igr annual 2011 - selectmedialtd

IGR ANNUAL 2011
13/05/2011
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Published in Association with
DISCOVER PORTUGAL 2011
THE DEFINITIVE VOICE OF GOLF IN IRELAND
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THE ALGARVE
GOLF IN THE
ALGARVE
As one of Europe’s sunniest spots, the Algarve in the south of Portugal
has been attracting more and more Irish holidaymakers each year. At only
a mere three hour flight from Ireland,this region is proving an attractive
hotspot for golfing enthusiasts.
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THE ALGARVE
Oceanico Victoria
ith some 300 days of sunshine a
year, the mild winter season is popular
for tourists looking for an enjoyable
round of golf when courses back home may be
unplayable. The Algarve is dotted not only
with scenic, professional golf courses but with
many charming towns and villages catering for
all tourists’ needs. Whether it’s the rugged
coastline and golden beaches or the lively
bustle of townlife, tourists are guaranteed a
relaxing holiday in the sunny Algarve. The
Algarve benefits from natural reserves and
national parks making it a haven for zealous
walkers, cyclists and those interested in outdoor
pursuits.
All of the above combined with reasonably
priced accommodation, bars, restaurants and
golf outings makes it easy to understand the
draw the Algarve holds for Irish holiday-goers.
Irish golfers are turning away from traditional
Spanish golfing breaks in favour of an ultimate
golfing experience. The Algarve countryside is
quite arid but the golf courses themselves are
lush and green owing to the irrigation provided
by state-funded catchments and distribution
schemes. Padraig Harrington has in the past
spoken of his enjoyment of spending time in
this region saying “I have always enjoyed my
time there and have a close relationship with
the team at Oceânico. It is always one of
those destinations where we are guaranteed
great weather and are always presented with a
great golf course that is in perfect condition.”
The 2010 Portugal Masters were held at the
Oceânico Victoria golf course in Vilamoura
and won by the Australian Richard Green. The
Algarve is home to some of the world's highest
rated courses and has played host to many
international tournaments and competitions.
W
Whether you are a skilled amateur intent on a
challenge or a beginner looking for a relaxing
break away, the Algarve has a course for you.
The only difficult choice is deciding on which
course to play.
The 18-hole championship course, designed
by Howard Swan at Boavista Golf Resort opened
in January 2002. The course was created in
harmony with the natural environment and the
Atlantic Ocean can be seen from all holes offering
stunning views. Umbrella pines, blossoming
almond, fig, palm and olive trees line the
Penina Golf
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THE ALGARVE
Vale de Lobo
rolling fairways. The views from the signature
7th hole take in the beach at Praia da Luz all
the way along to the headland at Sagres, the
southern most point in continental Europe.
Onyria Palmares Golf Course, formerly Palmares
Golf was redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Jnr
has re-opened.
English golfer and golf course architect, Henry
Cotton is the legend responsible for putting the
Algarve on the golfing map. This triple champion
of the British Open designed Penina back in the 60’s,
the first golf course to be built in the Algarve,
44 Irish Golf Review
and this Championship course is considered to
be his masterpiece. Penina is the grandfather of
courses in the Algarve. The course was completely
rebuilt during 1994/95, maintaining its main
original features. A new lake has been built to
protect the green of hole 5. Penina has hosted
several of the Portuguese Open Championships.
Penina also features The Resort Course (a 2,987
metre, Par 5). Cotton made his home in the Algarve
for almost three decades and during this time
golf courses developed all along Portugal’s
southern coast.
Portimao is the largest town in the western
Algarve. Portimao’s beach of Praia da Rocha
has become a hugely popular tourist spot with
its abundance of bars, restaurants and clubs.
Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort lies between
Portimao and Lagos. The Resort consists of three
golf courses including an 18-hole Championship
Golf Course, tennis courts, football field and a
jogging circuit.
The Algarve offers accommodation suitable to
all tastes and pockets. Luxurious villas, budget
apartments and top hotels are found all over
this region along with a vast range of amenities.
