the green. There are long walks between some of the green and tees; so hiring a buggy available in the club house is a good idea. The handicap allowed here for men is 28 and for women it is 36.
The South Course
This was the first of the three Quinta do Lago golf courses. Spread over an area of 6,448 meter, this par 72 championship course was designed by William Mitchell. He designed the golf course in such a way that it could challenge a scratch golfer to do his/her best while providing an enjoyable game to a handicap golfer. If you are a long hitter, this course is designed perfectly for you; though with long hits you will also need to place the shots accurately to win your game in golf course. The main challenges of this favorite of all Quinta do Lago golf courses are the contoured greens, water hazards that crop up occasionally and the strategically placed bunkers. The best and the signature hole of the South Course is the par 3 15th hole. To play it, you will have to hit a long carry of nearly 190 meters over a quite a large lake and then place it in a well-guarded green that is set among pine trees. If you are a low handicap player, you will specially love to play the 18th, 10th and the 8th par 4 holes. While playing this course, you will have to select your golf clubs very accurately so as to play the long and wide greens perfectly. The handicaps allowed in this Quinta do Lago golf course is maximum 28 for men and 36 for women.
