Step into the world of golfing paradise with the Quinta do Lago North Course, one of the most charming courses in the Algarve. Formerly known as the Ria Formosa, named after the nature reserve, this course has been enchanting golfers since its inception in 1972.
With its picturesque setting, award-winning design, and strategic challenges, it’s no wonder thatQuinta do Lago Golf Resortis a must-visit destination for any golfer visiting the region.
As you make your way around the course, majestic umbrella pines that frame many of the holes. These stately pines not only add to the beauty of the course, but they also provide a challenge to your strategic play.
Each hole presents a unique set of challenges, from tricky water hazards to expertly placed bunkers, shot placement is key to ensuring a low socring round.
One of the many features that set Quinta do Lago North Course apart is its incredible location. Surrounded by opulent villas, this course is expertly designed to ensure that the villas are set back and away from the fairways, guaranteeing an undisturbed round of golf.
Quinta do Lago Golf Resort has been the recipient of several awards for excellence since its inception. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Quinta do Lago North Course will provide you with an unforgettable golfing experience.
Course Design
Quinta do Lago North Course is a masterpiece in course design, crafted to perfection by renowned architects over several decades. Originally designed by American architect William Mitchell in 1974, the course’s first five holes and the last four holes were created by him.
Joe Lee later added a fourth loop in the early 1990s to complete the North and South course at Quinta do Lago.
Rocky Roquemore, an American architect, re-shaped the North layout in 2003, adding to its existing charm. The course design is well-considered, with well-positioned bunkers and water hazards, making each shot feel like a calculated risk.
The North Course underwent further significant redesign in 2014, costing €9 million and was spearheaded by world-renowned architect Beau Welling and former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.
All greens, tees, bunkers, irrigation and drainage systems, and cart paths were reconstructed to create a golf course that is both challenging and memorable.
The 2014 renovation also introduced a low-cut Bermuda grass approach around the greens, offering a range of recovery shot options for golfers to explore.
The North Course’s redesign has made it eco-friendly, incorporating water recycling and solar energy into its infrastructure in an attempt to make it more sustainable.
Course Information
The Quinta do Lago North Course boasts a par of 72 course.
To cater for players of different abilities, four sets of tees have been introduced on each hole.
The Black Tees offer the longest distance at 6714 yards (6149 metres), while the Gold Tees measure 6192 yards (5661 metres).
The Silver Tees offer a shorter distance at 5326 yards (4870 metres), and the Green Tees measure 4972 yards (4541 metres).
For men, a handicap of 28 or lower is required to play, while ladies need a handicap of 36 or lower.
Quinta do Lago Slope Rating
Quinta do Lago North Course slope ratings are as follows
The Black Tees have a Slope Rating of 133,
Tthe Gold Tees have a slightly lower Slope Rating of 128.
The Silver Tees offer a more moderate level of difficulty with a Slope Rating of 119,
the Green Tees have the lowest Slope Rating at 116.
Course Layout
The course features four challenging par 5 holes that demand both power and precision to successfully navigate.
Water hazards come into play on only a couple of holes, namely the 2nd and the 12th, adding to the course’s appeal without being overly punishing. The majority of the par 4s on the course are doglegs, creating a varied and interesting layout, with holes 10 and 13 being the only exceptions.
Golfers are in for a treat from the moment they tee off with the opening hole providing a memorable start to the round. A 345-yard downhill drive may give the impression of a straightforward hole, leaving players with a delicate short pitch to approach the green.
The 2nd hole presents a challenge in the form of a par-3 with water coming into play on the right side. The green is undulating, making par a tough ask for even the most skilled golfers.
The 5th hole is a dog-legging left par 4 that measures 342 yards. It provides players with the chance to take on the trees on the left and aim directly for the green.
Undoubtedly, one of the most visually striking holes on the course is the 12th, a par 4 that measures 395 yards (361 metres). The hole features a 3-acre lake that players need to clear to reach the green.
The hole doglegs its way around the lake, creating a treacherous approach shot to a large undulating green. The hole is surrounded by a huge dune, providing an excellent viewing platform for players putting.
The 15th is a stunning par 4 that measures 411 yards (376 metres) and dog-legs to the right, leading to a raised green. This hole is considered one of the most challenging on the course with its numerous bunkers and trees.
The par-3 16th requires an all-carry short to mid-iron to one of the finest greens at the resort.
Lakes provide a majestic backdrop on holes 13 and 18 but also make getting a good score all the more tough.
The final hole is a challenging par 5 that measures 515 yards, requiring players to drive over water and play down the left-hand side to set up the easiest shot to attack the raised green. The hole provides a strong finish to an exceptional round of golf.
The Greens
They are consistently among the best maintained and fastest running greens that you will experience.
The undulations of the greens make for a true test of skill, and the course designers have done an excellent job of placing flags in positions that demand precision and accuracy when putting.
With so many tricky positions to contend with, reading the green is essential to success here. The speed ranges from fast to VERY fast and the real challenge lies in reading the breaks, which can be subtle and require a deft touch to sink your putt.
If you can master the greens on the North Course, you’ll be well on your way to a great score.
To Conclude
In conclusion, the Quinta do Lago North Course is a must-play for all golfers visiting the Quinta do Lago resort. With expertly maintained greens that are devilishly quick and tricky, this course will challenge even the most experienced players.
The 2014 redesign has brought clever use of water and bunkers to the forefront, making for a visually stunning course that will leave a lasting impression.
And with excellent practice facilities that include numerous putting greens and an excellent driving range, golfers will have everything they need to perfect their game. Overall, the Quinta do Lago North Course is a true gem that should not be missed.