The Morgado Course lies north of Portimao
and is laid out in a large 980 hectare estate.
Large greens place demand on good putting
skills and the accuracy of the player’s shot is
challenged by deep bunkers. The course blends
into the surrounding landscape offering a more
natural course for those seeking a peaceful day
of golf. The Alamos Golf Course is the sister
course of Morgado. Here you can enjoy views
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THE ALGARVE
Pestana Silves
of the Monchique mountains. Alamos Golf is the
second course to be developed at the Morgados do
Reguengo.
Pestana Golf Resort offers membership of four
world class Golf Courses (Gramacho, Vale da
Pinta, Silves, Alto Golf). The team at Pestana
are always on hand to lend existence to all
levels of golfers. Pestana Alto was the last golf
course designed by architect Henry Cotton and
features the 600 metre, par 5 known as the
"Sir Henry challenge". Hole 16 is one of the
longest in Europe and is called “The Giant.”
After Cotton’s death, the project was continued
by Peter Dobereiner, a well-known golf journalist.
The Alto Golf Course is situated between Portimao
and the fishing town of Alvor. The resort also
provides a variety of entertainment including
a bowling green, multi-purpose football and
basketball courts, tennis courts and a large
outdoor swimming pool with children's area.
Pestana Vale da Pinta was designed by the
famous American golf course architect Ronald
Fream whose style is the preservation of nature
in his projects, and inaugurated in 1992. The
course runs through an old olive grove, where
some of the trees are more than 700 years old.
A special feature of Vale da Pinta Golf Course
is one olive tree that dates back more than 1200
years.
Pestana Gramacho Golf Course adjacent to
the Vale de Pinta course, saw Ronald Fream
team up with the former world No.1 Nick Price
to create the this course. This 18-hole course
with 27 varied greens enables the golfer to play
the same course several times with different greens
and new challenges. Gramacho has played host
to the Portuguese Ladies Open on a number of
occasions.
Pestana Silves Golf Course is located in a
tranquil setting near the historical town of Silves.
Most holes of this course offer a spectacular
mountain and valley view with over-looking
palm trees, olive groves and small farms. This
course provides an enjoyable challenging game
San Lorenzo Golf Course
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THE ALGARVE
Oceânico Old Course
of course and because of the excellent course
conditions it is open all year round.
Located in Western Algarve, near Armacao de
Pera lies the Oceânico courses of Nick Faldo &
Christy O’ Connor Junior. The Oceânico Faldo
course was designed by architect Nick Faldo
and opened in 2008. The 18-hole Oceânico
O’ Connor Jnr at Amendoeira course neighbours
the Faldo course and was designed by Christy
O’Connor Jnr and is situated in a fertile valley.
Water features including lakes and watercourses
are spread throughout the entire course, demanding
46 Irish Golf Review
accuracy from all golfers. The two golf courses
are set alongside other sporting and leisure
facilities including the Amendoeira Golf Resort
Academy and Callaway Fitting Suite, also six
championship standard tennis courts, a full size
football/rugby/Gaelic football pitch, swimming
pools, children’s arcade, a crèche, restaurants
and bars.
The Pine Cliffs resort was awarded the Best
Family Resort 2010 by the World Travel Awards as
well as Best Development in Portugal by the
International Property Awards. It is located near
Albufeira and part of the Sheraton Algarve Hotel
Resort. The 9-hole golf course is perched 200
feet above the golden sands and blue water of
the Atlantic ocean. The ‘Devil’s Parlour’, famous
throughout the world, is a challenging Par 3
crossing the chasm below the cliffs and offering
extravagant views over the Atlantic Ocean.
The old town of Albufeira is a pleasant fishing
resort with charming cobbled streets, sandy
beaches and a good range of cafes, shops and
bars. Salgados Golf, situated behind the sandy
beach of Praia de Galé poses a challenge to
skilled golfers with its water hazards and
prevailing onshore breeze. Bayside Salgados
Golf and Beach Resort is surrounded by idyllic
landscapes and lies next to a well maintained
nature reserve, as well as being close to Salgados
Beach and the new Salgados Golf Club.
