Parque da Floresta Golf Course Essay

Parque da Floresta Golf CourseCourse Information and PresentationParque da Floresta, situated within a private residential development in the fringes of western Algarve, presents a spectacular view of countryside’s natural scenery.

With the sea just looming over the horizon, as well as lakes and creeks providing a visual treat, the scenery of the course is simply stunning. Parque da Floresta stretches behind the fishing village of Salema, and its holes run through ravines and valleys varying widely in difficulty and appearance.Parque da Floresta features hilly and uneven ground that offers a challenging golfing experience. The chief architect’s concept is to preserve the contours of the land, thus, much of the course’s design retains the area’s natural terrain.

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Blind spots, steep fairways, and elevated greens characterize the course design, creating an intriguing and memorable experience, especially to those playing on the course for the first time. The diversity of obstacles also includes bunkers, rivers and lakes, and palm, pine and olive trees around the fairways.Because of Parque da Floresta’s design, golfing can prove to be a daunting experience, especially for novice golfers. The challenge it presents however, makes golfers tend to go back to the course over and over again in an attempt to master the more difficult holes.Course FacilitiesBar and Restaurant, Bowling Alley, Children’s Pool, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Gymnasium, Health and Beauty Center, Health Club, Heated Outdoor and Indoor Swimming Pools, Horse Riding Center, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Sauna, Tennis Court.Course DetailsLocation: Budens, Vila do Bispo, AlgarveCourse Type: ResortArchitect/Designer: Pepe CancedoRequired Handicap: Certificate preferredMen’s Handicap: 28Women’s Handicap: 36Holes: 18Par: 72Yards: 6,445Length: 5,524mBoavista Golf CourseCourse Information and PresentationSituated just west of the historic town of Lagos in the Western Algarve, the Boavista Golf Course is one of the most diverse golf courses in this region available for the discriminating golfer. Set overlooking the Atlantic Ocean (which is visible from almost all holes), the course presents breathtaking views of the seascape.

The nearby Monchique hills are also visible from the horizon.Boavista’s landscape is truly a treat for the senses. Recently opened during the start of 2002, Boavista’s chief architect, Howard Swan, integrated much of the natural terrain to the design of the course, making both course and nature coexist harmoniously.

A variety of vegetation—pines, almond, palm, fig, and olive trees—line the fairways and protect bunkers, making for an attractive scenery, as well as serving as a welcome challenge to golfers. Waterfalls and lakes also add to the attractive panoramic view.The Boavista features two distinct areas that provide a pleasant variety in play, as well as a tactical game for the average golfer. The starting holes feature rolling fairways, while the next few holes are protected by sub-tropical greenery that were intentionally preserved during the course’s construction. Steep fairways, rugged terrain, water hazards, and tricky bunkers add to an exciting experience for any golfer.

Course FacilitiesBar, Buggys, Chipping Green, Club Hire, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Practice Area, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Snack Bar.Course DetailsLocation: Lagos, AlgarveCourse Type: ChampionshipArchitect/Designer: Howard SwanRequired Handicap: Championship onlyMen’s Handicap: 28Women’s Handicap: 36Holes: 18Par: 71Yards: 6,670Length: 5,751mPalmares Golf CourseCourse Information and PresentationHaving opened in 1975, the Palmares Golf Course located west of Vilamoura in the western region, is the oldest golf course in the whole of Algarve. Located across the sea and stretching on to the Monchique hills, it presents a spectacular view of both mountains and sea. Designed by Frank Pennink, one of the most acclaimed golf course designers in Portugal, Palmares is acclaimed for the spectacular scenery and great view of the clear water of the bay of Lagos.The Palmares Golf Course in an excellent combination and is one of the best examples of a woodland and links golf course. It is noted for its clever use of two very different kinds of landscape. Golfers start out on a difficult dogleg from a high tree, followed by a game on sand and high dunes.

Five holes are situated on sand dunes, presenting a real change for avid golfers, while the other holes sit on the periphery of a south-facing hill with upper holes winding through groves of fig and almond treesThe Palmares Golf Course is considered to be located in one of the most attractive locations in the Algarve—playing on the course definitely makes for a breathtaking golf experience. The course sits on the side of the periphery of a south-facing hill, with its upper holes winding through groves of fig and almond trees. Palmares sits on an open area, with no villas or residential developments near fairways; the space on the course, therefore, feels very open and spacious.Course FacilitiesBar and Restaurant, Driving Range, Golf Clubhouse, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green.Course DetailsLocation: Meia Praia, Lagos, AlgarveCourse Type: LinksArchitect/Designer: Frank PennickRequired Handicap: Handicap CertificateMen’s Handicap: 28Women’s Handicap: 36Holes: 18Par: 71Yards: 6,519Length: 5,961mPenina Golf CourseCourse Information and PresentationPenina, the first ever golf course built in the Algarve (in 1966), is considered to be the greatest masterpiece of the late Sir Henry Cotton, and is considered by many to be one of the finest golf courses in Europe.Built on what used to be a rice field, Penina is a true championship course—mostly flat parkland with lots of water and having several thousand trees on the course itself.

