The Belas Clube de Campos was designed by Rocky Roquemore, author of hundreds of high quality courses from which the reputed Quinta do Lago and San Lorenzo.
Nested in the Carregueira mountains, it is in perfect harmony with Charles Franzman master plan: the houses on the hills with view over the golf and the course in the valleys, protected from the wind.
Its eighteen holes extend over 6,128 metres for a Par 72. The course meanders in amongst the hillsides, affording splendid views of the Sintra hills and is divided into two well defined parts: one with low density residential surroundings and the other through an untouched natural environment.
There are two holes that are particularly notable for their beauty and their challenging qualities: the second hole, a par 5 called 'Augusta' was built in homage to the 13 th hole of the famous course where the US Masters tournament takes place; hole number 18, a memorable par 4 final hole, was christened the 'Big Hole' because of the second shot that players must take makes some 180 meters from the green, which is well protected by a fearsome lake.
Tips given by professional players and based on white tees:
1
Slight dog leg from right to left. Your drive should ideally be just to the right of the fairway bunker followed by a mid-iron second shot.
2
Dog leg from left to right. Aim the drive to the right of the fairway bunkers with a slight fade. second shot is a lay-up with a mid/long iron short of the river followed by a simple pitch to the green.
3
Aim the drive between the two sets of fairway bunkers followed by a mid/long iron second shot to the green.
4
Aim the drive to the right of the fairway bunkers followed by a second shot with a mid/long iron.
5
The prevailing wind is against and across so take at least one club extra.
6
Genuine three shooter. Play a fairway wood from the tee short of the river, a mid/long iron second in front of the lake and a short iron approach to the green.
7
Again this par 3 is often affected by the prevailing wind so take at least one club extra.
8
Short par 4 usually with the wind behind so for the big hitters there is a chance to go for the green but beware - If you miss the green on the left or the right the second shot can be tricky.
9
Keep the drive to the left side of the fairway. The second shot can be better to lay up short of the water and play a simple pitch to the green for your third.
10
Slight dog leg from left to right. Aim the drive to the right half of the fairway. A fairway wood or long iron second should leave you with a short iron approach to the green.
11
Usually plays against the prevailing wind. The drive needs to be straight with trouble both left and right. The second shot with a mid-iron is sightly up-hill so take at least one club extra.
12
Short dog leg from left to right. Take a fairway wood from the tee followed by a mid/short iron to the green.
13
Slight dog leg left to right aim the drive to the left side of the fairway followed by a mid iron to the green.
14
Normally plays against the prevailing wind and the green is almost 40 meters from front to back so take plenty of club.
15
For the big hitters this is a chance to get home in two. Keep the drive to the right of the fairway bunker and if you cannot reach in two play the second to the right leaving a straight forward pitch to the green.
16
Slight dog leg from right to left. Place the drive between the two sets of farway bunkers. The second shot is a short iron to a raised green.
17
Shortest hole on the course but still needs a good shot with a short iron to avoid the lake on the right and the bunker on the left.
18
Slight dog leg from right to left. Aim the tee shot at the centre of the lake to avoid the bunker on the left followed by a mid iron to the green.
Information:
Founded
1997
Architect
Rocky Roquemore
Proprietor
Planbelas – Sociedade Imobiliária S. A..
Director
Fernando Nunes Pedro
Professional
Keith Barrett
Green Keeper
Gonçalo Carneiro
Main events on this course
Map:
Belas Clube de Campo - Alameda do Aqueduto, Clubhouse 2605-193 Belas, Portugal
Directions:
GPS
38º48'30.54"N 9º16'46.89"W
Head for the A9 motorway and exit from this at Belas. Follow the signs to the N 250. At the T-Junction turn to the right over a small bridge and follow direction signs to the course.