Vilamoura in the middle of the Algarve coast
is another area easily accessible from Faro Aiport.
It is one of the largest tourist complexes in
Europe and covers 2000 hectares of land. This
seaside, leisure centre is a mecca for golfers
and tourists. At its central point is a large
marina ringed by shops, bars and restaurants
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THE ALGARVE
Palmares Golf Course
so while taking a break after a round of golf
there is a no shortage of amenities to enjoy.
Some of the best-known golf courses here
include the Oceânico Old Course, Oceânico
Millenium and Oceânico Victoria. Oceânico
Golf, the Irish/Portuguese operation is the
major player in Portugal’s golf tourism market.
Oceânico celebrities include Darren Clarke,
Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and David
Howell.
The Old Course was designed by Frank Pennink
and is one of the oldest golf courses in the region
having opened in 1969 and was completely
renovated and modernised 27 years later although
no major changes were made to the magnificent
layout. Only a 20 minute drive from the airport
at Faro, it is often described as the Grande
Dame of Algarve courses. This parkland course
meanders throughout pine trees - the principal
hazard, and over gently undulating natural
terrain.
The Oceânico Pinhal was the second golf course
built in Vilamoura and inaugurated in 1976,
having originally been designed by Frank Pennink,
the architect of the nearby Oceânico Old Course.
The Oceânico Laguna is laid out over low lying
coastal terrain, this course, with its many water
hazards and few trees, is considerably different
from the other ones in Vilamoura. Apart from
the lakes and an impressive total of 79 bunkers,
another hazard is the wind that frequently blows
over this somewhat exposed location.
The Oceânico Millenium par 72 course
opened in 2000 and cemented Vilamoura’s
status as one the principle European golf
destinations.
Oceânico Victoria opened in 2004 and has
hosted the Portugal Masters since 2007. The
course features lakes, water hazards, bunkers
and undulating fairways. The series of beautiful
lakes and waterfalls also help to provide an
attractive background whilst playing the course.
Pine Cliffs
Alamos
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THE ALGARVE
Vila Sol
The 27-hole golf course Vila Sol Golf which
was designed by English golf architect Donald
Steel and has played host to the Portuguese
Open in 1992 and again in 1993. The course
stretches along a wide valley and is divided
into loops with three levels of difficulty: Prime,
Challenge and Prestige. It was honoured by the
Green Globe organization in 1996 with the Green
Flag award, certification of meeting their overall
environmental requirements. The course presents a
superb challenge to middle handicap golfers. Art
sculptures also surround the natural landscape of
Vila Sol and the area is home to a wide variety
of animal and plant life.
If looking for a spectacular golfing experience
offering luxury and relaxation then look no further
than Vale de Lobo, where golden beaches stretch
on for 2 kilometres. This beautiful resort is easily
reached from the airport at Faro. Play golf at
the outstanding courses of The Royal and The
Ocean. Sir Henry Cotton is the man behind the
original drawings of these courses which were
48 Irish Golf Review
re-developed and designed by American golf
architect Rocky Roquemore.
The Ocean Golf Course is composed of two of
the original 9-hole golf courses designed by the
Sir Henry Cotton, which were opened in 1968
and 1972. His plans for the merged course
became reality in 1995, after his death. The
11th and the 14th holes provide golfers with
breathtaking views. The coastal location provides
golfers with magnificent ocean views. The golf
club is in the Parque do Golfe complex and is
a retreat for weary players after their round of
golf. In addition to the clubhouse bar and
restaurant whose terrace overlooks a sculpture
garden, visitors can shop in Nevada Bob’s, the
biggest golf store chain in Europe. Coaching
is also available from a resident teaching
professional.
