Considered one of the leading European golf tournaments, the Masters will be held in Portugal for the fifth consecutive year offering a prize fund of €3 million.

The event further cements the Algarve as a premier golfing location, with resorts such as Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura attracting golfers year-round.

Quinta do Lago is a residential golfing resort just 15 minutes from Faro International Airport. It has five championship golf courses and is consistently rated among Europe’s top 20 golfing destinations. Its Laranjal Golf Course was just voted Best Golf Course in the 2011 Portugal Travel Awards.

Visit our property search page at http://www.quintaproperty.com/algarve/ for the latest golfing properties in Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura’s exclusive Pinhal Velho.

The Portugal Masters will be held at Vilamoura’s Oceanico Victoria Golf Course from October 13 – 16.

Related posts:

1. Laranjal voted best golf course
2. Beautiful Algarve beach properties
3. Quinta Properties Market Report – Spring 2011

Golf course Pinheiros Altos

Pinheiros Altos, one of the best and most famous golf courses in mainland Europe´s undisputed capital of golf, just got a whole lot better. Thanks to demand, this wonderful, testing course has been increased from 18 to 27 holes.

The most recent nine were opened in January of 2007 and were designed by a collaboration of the course director, Brian Evans and leading Portuguese golf course architect, Jorge Santana da Silva.

For many properties in Quinta do Lago, ownership brings automatic golf course membership. This, in turn, brings many benefits of its own. For example, members of Pinheiros Altos are provided with pyramids of free balls on the driving range, discounts in the shop and restaurant and pre-reserved tee-times.

Kenny Fairbairn – golf professional at Pinheiros Altos

The golf professional at Pinheiros Altos, Kenny Fairbairn, explains part of the appeal:

“The Algarve is a wonderful place for someone ho loves golf, as there is a 12 month season. For many northern European golfers, the only chance of playing a comfortable round in January is if they fly to the Algarve for a golfing holiday.”

Kenny is, without a doubt, “someone who loves golf”. The Scottish PGA pro has made the Algarve his home and spends the majority of his working life at Pinheiros Altos. He’s a lucky man. Pinheiros Altos is a world class course, originally designed by the famous American designer Ronald Fream, in 1992. It hosts the annual European Seniors Tour First Pre-qualifying every November.

The holes at Pinheiros Altos

Each nine-hole course is named after one of the local types of trees found in the area: olives, pines and corks. And each presents the golfer with different types of challenges. Olives tends to be pretty flat, punctuated by an abundance of water. Pines and Corks are both more undulating with large, fast greens and a good number of trees and water hazards.

When pushed for a favourite hole, Kenny sighs; it’s evident that he prefers to be challenge in different ways by his golf and he is reluctant to be pinned down to a single hole. Passion for Property insists, and with his mind on the hole, he can barely control a grin as he confides that he adores Hole 8 on the new nine, Corks.

“It begins with a difficult tee shot, big dog leg left, then right”, he says. “It is a par 5 uphill and takes a good three shots to reach the green. Head too far right or left and you are immediately out-of-bounds, in the trees. You have to take care. You can’t just blast it without any thoughtful placement, but have to play intelligent golf and work the hole out before you play it.” Hooked by his enthusiasm, we ask for more. He doesn’t take too much prompting and launches into Hole 8, Olives.”This is a psychologically difficult hole”, Kenny asserts. “You are coming towards the end of the round and the 8th green greets you from its island position, completely surrounded by water. That’s pretty scary. It’s as much about getting your mindset right as it is about choosing the right club and controlling your swing on this one. We find a lot of balls in the water. A few golf clubs too, so I guess it has claimed a few victims in its lifetime.

“Pines has a new 4th hole”, Kenny continues. That’s an interesting one as it is a short par 5 and gives the slightly higher handicap players the chance to be macho and go for the green in two shots; something not normally possible on a par 5″. Kenny pauses to laugh. “Though, with a large lake in front of the green, this of course can be your undoing if you try too hard”.

A lot more fantastic golf courses in Quinta do Lago

Pinheiros Altos is not the only fantastic golf course in Quinta do Lago.

San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is a beautiful course, located close to the nature reserve’s salt flats. “I’s not long, but trick”, explains Kenny. “The front line is very pretty, but if you don’t drive well, you can get through quite a few balls”.

Quinta do Lago South

Quinta do Lago South has hosted the Portuguese Open on the European Tour.”It has a very nice championship layout”, affirms Kenny. “It has generous fairways and big greens and offes a really enjoyable, but testing, game.

