The eyes of the European golf industry are set to descend on Quinta do Lago in October, when it unveils its eagerly-awaited and totally revamped North Course – predicted to become one of the new stars of European golf.Redesigned by renowned American architect, Beau Welling, in close collaboration with European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, the new layout has been built to the highest specifications – with a €9.6m investment programme – and is in line to become the new No.1 course at the prestigious family resort.
The North Course has been redeveloped with the emphasis firmly on precision and strategy. While many modern-day developments tend to focus on length, Welling and McGinley have been keen to design a golfing experience where accuracy and course management are the key factors, and a course that is playable and fun for golfers of all abilities.
Among the changes introduced on the 6,776-yard course – which has been closed since last December due to the massive rebuilding project – all greens, tees, bunkers, irrigation and drainage systems and cart paths have been rebuilt using the latest state-of-the-art technology, with the four sets of tees introduced to accommodate players of all levels.
While the routing of the course has not changed, Quinta do Lago has addressed golf course strategy to make the par-72 layout significantly more playable for all golfers, while still being a challenging test for the better players.
Set among 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, Quinta do Lago is one of the most highly regarded golf and residential developments in the Algarve since opening in 1972. Located just 15 minutes from Faro airport, the resort offers residents and guests an unparalleled location benefitting from a year-round temperate climate, a variety of lifestyle pursuits and a strong sense of community.
Since its inception, Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of European golf, with three 18-hole championship courses – Quinta do Lago North and South courses and the pretty-as-a-picture Laranjal course which was built in an old orange grove – matched by outstanding practice facilities at the Paul McGinley Academy and the new TaylorMade Fitting Centre, which gives golfers the chance to enjoy the ultimate club-fitting experience by providing them with the tools and techniques used on the professional tours. The hi-tech facilities here will leave you stunned.
Away from the fairways, the resort’s extensive leisure facilities guarantee there is plenty to keep everyone occupied, with events, tennis, cycling and watersports and plenty to do for the kids, especially in the summer months, just some of the activities available.
Quinta do Lago’s stunning location by the beach offers the perfect place to relax and unwind, while the resort’s wide array of restaurants, both formal and informal, take advantage of the fresh Mediterranean produce that the region has become famous for.
If this destination was not top of your list of must-visit resorts before, it certainly should be now!
www.quintadolago.com
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