In 2003, refinements were made to Cotton’s original work, including the extension of water hazards and the improvement of the visual appeal of the course.Penina is a long course although it is suitable for golfers of any level. There are two 9-hole loops in Penina (the Academia Course and the Resort Course).

With its extensive driving range and very large putting green (at about 1000 square meters), Penina is also excellent for practicing.Penina served as the catalyst for the booming of the golf industry in the Algarve. It has since served many times as the Venue for the Portuguese Open, and is rated as one of the top 100 courses in Continental Europe by Golf World.Course FacilitiesBars and Restaurants, Buggys, Chipping Green, Club Hire, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Horse Riding Center, Hotel, Practice Balls, Practice Circuit, Pro Shop, Putting Greens, Sailing Facility, Snooker Tables, Solarium, Swimming Pool, Tennis CourtsCourse DetailsLocation: Penina, Portimao, AlgarveCourse Type: ChampionshipArchitect/Designer: Sir Henry CottonRequired Handicap: Championship onlyMen’s Handicap: 28Women’s Handicap: 36Holes: 18Par: 72Yards: 7,000Length: 6,439mMorgado Reguengo Golf CourseCourse Information and PresentationSituated near Alvor and north of Portimao in the Algarve’s western region, the Morgado Reguengo Golf Course is a relatively new course. It offers attractive inland views and spectacular surroundings. Nestled in the Monchique hills’ lower slopes through rolling valleys, the terrain is considered unique for a golf course.

With its intrinsic characteristics, the Morgado Reguengo puts a golfer’s putting skills to the test.The course employs strategic and clever bunker positioning, making a memorable game for most avid golfers. The course stretches to a great length, making it a challenge to big hitters. Absence of obstacles near greens make the course flexible; there is always more than one way to get the ball in the green.The Morgado Reguengo presents a pleasant challenge to new and old golfers alike.

The starting holes are deceptively easy, but things change by the time golfers get to the 3rd hole—a formidable par 5 with a stroke rating of 1. The first nine holes are relatively easy, but the second half, which are situated on hilly landscape with various natural and man-made hazards carved out from the land, are more testing and dangerous.Course FacilitiesBar and Restaurant, Buggys, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Resident Professional.Course DetailsLocation: Portimao, AlgarveCourse Type: ChampionshipArchitect/Designer: Russell Talley, European Golf DesignRequired Handicap: Handicap CertificateMen’s Handicap: 28Women’s Handicap: 36Holes: 18Par: 73Yards: 7,000Length: 5,875mPestana Pinta Golf CourseCourse Information and PresentationLocated in Carvoeira, 50 kilometers west of Vilamoura, Vale de Pinta (known simply as “Pinta” to the locals), is the creation of the Ronald Fream, who is one of the most respected architects in golf, and who is also known for his style of integrating and preserving nature into his work.

Vale de Pinta affords great views of the countryside. It is a visually impressive course, with the natural terrain taken full advantage of. Some olive trees are purported to be more than 1500 years old.Vale de Pinta has two holes that deserve special mention: the par-3 tenth and the par-5 thirteenth, with the par-3 tenth having a large bunker defending the green against your shot, and the par-5 thirteenth winding for more than 500 meters through a valley.

Vale de Pinta opened in 1992, and has since acquired an excellent reputation. The layout is superb and very interesting. It is a championship course (having gained its championship status after serving as the venue for 5 consecutive Seniors Tour events), although it is suitable for players of any level, there being five sets of tees for each of the holes in the course.Course FacilitiesBar and Restaurant, Bunker Practice Area, Chipping Greens, Driving Range, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green.Course DetailsLocation: Quinta do Gramacho, Lagoa, AlgarveCourse Type: ChampionshipArchitect/Designer: Ronald FreamRequired Handicap: Handicap CertificateMen’s Handicap: 28Women’s Handicap: 36Holes: 18Par: 71Yards: 6,410Length: 5,861mSalgados Golf CourseCourse Information and PresentationLocated near Albufeira and west of Vilamoura, the Salgados Golf Course is designed as a links-style course marked with many lakes and water hazards. The course itself has an interesting history: developed from a plane landing strip and a wetland area, the design has resulted in a course like no other in the Algarve.Salgados, in fact, is one of the most underrated in the region; situated on flat terrain behind the sandy beach of Praia de Gale, the course offers an interesting test of a golfer’s skill. Is a course caters to golfers of all standards, but most especially technically inclined golfers.

