Laid out over low-lying coastal terrain, this course, with its many water hazards and few trees, is considerably different from the other ones at the resort and many of its holes convey a links atmosphere.
U.S. golf architect Joseph Lee designed this course which was opened in 1990 and many previous visitors will recognise it as part of the former 27-hole Vilamoura III course. It has been subject to continual improvements over the years.
Measuring 6,111 metres from the white tees, the par-72 course includes several lakes which influence play on a total of 11 holes. In addition to acting as hazards and emergency water reservoirs, these lakes serve a useful purpose in attracting a variety of aquatic birds, both resident and migratory, as well as amphibians, otters, terrapins etc.
Vilamoura's master developers, Lusotur, have also established an environmental nature park not far from the course.
Apart from the lakes and an impressive total of 79 bunkers, another hazard is the wind that frequently blows over this somewhat exposed location.
Laguna shares a large, welcoming clubhouse with the neighbouring Millennium Course.
Tips given by professional players and based on white tees:
1
(Stroke 1) - A par-5 with an open fairway needs the Driver off the tee. Quite strategically placed is the bunker on the right so keep safely to the left side of the fairway. (Stroke 2) - Use a 4-Iron, playing it to a safe position ready for the next shot as you are still left with bunkers around the apron of the green. (Stroke 3) - A Pitching Wedge will place you on the green and close to the pin.
2
(Stroke 1) Club selection is of prime importance as wind and sand can upset the result of your shot. An 8-Iron is normally the best choice of club.
3
(Stroke 1) - This hole is a dogleg to the right so play this shot to the right hand side of the fairway with a 5-Wood and avoiding the inviting left hand side bunker. (Stroke 2) - A firm 7-Iron will place you on the green.
4
(Stroke 1) - This par-3 hole requires a 5-Iron. To avoid the water aim to the left of the middle of the green.
5
(Stroke1) - On this hole you must carry the water and you need a strong Driver to clear as much of this water as possible. (Stroke 2) - A 6-Iron to the left of the centre of the green will continue to keep you away from the water.
6
(Stroke 1) - Using the Driver aim to right of the fairway to keep away from the bunker on the left hand side. (Stroke 2) - Choose your Pitching Wedge to place you on the green and near to the pin. Too strong a shot and over the green will take you into all sorts of trouble.
7
(Stroke 1) - A Driver aimed to the right side of the fairway will keep you clear of the two bunkers on the left of the fairway. (Stroke 2) - Use a 9-Iron and aim for the centre of the green as the green is comfortably long but quite narrow in width. An accurate shot is definitely needed.
8
(Stroke 1) - A Driver aimed straight up the fairway to land between the two leading bunkers. This will place you in good position for the next shot on this par-5 with a dogleg to the left. (Stroke 2) - A 3-Wood aimed slightly to the left side between the inviting bunkers on both sides of the fairway. (Stroke 3) - Club selection is important and a 9 Iron will place you on the green which is tight on length.
9
(Stroke 1) - An inviting open looking fairway makes good use of your Driver. However, a bunker awaits you on the left and the water hazard awaits you if you hit too far to the right. (Stroke 2) - Suggest a 4-Iron and aim to the left of centre of the green depending of the position of the flag. Water is still awaiting you if you carry too much to the right and remember the green is quite narrow. At this hole you are back at the clubhouse and it is a good opportunity for some refreshment.
10
(Stroke 1) - A strong Driver will help you miss the bunker on the left side of the fairway. (Stroke 2) - Using a 3-Wood aim for the big carob tree located in front and to the right side of the line to the green. (Stroke 3) - Club selection is very important and a 9-Iron will place you close to the pin bearing in mind that the green is short in length.
11
(Stroke 1) - As this is a gentle dogleg to the left a Driver aimed towards the left hand side bunker should place you in a good position for the next stroke. (Stroke 2) - Use a 4-Iron to take you to the centre of the small green and beware of the inviting bunkers that surround it.
12
(Stroke 1) - In order to play this Par 3 you need careful club selection if the wind is strong. A 5 Iron will carry the 120 metres of water but accuracy is also very important as the Green is quite tight in size!
13
(Stroke 1) - Use a Driver aimed to the right of the bunker on the left side of the fairway.
(Stroke 2) - A 5-Wood should be aimed slightly to the right of the centre of the green.
14
(Stroke 1) - This hole is a dogleg to the right of almost 90º with water on the right hand side all the way to the green. A very straight shot off the tee with a 3-Iron will place you in the right position. (Stroke 2) - Again club selection is important and an 8 Iron will place you on this short green.
15
(Stroke 1) - Use your Driver to place you between the water on the left and the bunker on the right. (Stroke 2) - Choose your 3 Wood and aim some 30 metres to the left of the green in order to safely carry the water. (Stroke 3) - An 8-Iron will take you up onto the green but watch out for the corner of the water hazard that still lies to the right in your line of play.
16
(Stroke 1) - The open fairway awaits your Driver so aim straight up the middle. (Stroke 2) - As this green is surrounded by bunkers use a very accurate 6-Iron.
17
(Stroke 1) - A very challenging par-3 hole. A well placed 6 Iron will keep you out of trouble. If you land a little short or to the left you are in the water hazard. A little to right of the green you are in a bunker that has a high lip to overcome. When in this bunker you are faced with a green that slopes gently away from you down to the water on the left of the green!
18
(Stroke 1) - This hole this is a fairly open fairway back to the clubhouse. Use your Driver aimed a little to the left of a carob tree on the fairway that tends to block your view to the green. (Stroke 2) - Use a 5-Iron and be tempted to aim for the middle of the green regardless of the Bunker that lies in front of its apron. A good putt will immediately qualify you for that well deserved drink back in the lubhouse.
Information:
Founded
1990
Architect
Joseph Lee
Proprietor
Oceânico Golf, S.A.
Director
Eduardo de Sousa
Professional
Abílio Coelho
Green Keeper
Simão da Cunha
Main events on this course
European Boys Team Championship 1994 Johnnie Walker Euro Classic 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998
Map:
Laguna Golf Course - Apartado 970 8126-912 Vilamoura , Portugal
Directions:
GPS
37º05'48.51"N 8º08'08.98"W
If you are coming from Lisbon or Porto, take the A2 motorway in the direction of the Algarve and when you reach the A22 Via do Infante motorway head in the direction of Faro. Continue until the exit to Vilamoura, then continue straight on and at the traffic lights turn left on to the EN 125 in the direction of Faro. After a few kilometres, the entrance to Vilamoura is on your right.
