HILTON VILAMOURA AS CASCATAS GOLF RESORT & SPA

LAGUNA

The Laguna Golf Course has earned a reputation as being a somewhat unique offering within the Vilamoura golf portfolio. While its many water hazards and few trees set it apart, it truly finds its individuality in the number of holes which convey characteristics of a traditional links layout. American golf course architect Joseph Lee was given the responsibility for setting out the Laguna Course over low-lying coastal terrain, and in this setting was able to establish 18 holes which offer a wide variety of playing conditions. The course has been continually improved since the first ball was struck in 1990, although it retains all of the appeal of a modern test of golf, through which the strategic positioning of bunkers and a number of water obstacles demand accuracy of play. The Laguna Course shares a well-proportioned and welcoming clubhouse with the neighbouring Millennium Course.

The Laguna Golf Course has earned a reputation as being a somewhat unique offering within the Vilamoura golf portfolio. While its many water hazards and few trees set it apart, it truly finds...

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PINHAL

The second golf course to call Vilamoura home, Pinhal was opened for play in 1976 and owes its personality to both the original designer Frank Pennink, who also turned his hand to the Old Course nearby, and Robert Trent Jones Sr. who made a number of significant refinements in 1985. Traversing undulating parkland, many fairways are lined by pine trees. However, perhaps an even more significant challenge is presented by the Umbrella and Atlantic pines which present themselves on fairways and at times on the approach into greens. Length has recently been added on a number of holes, which ensure the test originally envisioned by Pennink is maintained. At a substantial 6,353 metres from the white tee markers, and with a par of 72, Pinhal is certainly no pushover, although golfers will be pleased to learn that the ponds and stream which come into play on five holes should not, for the most part, present a serious threat. One of the most remarked upon features of Pinhal is the stunning panorama provided from the clubhouse, which extends over the excellent driving range and practice facilities and beyond. Completely renovated at the turn of the millennium, its veranda offers the perfect setting for post-round relaxation.

The second golf course to call Vilamoura home, Pinhal was opened for play in 1976 and owes its personality to both the original designer Frank Pennink, who also turned his hand to the Old Cou...

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MILLENNIUM

Boasting a unique position within the Vilamoura portfolio, it is often asserted that the creation of the Millennium Golf Course was pivotal in cementing the status of this region as one of Europe?s most-visited and best-loved for golf. Opened in the year 2000 - comprising nine brand new holes and a refurbished inward half which had previously formed part of the original 27-hole Laguna Golf Course - this is a more open course that its neighbours, although holes 3-7 wind between pine trees. For many, this stretch bears a resemblance to fairways of The Old Course and Pinhal, where landing areas grow narrower, requiring greater accuracy. A number of lakes, particularly interestingly on 17 and 18, enrich the remaining holes of the Millennium Course, where a simple course strategy is always the best approach.

Boasting a unique position within the Vilamoura portfolio, it is often asserted that the creation of the Millennium Golf Course was pivotal in cementing the status of this region as one of Eu...

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OLD COURSE VILAMOURA

In the heart of Vilamoura lies the Grande Dame of Algarve courses, The Old Course. As one of the first-established layouts in the region, the Frank Pennink-design is well regarded throughout the golfing world. Although it is but a mere 20-minute drive from Faro Airport, the course finds itself situated amongst impressive pine trees and set out over gently undulating terrain. There can be no argument that, for all who are lucky enough to play here, this is a golf course that lives long in the memory. The modernisation programme preserved the challenge of this magnificent layout for future generations and raised the quality of The Old Course to new heights. An attractive new clubhouse and the putting green adjacent were the finishing touches to this renovation in the final years of the last millennium and still add much to the golfer?s experience. As with each Vilamoura course, detailed management systems ensure environmental protection practices are strictly adhered to.

In the heart of Vilamoura lies the Grande Dame of Algarve courses, The Old Course. As one of the first-established layouts in the region, the Frank Pennink-design is well regarded throughout ...

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QUINTA DO LAGO SOUTH

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. He finished 11 strokes ahead and broke the course record with a round of 63. Its championship status does not deter the amateur golfer. Indeed, while the 8th, 15th, and 18th are testing holes for low handicap players, the course provides interest and challenge to golfers of all levels and abilities. Accurate tee shots are essential in order to reach many of the greens in regulation and the course is made more challenging by a good variety of doglegs and strategically located hazards. The front nine holes, which wind their way through parkland, favour a draw, while the back nine, which loop around the lake, favour a fade from the tee.

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 introducin...

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