The course of Vale de Lobo, which hosted, in 1987, the Portugal Ladies Open (part of the WPG European Tour) has matured since its inauguration in 1966. Originally, the course had 18 holes, designed by Sir Henry Cotton. In 1972, however, a loop of nine holes was added to the course. Recent works have given it further new dimensions - two courses of 18 holes (The Ocean Course and the Royal Golf Course).
The 5,493 metre Ocean Course was created by joining up the "green" and "orange" courses. Its sandy fairways undulate alongside pine, olive, orange trees and eucalyptus. Vale do Lobo, which is the focal point of a sophisticated tourism complex, is only 20 km away from Faro International Airport, and also has a good sized 245 m practice course, creating excellent training conditions.
The opening hole demands an accurate tee shot - always difficult when it's the first of the day. The lake on the right and trees to the left make this par 4 intimidating. The approach to an elevated green must also be precise. The next few holes follow the contours of the land, with strategic hazards which must be carefully taken into consideration.
The ninth is a difficult dog-leg with "out of bounds" on the left and a large lake on the right. This 329 meter par 4 must be approached accurately because the green is tricky - on the slope and above the level of the fairway. On the tenth you need a accurate drive - much like the first hole - but the fairway is narrow. The water hazard may be attractive, but it still has to be negotiated! The green is two tiered and well guarded, a tough start to the back nine.
The eleventh and fourteenth holes are challenging par 4's, with the greens set against a backdrop of white sand and blue sea. Strategic bunker placements make for tricky approach shots. Along the beach, the par-3 fifteenth offers a tantalisingly large green, but there's "out of bounds to the left and sandy wastes all around. Not an easy tee shot.
The closing hole remains a good example of designer's art. A narrow entrance to a widening landing area from the tee. This is a par 5, and it climbs steadily to a tiered green that is small and hard to read. Making a par here is quite an achievement. 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.
