Royal…This is one of the most famous courses in the world because of its famous hole 16 (par 3), which requires a shot of more than 200 metres over three spectacular hills.

The 6,175 metre long Royal Golf Course has championship tees, and is a lot more difficult than the Ocean Course.  This is because of its more interrupted terrain, the amount of water and sand obstacles and its generally longer holes.  The original design is by Sir Henry Cotton.  However, these days Rocky Roquemore’s design trademarks are a lot more visible along the course.

The U.S. architect, very active nowadays in Portugal, has been responsible for the enlargement of the ‘yellow’ course.

The high point of the Royal Golf Course is its famous hole 16, Par 3, one of the most photographed in the world because of its unique conditions.  To play this hole from the championship tee, one needs a 218 metre stroke over three spectacular cliffs to reach the green. It should also be mentioned hole 9, a Par 3, where the green is preceded by a lake.  Water is also part of the game in holes 6, 16 and 17.

Quinta do Lago

Situated in an outstanding resort area with the background of Ria Formosa, the Quinta do Lago courses are famous in the international golfing world.

The Quinta do Lago course offered four nine hole loops with sufficient flexibility to allow four eighteen hole combinations (all Par 72).  A recent transformation divided these four loops into two different courses.  Quinta do Lago, built over loops B and C, is still the most famous.  This course, designed by William Mitchell and inaugurated in 1974, became world known after hosting the Portuguese Open on seven occasions.  The course allows the player to approach greens in very different ways.  The most famous hole is number 15, a memorable Par 3 requiring a 200 metre shot right over a lake from the championship tee onto a green surrounded by pine trees.

Quinta do Lago is part of the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, an eco-system that hosts a great variety of birds.  It is part of a tourist resort of great quality, including excellent restaurants, bars and the possibility of complementing the game of golf  with other activities.