Pinheiros Altos Golf Course, Portugal

Pinheiros Altos Golf Course located within the Quinta do Lago estate in the Algarve, Portugal, within the golfing world it is known as providing a mental challenge due to well placed hazards.  Inaugurated in 1992, the original 18 holes were designed by the respected American architect Ronald Fream and the additional 9 holes, created by the highly regarded Portuguese golf architect George Santana da Silva, opened in 2007.

Bordered by the Natural Park of Ria Formosa the area is the habitat for many species of birds and has much interesting vegetation, the course is a combination of three contrasting nine hole formats named Oliveiras (Olives), Pinheiros (Pines) and Sobreiros (Corks). The original 18-hole course of Pinheiros Altos was well-known for its contrasting nines, while the first 9-hole are over rolling sandy undergrowth with gentle pine trees, the shorter second 9-hole runs through hills dotted with lakes that present the main obstacle for the golfers on this course.

With a large practice ground that includes three putting-greens, areas for bunker, chip shots and several greens the course has gained a reputation as the favourite pre-season practice ground for several top professional golfers. There are also comprehensive programs of tuition for golfers of all levels; individual lessons that include video analysis of golfers’ swings. The firm, fast and testing greens provide resilient and excellent surfaces on which to play golf and make Pinheiros Altos a must play course when visiting the Algarve.