Having recently read about a number of sports teams staying at the Quinta do Lago resort in the Algarve, Portugal, I was excited to go and try it out for myself recently. For the unaware readers, this southern region of the country has a number of world class golf destinations and Quinta do Lago is unquestionably one of the best because it has everything you could want from a golf break. Situated within 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, the resort has three excellent courses to experience, as well as a whole host of other indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy. Not to mention high quality food of which I will get to later…
South
Travel to the resort is very easy with it being a quick transfer from Faro Airport in roughly 15-25 mins or so. It is on this drive you will see flashes of flowing fairways and greens which give you an inkling of what’s to come on the North and South courses.
(Image credit: Azalea/James Hogg)
We start with the latter which opened for play in 1974. The work of American architect William Mitchell, the course has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times with high profile winners like Colin Montgomerie. The front nine weaves through the parkland trees nicely before transitioning into a challenge-filled back-nine. The last four holes in particular will test your ability to keep your score going, starting with the stunning par-3 15th over a lake. All I will say here is, if in doubt, go long.
Moving to 16, this is one of the most picturesque holes I’ve played. You are faced with a deceptive tee shot before the hole bends to the left revealing a stunning and dramatic view out to the green, seemingly surrounded by water. If you get your drive in the fairway, find the dance floor with your second and take a par.
(Image credit: Azalea/James Hogg)
17 is a straight and reasonably long par-5 whilst 18 is a tricky dog-leg left par-4 to finish. Concluding on the South course, it does an excellent job at being playable for a variety of levels, whilst also having a Tour pedigree as well, which is not an easy thing to do from my experience.
North
Right next door to the South sits the North which I found to be an extremely enjoyable place to play. Right away I should say it is best suited for buggies or carts because if you are walking then there are some long treks between holes and you have to criss-cross the road several times. Redesigned in 2014 by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley, the investment…
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