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The Algarve is already a regular host to European Tour events and has been a selected venue for The World Golf Championships-World Cup. By any standard, The Algarve has been on a rocket ride to golf stardom and 40 years later, there is still no sign of the ride slowing down. As with most success stories, this has not come about by accident, but is the result of a lot of hard work, discipline and meticulous planning, every step of the way.
and Since noted English golf architect, Sir Henry Cotton, laid out The Algarve's very first course at Penina in 1966, quality control and concern for the environment have been key to development. Only the world's most respected architects, known for sharing the same ideals as the local government were enlisted to assist in The Algarve's golf development -- Donald Steel, Frank Pennink, Joseph Lee, William Mitchell, Ronald Fream, joined more recently by Arnold Palmer, Jack NicklausNick Faldo. The plan was not to build as many courses as possible, in the shortest period of time, but to develop a thoughtful collection of layouts that would not only complement one another, but also enhance the natural beauty of the area. Although The Algarve boasts an enviable selection of true championship courses, stern enough to test top touring pros to the extreme, the average golfer and visiting vacationers have not been forgotten. Among the tough layouts are some very forgiving, pleasurable courses, designed to provide fun to high handicappers and even those who are relatively new to the game, yet they still test the more accomplished players from the back tees. The two courses at Pestana-Carvoeira Golf Resort are excellent examples. Vale da Pinta and Quinta do Gramacho are a pair of delightful designs by Californian born Ronald Fream. Examples of his design work (usually with a reputation for being especially tough) are scattered around the globe, but at Pinta and Gramacho, Fream has shown a kinder side. He has demonstrated a consideration for the holiday golfer, while preserving the natural beauty of the terrain, without succumbing to any temptation to overdo things. Played from the front tees the high handicapper is still challenged, but not impossibly so and from the back tees, even the low handicappers could still have a tough time and will need to demonstrate their talents. Quinta do Gramacho was originally a nine-hole course, but with some good old Yankee ingenuity, Fream has cleverly transformed it into a full-fledged 18-hole layout. Playing along nine shared fairways, there are 18 separate greens and 18 tee boxes, providing an end result of having played a full 18 and quite different holes. Winding its way through almond groves, around fig trees and stunningly beautiful stands of ancient olive trees, some allegedly over 700 years old, this is a handsome layout that manages to throw in a fascinating variety of challenges. You'll be driving from elevated tees and across water one minute, then driving uphill to elevated greens the next. The bunkering is shrewd and strategically placed and the superbly maintained greens (some of the best on The Algarve) are well protected by them. Gramacho is a course that demands accuracy and the ability to choose the right club is essential for a good score. High handicappers, there is no shame in playing this one from the front tees and in doing so; you'll have a fun round. Let the more experienced players attack Gramacho from the back tees where they will be confronted by a serious challenge. read more at http://www.pgatour.com/2007/travel/12/11/course_of_week/ |
