Located deep in the heart of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, in Quinta do Lago, Pinheiros Altos is one of the most prestigious and successful golfing centres in Europe. Just a stone’s throw away from extensive unspoilt beaches and the expansive Atlantic Ocean, guaranteeing one of the most scenic rounds you will ever play.
Pinheiros Altos (literally translated as tall pines) features a 27-hole championship course in a beautiful parkland setting of pine and cork trees. The course in is presented in three contrasting nine-hole formats, namely ‘The Pines (Pinheiros), ‘The Corks (Sobreiros)’ and ‘The Olives (Oliveiras)’, each with a par of 36, with numerous ways of playing 18 sublime holes, with varying levels of difficulty.
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. The Pines loop is the most traditional and technical of the three courses, built through dense pine woodland, with tighter fairways and water coming into play. The Pines signature hole is the ninth, a beautiful Par 3 over a valley to a McKenzie green while the par 5 fourth hole is the epitome of ‘risk and reward’ golf course design.
Corks is the longest and toughest loop, more elevated with views over Ludo Valley and featuring a difficult double dogleg. A real Championship test!
Olives has flatter terrain but more open and exposed to the wind. Her you will find one of the most photographed holes in the Algarve, an island green inspired by the one at Sawgrass in the US. All nine holes have their starting and finishing points near the Pinheiros Altos Clubhouse, making it easy to rotate combinations.
Whatever combination you choose, at Pinheiros Altos you will experience a round of exciting challenges, which is a worthy addition to your golf holiday in Portugal.
The Pinheiros Altos golf academy has a range of practice facilities and houses the very latest training equipment, swing analysis technology and a Titleist Fitting Centre. The beautiful Clubhouse has a bar and a restaurant – The Portico – which offers a lavish range of European cuisine, with a large terrace overlooking the stunning golf course and lakes.
Often overlooked for its sister course at San Lorenzo Golf Club, a round at Pinheiros Altos makes a worthy addition to your golf holiday in Portugal.