Quinta do Lago North

“Quinta do Lago North is slightly trickier than South. Its fairways are tighter with undulations and it has a few more dog legs, though it is also a very beautiful course to play,” he adds.

“I know I’m getting better at golf because I’m hitting fewer spectators.” Gerald Ford

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- IMPORTANT INFORMATION -

Memberships for Property Owners & Other Golfers

THE OPPORTUNITY

A limited number of additional Member’s Titles are now available to owners of property within Quinta do Lago, as well as for golfers who do not own property within the resort.

THE NEW DEAL

The Golf Club and the resort owners, Quinta do Lago SA, have agreed a series of important new arrangements that will commence immediately.

• The present clubhouses will be demolished and be replaced by a state of the art construction housing both the golf club and Sociedade de Golfe in separate but adjoining facilities.
• A limited number of Member’s Titles will be sold at the old price of €120,000after which the price will be increased to €135,000.
• As soon as the Club takes possession of the new clubhouse the purchase price will be increased to €150,000.

PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY INVESTMENT IN QUINTA DO LAGO

The number of certificates to be issued is limited to 550 in total and when that limit is reached future applicants will be placed on a waiting list and will only be eligible for membership as and when vacancies occur. That will mean that there are 550 certificates to share amongst approximately 1500 freehold properties on the resort. If you, as an owner, do not have a certificate by this stage it may be very difficult to procure one in the future, and that may have serious repercussions on your ability to maximise your property investment value in the future.

LAST CHANCE FOR NON-PROPERTY OWNERS

If you do not own a property on Quinta do Lago, then you have a last chance now to purchase a Member’s Title. This is a rare opportunity to gain access for life to two of the best golf courses in the Algarve. Title sales to ‘outsiders’ were blocked from 1988 through until last year, and it is likely that, as we approach the end of new certificate sales, access to ‘outside’ titles will once again be seriously restricted.

For further information www.cgql.com

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As everywhere in Quinta do Lago, respect for nature and countryside is paramount, with as many trees as possible being kept, and a programme of replanting to ensure minimum disruption.

Laranjal is a course of its time

The lakes are an integral part of the sophisticated drainage and irrigation system which includes two pumping stations and a recycling system. Future plans are for recycled residual water from Quinta do Lago’s water treatment plant (ETAR) to be used to irrigate the course. A fully-computerised system incorporates humidity sensors and individual controls for each zone of the course to ensure maximum efficiency in water usage. New golf courses use less water per square metre than traditional citrus orchards, so efficient is modern water management.

The only construction on this golf course will be the clubhouse, which will be designed to be rustic to fit in with surroundings, but also has all the modern facilities one would expect from this five star resort.

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General information

In general, membership to the golf clubs is restricted to property owners; however, owners who choose not to become members are entitled to discounted green fees at Quinta do Lago courses.

All courses are open to public subject to availability of tee times and payment of the green fees.

We outline the basic information you will need to enjoy a round of golf on these championship courses in and around Quinta do Lago.

Quinta do Lago North and Quinta do Lago South

• 36 holes, North Course 6126 metres, par 72 and South Course 6488 metres par 72.
• Facilities include: clubhouse, pro shop, driving range, putting/chipping green, academy, boutique, lessons, club hire, buggies.
• Handicap certificate required.
• Family membership available to villa owners in Quinta do Lago
• Joining fee €120,000.
• Annual subscriptions: principal member €2.427, spouse €1.503, juniors €724
• Visitors green fees: Quinta do Lago North and South €176, Juniors €61.
• Contact: +351 289 396 141

Laranjal

• 18 holes, 5.680 metres, par 72
• Facilities include: clubhouse, pro shop, club hire, buggies. (driving range and putting green still under construction)
• Membership: Fee paying course
• Green fee: €115
• Contact: +351 289 359 220

San Lorenzo

• 18 holes, 6238 metres, par 72.
• Facilities include: clubhouse, pro shop, driving range, putting/chipping green, academy, club hire, buggies.
• Handicap certificate required.
• Family membership available to villa owners in Parque Atlantico, Atlantico Norte, São Lourenço and São Lourenço Norte.
• Joining Fee: €60,000 valid for 21 years
• Annual subscriptions: principal member €3.587, spouse €2.359, juniors under 18, €510.
• Green fee for visitors: €165, Hotel Dona Filipa Guests: €71
• Contact: +351 289 396 522

Pinheiros Altos

• 27 holes, 9182 metres, Pinheiros 3045 metres, par 36, Sobreiros 3154 metres, par 36, Oliveiras 2983 metres, par 36
• Facilities include: clubhouse, pro shop, academy, driving range, putting green, lessons, club hire, buggies with proshot computers.
• Handicap certificate required.
• Non real estate golf titles are available periodically.
• Annual subscriptions: principal member €3200, spouse €1600, juniors, €500.
• Course open to members and their guests only except for one hour each day for visitors.
• Green fee for visitors: €150 (peak season).
• Contact: +351 289 359 910

Members at all the above clubs are allocated preferential starting times, and receive 50% discount at other clubs in the Algarve.

