Quinta do Lago

A STUNNING GOLF EXPERIENCE IN THE ALGARVE The North Course was totally redesigned in 2014, by renowned architect Beau Welling, in conjunction with former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. The new layout has been built to the highest specifications, with an investment of €9million. All the greens, tees, bunkers, irrigation and drainage systems and cart paths have been re-built using innovative technology. Four sets of tees have been introduced on each hole to accommodate players of all levels. Golfers are challenged by a combination of undulating greens, well-positioned bunkers and water hazards. A low-cut Bermuda grass approach has been introduced around greens to create recovery shot options, therefore encouraging all levels of play. Through the introduction of seasonal rough grass and the planting of specimen trees, the aesthetics and environmental impact of the par-72 course has significantly improved. The renovation has allowed for water recycling, solar energy while the grassy areas will encourage new ecosystems.

Voted Best Golf Course at the Portuguese 2011 Travel Awards, Laranjal opened in 2009 as the newest course in Quinta do Lago. Originally an orange grove, this beautiful par 72 championship course is situated in the Ludo valley, just 2km east of the resort. Boasting some spectacular fairways and well-defined greens, Laranjal is renowned for its five beautiful lakes and its abundance of umbrella pines, cork and orange trees. At 6,480 meters in length, the course is challenging and it demands the highest levels of concentration and accuracy. Its distinctive rolling terrain has been expertly designed and manicured to provide a world class golfing experience. Comprising five par 5s, eight par 4s and five par 3s, the course is sown with Bermuda grass on the fairways and Penn A4 on the greens

The jewel in the Quinta do Lago crown, the South Course has played host to the Portuguese Open no less than eight times. Designed in 1974 by William Mitchell, who raised the bar by introducing American-standard greens, tees and bunkers to the Algarve, it soon gained a reputation as one of the foremost courses in Europe and remains to this day one of the flagship European Tour Courses. The favourite course of many European tour players, it is a 6,500 metre par 72 set amongst umbrella pines, lakes and wild flowers, overlooking the spectacular scenery of the Ria Formosa National Park. The course hosted the Portuguese Open in 1976, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 2001, the most memorable, perhaps, being in 1989 when Colin Montgomerie won the title with an incredible 24 under par.