This was the second golf course built in Vilamoura and inaugurated in 1976, having originally been designed by Frank Pennink, the architect of the nearby Vilamoura Old Course.
Several refinements were incorporated over the years, the most significant one by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1985. It is typified by rolling parkland terrain covered with numerous umbrella and Atlantic pines that line many of the fairways and a few even stand out on fairways or near greens.
Ponds and a stream come into play on five holes but are not serious threats to above-average golfers. To keep up with modern technical advances in clubs and balls, several holes have recently been lengthened and the par-72 course now measures 6,353 metres off the white tee markers.
The clubhouse was completely renovated and modernised at the turn of the millennium and from the large verandah one can enjoy a panoramic view over the excellent driving range and practice facilities.
Tips given by professional players and based on white tees:
1
Unusually, the course opens with a fairly long par-five, 498 metres from the back tee. As the fairway rises slightly up to the half-way point, the green is not in view until you reach the crest. Favour the left hand side for the drive where the line for the second shot to a gentle downward slope is more open. The raised, split level green is well defended with a tree and bunker inset into the bank on the right, large mound front left and a shallow bunker behind.
2
This tough par 4 measures 400 metres from the back tee. The drive should ideally be threaded through a narrow gap between pines to set up a good result. However you must then negotiate a solitary pine in the middle of the fairway, about 64 metres from the front of the green with its narrow entrance between a pair of bunkers.
3
There is no let-up on this hole, another long par 5 where precision off the tee is paramount to avoid a recovery shot from pinewoods on either side. The fairway opens up somewhat about 200 metres from the green which is slightly raised and guarded by two bunkers on the right.
4
A scenic par 4 where water comes into play on the approach, and placement of the tee-shot on the downhill fairway is the key. This will prevent against being blocked out by pines right and left for the shot to the green played over the left edge of a lake. Two bunkers left defend the tricky, contoured putting surface.
5
In 2002 this par 3 hole was extended, adding 22-45 metres depending on the tee used. Another undulating green which is well guarded by the lake on the right plus three bunkers.
6
This par 4, stroke index 2, is an excellent test of length and accuracy for those going for the green in two shots along the narrow fairway. The tee-shot should be drawn away from two fairway bunkers on the right to be in ideal position for the approach. A restricted green entrance between bunkers.
7
Bending gradually right, this 395-metre par 4 offers a more generous fairway but avoid flirting with the trees on the right with your drive. A long- to mid-iron will be needed for the slightly uphill second shot. There is a bunker on the right 39 metres short of the putting surface and a greenside one left front.
8
One of the most photographed holes at Vilamoura, this 147-metre par 3 is played over a pond to a double-tiered green offset from short right to far left. Three sand traps right back and one front left complete the hazards.
9
Finally a wide-open par 4 where normally only the bunkers should prevent you from achieving a par or better. The approach however should preferably end up below the flag as downhill putts can be awkward.
10
A blind drive up this hump-backed short par 4. The approach to the very narrow green with a drop off to the left is critical so precision is essential to be putting for an unlikely birdie.
11
This short par 4 doglegs left some 90 metres from the front edge of the green, and a fairway wood or even long iron for position to the right is the best bet off the tee. The green has a small step half way up that can affect placement of your approach.
12
A pleasant but fairly straightforward mid-length par 3 to an undulating green guarded by bunkers on either side and mounds at the entrance.
13
This par Five, 522 metres off the white tee markers is stroke index 1 and challenges any standard of golfer. The fairway is uphill most of the way so both the drive and second shot are played blind. Once up on the plateau the approach is to a generous green albeit protected at both sides of the entrance by two bunkers.
14
Re-designed recently, this par 3 is short at 130 metres from the white tee but in compensation has a bunker that fronts the green. A tree just left of this trap makes the shot problematic for tee positions left of centre.
15
Played downhill, this short par 4 is a hole where the driver should be left in the bag as a reachable stream crosses the fairway at an angle close to the raised green. Devoid of bunkers, the hole thereafter only requires an accurate wedge shot to the undulating putting surface.
16
All three fairway bunkers on this flat par 4 with a maximum length of 339 metres are bunched on the left between 70 and 112 metres from the front of the green. The greenside bunkering is on either side at the entrance.
17
A thinking golfer's hole. Using a driver from the tee you can easily run out of fairway on this 496-metre par-five 90º dogleg to the right. As the bend is defended by trees, attempting a shortcut is too much of a gamble so the best option is a fairway wood tee-shot. The second is then played over the bend as far as you dare up the rising fairway for the approach to a green guarded by three bunkers.
18
This tricky par 4 finishing hole can easily be a card wrecker. Initially the fairway is uphill so the green is not visible from the tee, but the line is right of centre. The downhill approach is treacherous with three deep bunkers controlling the narrowest of entrances to a green full of borrows. Par or better here is a true bonus.
Information:
Founded
1976
Architect
Frank Pennink Redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1985
Proprietor
Oceânico Golf, S.A.
Director
Eduardo de Sousa
Professional
Manuel Pardal
Francisco Pontes
Green Keeper
Simão da Cunha
Main events on this course
Johnnie Walker Euro Classic 1994
Map:
Oceânico Pinhal - Apartado 970 8126-912 Vilamoura, Portugal
Directions:
GPS
37º05'28.12"N 8º06'41.42"W
In the Algarve, leaving from Faro on the EN 125, turn off for Vilamoura and follow the signs to the Pinhal golf course.