The Royal Golf Course, inaugurated in 1997
boasts stunning sea views and has rolling
fairways set amidst pine trees and beautiful
lakes surrounded by wild flowers. Features
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THE ALGARVE
Benamor
include the almost island green of the 9th and the
famous cliff-top 16th, one of the most celebrated
golfing images in the world, and the most
well-known symbol of golf in the Algarve.
San Lorenzo Golf Course also located in the
Quinta do Lago estate was designed by Joseph
Lee and opened in 1988. Bordering the Ria
Formosa nature reserve and estuary, playing
conditions are favourable on this first-rate golf
course. The Ria Formosa Estuary and Natural
Park was recently elected as one of the 7 Natural
Wonders of Portugal. The golf course is laid
out in a figure of eight with the clubhouse at
its heart offering a welcoming bar and restaurant.
Benamor Golf in Tavira was officially inaugurated
in 2000 and was designed by Henry Cotton
who took a special interest in the traditional
church beside the Clubhouse. Water hazards
and sand bunkers are located to test the strategy
and striking ability of the player. The course
was named Best Maintained Course for 2001
by the Portuguese Golf Federation. Top class
facilities include the clubhouse with a reception,
golf shop, bar, restaurant, caddy master, changing
rooms and a driving range, as well as two putting
courses and a Buggy bar. The club professional
is available for lessons.
Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club has three
nine hole courses: The Guadiana, The Atlantic
and The Grouse. Careful play is demanded here
with strategically placed water hazards and
fairway terrain that can trouble and challenge
the most experienced golfer.
Quinta do Vale in the eastern Algarve is an
18-hole golf course designed by legend, Severiano
Ballesteros considered European player of the
century. The location offers stunning views over
the Gaudiana River.
The natural beauty of the Algarve in the
southernmost region of Portugal is a golfer’s
paradise with a myriad of world-class courses
to choose from, all beautifully maintained amidst
stunning scenery. Glorious year-round sunshine,
spotless beaches, towns steeped in history and
the abundance of golf facilities combine to make
the Algarve now one of the most popular holiday
spots of the Irish.
Friendly people and the breathtaking landscape
are the icing on the cake. Several resorts in the
Algarve offer brilliant golf packages as part of
your stay. Look out for such deals which will
often include reduced rate green fees on some
of the best golf courses.
Quinta do Vale
Irish Golf Review 49
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THE ALGARVE
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel
Algarve Casino Hotel
Cascade Resort
Crowne Plaza Vilamoura
CS São Rafael Suite Hotel
CS São Rafael Atlantic Hotel
Dom Pedro Golf Resort
Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort
Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa
Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort
Longevity Wellness Resort Monchique
Pestana Alvor Praia
Quinta do Lago Hotel
Ria Park Hotel & Spa
Sheraton Algarve Hotel at Pine Cliffs Resort
The Lake Spa Resort
Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
Tivoli Victoria
Vale d'Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa
Vila Sol SPA & Golf Resort
VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa
Vilalara Thalassa Resort
Yellow Lagos Beach Hotel
Aqua Pedra dos Bicos
Aqualuz Suite Hotel
Costa D´oiro Ambiance Village
Dom Pedro Marina
Formosa Park Hotel
