The Pinta Course is one of the best-designed courses in Europe. It is a Championship course with an exceptional layout designed by the famous American golf course architect, Ronald Fream, and inaugurated in 1992. It has earned a deserved reputation for the outstanding level of maintenance of the course, and its design, which makes it a challenge to golfers of all standards.
The Pinta Course was 5 consecutive times host to the Seniors Tour. The fairways are Bermuda grass, while strategically positioned sand bunkers protect the greens, clad in Pen Cross Bent, and two ornamental lakes influence play at four different holes around the course.
The rolling terrain is dotted with carob, fig, almond and olive trees, some of which are more than 600 years old, and a very special feature of this course is one olive tree that dates back more than 1200 years.
The dogleg trajectory for all the par 4 and 5 holes emphasizes the need for skilful driving. The size of the greens is specifically matched to the length of the approach shot. The course is 6,115 metres in length and is a par 71. It is certain to be appreciated by experienced golfers, for whom a round on this course will provide genuine excitement and a memorable and enjoyable days play.
Tips given by professional players and based on white tees:
1
Missing the fairway traps sets up an uphill pitch requiring good length judgment.
2
Another testing drive to set up an approach shot from the angle of the dogleg. Favour the right side with your second shot.
3
A chance for a strong tee shot downhill. Still requires a good touch on the high flighted second shot.
4
One of the world's great par-5 holes. Lots of ways to play it but all basically need straight measured shots.
5
Choose your club and make a positive good swing. Not for the nervous!
6
A well positioned tee shot to the corner of the left hand dogleg leaves an iron shot to reach the green.
7
A testing and picturesque par-3 that requires a carrying shot to reach the green.
8
A draw shot round the dogleg or a lay up level with the fairway bunkers sets up a testing pitch shot.
9
Look to see the direction of the wind because the carry over the trees needs the wind from behind. The second shot is deceptive to a long green.
10
A sharp dogleg right requiring a precise drive and then an accurate mid-iron.
11
Make a good carrying strike as it is better to be long than short.
12
Reachable in two with the right wind. A testing green to hit with any club.
13
A deceptive short-iron when you make a good tee shot.
14
Can be reached in two, and if not, try approaching the green from left to right.
15
Great downhill par-3. A good strike saves the player from a sandy fate!
16
The bunkers and trees on the right of the fairway are to be avoided. Uphill short-iron plays long.
17
Another test of shot making or more time on the beach!
18
A true par-5, anything long and straight works on all three shots and will see you safely home.
Information:
Founded
1992
Architect
Ronald Fream
Proprietor
Carvoeiro Golfe, SA
Director
José Carlos Matias
Professional
Mark Gasper
Carlos Ribeiro
Green Keeper
Miguel Grosso
Main events on this course
TAP (Air Portugal) Amateur Open - 1993 Johnnie Walker Amateur Classic - 1997
Map:
Vale da Pinta - Carvoeiro Golf, SA Apartado 1011 8400-908 Carvoeiro - Lagoa, Portugal
Directions:
GPS
37º07'44.84"N 8º28'43.73"W
The Pestana Golf Resort, is situated close to the town of Lagoa, 4 km from the village of Carvoeiro, 10 km from the village Portimão and 30 minutes away from Faro International Airport. From the airport, take the motorway (Via do Infante - A22), as far as the town of Lagoa. At the junction for Carvoeiro follow this road in the direction of Sesmarias. To assist you, you will find 'Pestana' signed from Lagoa.
''Very good test of golf on this well designed course. Home of the European Seniors Qualifying School and Leadbetter Academy; not many straight putts on the plateau greens. Buggy recommended.'