Salgados is simply unique from all other courses in the area.The course is small and compact, presenting a challenge for the golfer’s skill and accuracy. A remarkable 15th hole runs parallel to the beach. There is very little vegetation but prevailing onshore winds require excellent technical mastery to get good outcomes in a round. The 6,000-meter links are not lengthy, but it will take a gofer a good command of golfing skills to reach the greens.Course FacilitiesBar and Restaurant, Beach, Bunker Practice Area, Chipping Green, Driving Range, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Hotel, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green.

Course DetailsLocation: Vale do Rabelho, Albufeira, AlgarveCourse Type: LinksArchitect/Designer: Pedro VasconcelosRequired Handicap: Certificate preferredMen’s Handicap: 28Women’s Handicap: 36Holes: 18Par: 72Yards: 6,690Length: 6,080mVilamoura Millennium Golf CourseCourse Information and PresentationLocated in the fringes of Vilamoura, the aptly name Millennium Golf course made its debut on the summer of the year 2000. The Millennium features a class championship layout—its opening made the town of Vilamoura one of Europe’s most sought-after golf destinations.The Millennium Golf Course is challenging, with a few surprises here and there. The layout is mostly open, although the 3rd to 7th holes wind through wooded areas of pine trees. The first half of its 18 holes go through dense vegetation and umbrella pines, while the rest of the hole (which are placed on more open fairways) are relatively easier. The 4th, 17th and 18th holes are marked with lakes and water hazards.Course designer Martin Hawtree has extended his vision to creating two more distinct courses for the Millennium. The Millennium Golf Course is made up with the old Laguna course, now called the North Course, and a new, recently constructed course on the west side of the clubhouse.

The Millennium, as a whole, exemplifies the excellent marriage of technical and aesthetic design on a golf course.Course FacilitiesBar and Restaurant, Driving Range, Golf Clubhouse, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green.Course DetailsLocation: Millennium Course, Vilamoura, AlgarveCourse Type: ChampionshipArchitect/Designer: Michael HawtreeRequired Handicap: Handicap Certificate            Men’s Handicap: 28            Women’s Handicap: 36Holes: 18Par: 72Yards: 6,364Length: 5,496m-5,784mVale do Lobo Royal Golf CourseCourse Information and PresentationLocated 16 kilometers east of Vilamoura, the Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course is another one of Sir Henry Cotton’s creations, which opened in 1997.

As with his other projects, Cotton took full advantage of the natural terrain to create a skillful layout.The Vale do Lobo Royal is a championship-level course at 6175 meters long. It has a lot of interrupted terrain, water and sand hazards, and longer holes. Most of the work is originally by Sir Henry Cotton, although work has also been done on it by Rocky Roquemore.

The course is especially famous for its unique sixteenth hole—probably the most photographed one in the world. This impressive sixteenth hole requires a tee shot from the championship tee over three spectacular hills, ranging more than 200 meters to reach the green. It should also be mentioned that the closing eighteenth hole is a tricky one with its narrow fairway and deceptive green. Water is involved in a few other holes, with one whose green is preceded by a lake.Course FacilitiesBar and Restaurant, Beach, Bunker Practice Area, Chipping Green, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Practice Balls, Practice Circuit, Practice Net, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Swimming Pool, Tennis Academy, Tennis Court.Course DetailsLocation: Vale do Loba, Almancil, AlgarveCourse Type: ChampionshipArchitect/Designer: Sir Henry CottonRequired Handicap: Certificate preferred            Men’s Handicap: 28            Women’s Handicap: 36Holes: 18Par: 72Yards: 6,650Length: 6,175mQuinta da Cima Golf CourseCourse Information and PresentationQuinta da Cima in Tavira is one of the two on-site golf courses in the area. Opening right after its sister-course, the Quinta da Ria, Quinta da Cima is situated further inland and offers longer courses and more technically challenging terrain. It is a championship course, but it provides a pleasantly challenging experience for players of all standards.

Its driving ranges present a breathtaking view of the mountains, as well as a panoramic view of the sea. No residential developments are planned for the site so golfers can always enjoy the natural surroundings.Quinta da Cima is set in rolling fairways, and is marked with tricky bunkers and enough water hazards for those erring golf balls. Dense vegetation—mostly olive, carob, and cork trees—have been strategically planted to maintain the course’s ancient borders and to provide a challenging game for golfers.

The smoothly undulating greens are flanked by bunkers and lakes, particularly on the 16th to 18th holes. The first two holes is a good test of the golfer’s technical skill. Proper club selection and accurate puts are important ingredients for a good score.Course FacilitiesBar, Buggys, Caddy, Club Hire, Driving Range, Golf Academy, Golf Clubhouse, Golf Lessons, Men’s and Ladies’ Locker Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green, Resident Professional, Snack Bar, Trolleys.Course DetailsLocation: V.

N. de Cacela, AlgarveCourse Type: ChampionshipArchitect/Designer: Rocky RoquemoreRequired Handicap: Handicap Certificate            Men’s Handicap: 28            Women’s Handicap: 36Holes: 18Par: 72Yards: 6,882Length: 4,971m-6,256m