Four Seasons Vilamoura
Hotel Faro
Luna Alpinus
Luna Alvor Village
Luna Luz Bay
Luna Olympus
Pestana Alvor Park
Pestana D. João II
Pestana Delfim
Pestana Levante
Pestana Viking
Porto Bay Falésia
Prainha Clube
Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa
Ria Park Garden Hotel
Robinson Club Quinta da Ria
Tivoli Carvoeiro
Tivoli Lagos
Tivoli Marina Portimão
Vale d'El Rei - Suite & Village Resort
Vila Galé Albacora
Vila Galé Ampalius
Vila Galé Atlântico
Vila Galé Cerro Alagoa
Vila Galé Lagos
Vila Galé Marina
Vila Galé Náutico
Vila Galé Praia
Vila Galé Tavira
Vila Monte Resort
Yellow Alvor Beach Hotel
Yellow Monte Gordo Beach Hotel
Dom Pedro Meia Praia Beach Club
Estrela do Vau
Mouragolf Village Condo Hotel
Pedras da Rainha
Villa Termal das Caldas de Monchique, Spa Resort
Casa Bela Moura
Quinta dos Poetas
50 Irish Golf Review
Category
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TR
TR
Website
www.solverde.pt
www.cascade-resort.com
www.crowneplaza.com
www.cshotelsandresorts.com
www.cshotelsandresorts.com
www.dompedro.com
www.donafilipahotel.com
www.realhotelsgroup.com
www.hilton.com/vilamoura
www.lemeridien.com/penina
www.longevitywellnessresort.com
www.pestana.com
www.hotelquintadolago.com
www.riaparkhotels.com
www.luxurycollection.com/algarve
www.thelakeresort.com
www.tivolihotels.com
www.tivolihotels.com
www.valedoliveirasresort.com
www.vilasol.pt
www.vilavitaparc.com
www.vilalararesort.com
www.yellowhotels.pt
www.detailshotels.com
www.aqualuz.com
www.sonelhotels.com
www.dompedro.com
www.formosapark-hotel.com
www.fourseasons-vilamoura.com
www.hotelfaro.pt
www.lunahoteis.com
www.lunahoteis.com
www.lunahoteis.com
www.lunahoteis.com
www.pestana.com
www.pestana.com
www.pestana.com
www.pestana.com
www.pestana.com
www.portobay.com
www.prainha.net
www.realhotelsgroup.com
www.riaparkhotels.com
www.robinson-portugal.com
www.tivolihotels.com
www.tivolihotels.com
www.tivolihotels.com
www.valedelrei.com
www.vilagale.pt
www.vilagale.pt
www.vilagale.pt
www.vilagale.pt
www.vilagale.pt
www.vilagale.pt
www.vilagale.pt
www.vilagale.pt
www.vilagale.pt
www.vilamonte.com
www.yellowhotels.pt
www.yellowhotels.pt
www.dompedro.com
www.turimhotis.com
www.mouragolf.com
www.pedrasdarainha.com
www.monchiquetermas.com
www.casabelamoura.com
www.quintadospoetas.com
IGR ANNUAL 2011
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THE ALGARVE
WHERE TO PLAY
HOLES GOLF COURSE
WEBSITE
18
Boavista Golf
www.boavistagolf.com
18
Palmares Golf
www.palmaresgolf.com
18
Penina Championship Course
www.lemeridien.com/penina
9
Penina Resort Course
www.lemeridien.com/penina
18
Golfe do Morgado
www.cshoteis.com
18
Golfe dos Álamos
www.cshoteis.com
18
Pestana Alto Golf
www.pestanagolf.com
18
Pestana Vale da Pinta Golf Course
www.pestanagolf.com
18
Pestana Gramacho Golf Course
www.pestanagolf.com
18
Pestana Silves Golf Course
www.pestanagolf.com
18
Oceânico Faldo
www.oceanicogolf.com
18
Oceânico O'Connor
www.oceanicogolf.com
9
Pine Cliffs
www.luxurycollection.com/golfalgarve
18
Herdade dos Salgados
www.salgadosgolf.com
18
Oceânico Old Course
www.oceanicogolf.com
18
Oceânico Pinhal
www.oceanicogolf.com
18
Oceânico Laguna
www.oceanicogolf.com
18
Oceânico Millennium
www.oceanicogolf.com
18
Oceânico Victoria
www.oceanicogolf.com
18+9
Vila Sol Golf Resort
www.vilasol.pt
18
Vale do Lobo Ocean
www.valedolobo.com
18
Vale do Lobo Royal
www.valedolobo.com
18
Quinta do Lago Laranjal
www.quintadolagogolf.com
18
San Lorenzo Golf Course
www.sanlorenzogolfcourse.com
18
Benamor Golf
www.benamorgolf.com
18+9
Castro Marim Golf
www.castromarimgolfe.com
18
Quinta do Vale Golf Resort
www.quintadovale.com
Irish Golf Review 51