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Four great golf courses, 72 great holes. But if you had to choose – really had to choose – what would be the perfect 18? Each of the four golf courses in Quinta do Lago are recognised as world class but with the help of the professionals from each club, Kenny Fairbairn, Domingos Gomes Silva, Rogerio Valente and Antonio Santos, we have created a fantasy 18 holes made up of their own favourites.

So put on your virtual reality goggles. These are the best 18 holes from the Quinta do Lago courses as chosen by the Golf Professionals of Pinheiros Altos, Quinta do Lago South, Ria Formosa (Quinta do Lago North) and San Lorenzo.

1st Par 5: First hole, San Lorenzo.

An inviting driving hole, but even a handicap golfer will need three good blows to reach the large elevated and undulating green.

2nd Par 4: Sixth hole Ria, Formosa.

A great example of a short but testing par 4. An accurate drive is required between a cluster of fairway bunkers on the left and pines on the right. Unless your driver is working perfectly, take a long iron or utility club from the tee! The tiered green is fortressed by bunkers front and back.

3rd Par 4: Fifth hole, Pinheiros Altos.

A good drive is necessary on this long par 4 to reduce the danger of finding the lake that laps gently, but terrifyingly, against the left hand side of the green. Handicap golfers may decide to take the safe option and lay-up.

4th Par 4: Seventeenth hole, San Lorenzo.

With a massive lake running along the entire left side of the fairway and across the front of the green, a good drive is essential. A good tee shot is rewarded with a short iron over water to the green, but if you are out of position from the tee you may have to play away from the water with your second shot and try to make par with a chip and putt.

5th Par 3: Seventeenth hole, Pinheiros Altos.

A beautiful short par 3 over water to an island green. This may be a short hole but very few 4 balls leave the tee without someone finding the water.

6th Par 4: Eighteenth hole, Quinta do Lago.

A long hitter can carry the bunkers on the left side of the fairway but beware of running out of room as the hole dog-legs left. The second is to an elevated green, guarded by bunkers left and right.

7th Par 4: Twelfth hole, Ria Formosa.

A spectacular 90-degree left-hand dog-leg around a three acre lake. The lake begins 150 metres from the tee and extends along the left side of the fairway and left side of the green. Try not to fear the water as it could force you to over hit the second shot leaving a tricky putt across a large undulating green.

8th Par 3: Sixteenth hole, San Lorenzo.

If the wind is in your face you will need your longest iron or a wood to reach this magnificent par 3. The terrain between tee and green deceives you into thinking the hole is shorter than it looks. The hole runs along the edge of the Ria Formosa, and rewards you with glorious sea views.

9th Par 5: Seventh hole, Ria Formosa.

This is one of the best par 5s in the world of golf. Drive across a shallow depression with the beautiful Loule hills as a backdrop. If you are a long hitter, this hole demands crosshair accuracy from the tee, as the gap between left and right bunkers at 200 metres is at its narrowest when driving. A gentle uphill approach to a tiered green is guarded by more bunkers and helps to make this a real challenge.

10th Par 4: Sixth hole, San Lorenzo.

Magnificent views will greet you from the elevated tee as you look out over the Ria Formosa, to the vastness of the Atlantic beyond. Hit left and you may be unplayable, hit right and you are on the beach. Your second shot not only needs to avoid water to your right, but also in front of the green.

11th Par 3: Fifteenth hole, Quinta do Lago.

This is one of the most photographed holes in golf. It offers a truly beautiful long par 3 at 200 metres, with around 180 metres to carry the lake, but watch out for the trap to your left and trees on the right. You may need your longest iron or a wood if the wind blows.

12th Par 5: Eighth hole, Pinheiros Altos.

This is 631 yards of pure trouble with water everywhere! It has been described by the resident professional as being like a dangerous woman – beautiful but cruel.

