Pinheiros Altos -- One of the best all-round courses in Portugal
What makes one golf course better than another is a highly subjective issue and a question guaranteed to draw as many different answers as the number of golfers asked. It's a question with no right or wrong answer -- if there was, golf courses would be like baseball fields or tennis courts and all would be identical.
Ours is a more complex game than that and whether we think a particular course is good or not, depends upon our personal preferences. It depends upon our own playing abilities and especially with longer layouts, our level of fitness. How much importance we attach to esthetics, the standard of maintenance and the level of welcome any specific course shows, are among the many other factors coming into the equation.
The toughest courses in the world may hold high appeal to the scratch golfers and low handicappers, but for those of lesser abilities, quite the opposite. For we mere mortals, a course that is too tough is only likely to deliver 4 or 5 hours of utter misery and frustration -- let's not forget, golf is supposed to be a game and games should be enjoyed.
Finding a quality golf course that has a comparable appeal to differing levels of abilities is not the easiest task, but they do exist and alongside an impressive inventory of some of Europe's top ranked layouts, Portugal's golf rich Algarve coast has an excellent selection.
Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, Penina and San Lorenzo are among the tough, top guns in these parts, but nearby is a good selection of courses with something for everyone and among the best is Pinheiros Altos. This is a course able to test the very best player when tackled from the back tees and the full length of 6,859 yards is challenged. The forward tee positions shrink this down to a modest 5,400 yards, presenting a test most higher handicappers will find not only manageable, but more importantly, still testy and thoroughly enjoyable.
In the good looks department, this is a real eye-catcher and making a good thing even better, the course is always well maintained and has one of the best practice facilities on the coast. An excellent clubhouse with a super friendly, accommodating staff, rounds out what is certainly one of the most delightful courses on The Algarve. It may not be ranked among Portugal's sternest challenges, but in my book, Pinheiros Altos takes first prize for offering one of the most pleasurable golf experiences in the entire country.
The creation of Californian architect, Ronald Fream, Pinheiros Altos sits comfortably in the middle of the exclusive, 2,000 acre Quinta do Lago estate with Quinta do Lago's highly respected Sul and Norte courses as neighbors. The setting is impressive and this is certainly a situation when the book can be judged by its cover -- everything about this course and its plush facilities, is equally impressive.
The design is quite unique consisting of a pair of totally contrasting, 9-hole loops. The front nine is hilly, running through a forest of mature umbrella pines that are consistently in play. The back nine takes the player into a totally different environment and a much flatter, treeless landscape where an abundance of water takes over as the major recurring hazard. Some might be perturbed by the apparent lack of a flowing continuity, but for those who appreciate variety, the contrast between front and back only add to the thrill.
The greens at Pinheiros Altos are nothing less than outstanding. Often elevated with serious slopes and tricky, subtle undulations that are never the easiest to read. The defensive bunkering is ingenious, demanding interesting, if not creative approach shots. This is particularly apparent on the 174-yard par-3 fifth hole where the drive requires a carry over a deep, wooded chasm.
A favorite with visitors is another par-3, the 17th with its island green set invitingly in the middle of a lake, just a short, 136 yards away. Sloped toward the water on all sides and one deep, voraciously hungry bunker to the front, a confident, well considered tee shot is the only hope for salvation.
Pinheiros Altos is quite special and a layout filled with not just variety, but thrills and excitement as well, yet all within the ability range of the vast majority. It's a course that brings credit to the consistently high quality of golf on The Algarve and belongs on the must play list of every visiting golfer. For those who want things even tougher, there's a good supply of those as well -- and they are all close by.
For more ideas and suggestions on playing the best courses of Portugal, click here.
©2008 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Golf International -- Providers of quality golf travel arrangements since 1988.
Get the best deals on the best equipment all at the SHOP.PGATOUR.COM.
A TPC is Near You
The PGA TOUR's TPC Network comprises 28 premier properties designed by elite architects.
Take off to Portugal
Given the choice of shoveling snow or playing golf in the sun, which would you choose?
PGATOUR.com is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network