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. However the original design is by Sir Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore's design trademarks are visible along the course. The US 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 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 after crossing a lake. Water is also part of the game in holes 6, 16 and 17.
The opening holes are a soft introduction to some testing later ones. The par-4 sixth, for example, at 395 meters, has water on the left of the green and bunkers on the right. A good drive to a narrow landing area still requires a bold approach to the protected green.
The 3-par ninth (155 meters) features a near island green. However, Roquemore has set the trees in a wide arc in front of the picturesque lake, making club selection difficult. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more delicate approach, a safe passage exists to the right. The eleventh, a par-5 of 485 meters, is a good test. It is essential to get a good drive away because the second shot will be to a narrow landing area between a lake and a steep bank. Only from this point is it possible to expect a comfortable approach to a green protected to its left and in front by water.
The sixteenth (formerly the seventh of the yellow course) is the spectacular par-3 of 205 meters across the red sandstone cliffs for which Vale do Lobo is famous. Views from each of the tees are out along the length of the coastline westwards.
And so to the last hole, with a fairway sloping off to the right, it is advisable to drive to the left. However the fairway is lined on both sides with pines which are constricting in the mind's eye. At 330 meters, this closing hole is not particularly long, but the green has raised banking to the left and the ground falls steeply away to the right. The approach shot must be committed and well positioned if you are to have the satisfaction of the ball remaining firmly on the green.
Vale de Lobo, which is the focal point of a sophisticated tourism complex is only 20 kilometres away from Faro International Airport, and also has a good sized 245 metre practice course, creating excellent training conditions. In addition there are further shops, restaurants, bars and algarve car hire available within the resort which also has villas apartments golf.
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