13th Par 4: Third hole, Quinta do Lago.

Don’t be fooled by the generous looking fairway, hit too far right and the pines will block your second shot, too far left and a bank will take you towards an unseen lake. The green is elevated and anything short can roll back into the lake. A bunker left is there to catch you, should you become fearful of the water.

14th Par 3: Fourteenth hole, Ria Formosa.

A great medium distance par 3, played from an elevated tee, which makes the wind an important factor. The green is shaped in a figure of eight, with a tiered waist. It is flanked by bunkers both left and right, and banks threaten front and rear to make this a good test wherever the flag is positioned.

15th Par 4: Eighteenth hole, Pinheiros Altos.

Most people find this uphill par 4 pretty difficult. The real trouble starts when you reach the green; it is arguably the teeth-grinding toughest in the Algarve!

16th Par 4: Sixteenth hole, Quinta do Lago.

A drive down the centre-right of the fairway sets up an easy approach to this sunken green. Sand or trees will trap any drive you hit too far left. A steep bank to the right of the green will act as a bale-out area for a pushed shot. But whatever you do, don’t go left, it’s nothing but disaster!

17th Par 5: Fourth hole, Pinheiros Altos.

We defy you not to fall in love with this beautifully constructed, totally picturesque downhill par 5. You can choose to go around or over the lake for your second shot, and enjoy the lovely old cork trees framing the green.

18th Par 4: Eighteenth hole, San Lorenzo.

From the tee you might think you can drive the green, and big hitters can carry the water, but the target is so small is it worth the risk? A good tee shot leaves you with a mid-iron to a semi-island green. This is undoubtedly one of the best finishing holes in the world of golf.

19th Hole. Well above par.

You wouldn’t drive, wedge, chip and putt your way round without some liquid refreshment to finish. After these 18 holes, you’ve earned it! But which of the three great clubhouses is the best for a wind-down? When we came to choosing the 19th hole, war broke out. Each professional insisted their clubhouse was the best. So we left them arguing in the bar.

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Members and guests are delighted with the new course.

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The new holes will integrate with the existing first nine holes to form two par 36 front nines. The existing back nine will, for now, remain the same and complete the 27 holes.

Major changes to the existing Pinheiros Algos 6th and 7th holes

Major changes to the existing 6th and 7th holes have already been made to allow the integration of the new and old to take place. These changes have whetted the appetite of members and visitors alike and the newholes are awaited with tremendous anticipation.

The magnificent new course incorporates four large lakes, three of which are connected by a rambling brook, and out of the 9 holes, seven could see the golfer’s ball finding a watery grave! Add to this the ancient existing cork trees, the old Portuguese nora, the picturesque views over the Ludo valley to the Goldra hills beyond, and the several hundred strategically placed pine trees due to be planted this year, and you have a golf course like the best female spies: beautiful but dangerous! The beauty of the design, by today’s most talented Portuguese golf course architect, Jorge Santana da Silva, is not only aesthetic but strategic. It is very much ‘risk and reward’ and it will seem that on each hole the golfer will be faced with the decision to play safe or attack.

No standing still at Pinheiros Altos

Today’s Pinheiros Altos course is a far cry from the course which opened in 1992. Over the years, various improvements and challenging changes have been made to the original 18 holes and no doubt such ongoing attention will be paid to the new 9, ensuring that the 27 hole course will continue to prove testing to even the most regular player as it matures.

Like any good business there will be no standing still at Pinheiros Altos. The resort’s benefits are obvious, and Pinheiros Altos continues to move forward with exciting ongoing projects along with many ideas which will be put into action in the future. In the meantime the renovated 27 hole course will offer consistent enjoyment to all who play it, along with a few pleasant surprises along the way.

Pinheiros Altos
Tel: 00351 289 359900

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Luxury Car Service

Paulo is the man behind Platinum Valet. His business is working magic on your car while you enjoy life to the full.

However, it is almost difficult not to envy Paulo; after all, not only does he get to work on the most beautiful automobiles ever created, but he keeps some very good company too. His little black book of clients includes some of the world’s top VIPs. Of course, being the true professional that he is, Paulo would never divulge any details.

What he can never stop talking about though, is his passion for the cars and his job. “I absolutely love it!” says Paulo, who started his business nearly two years ago. “The clients are great, the cars are incredible, and the business is going well – so my wife is happy too. What more can I want?”

Excellent relationships

Critical to Paulo’s popularity with Quinta do Lago’s proud car owners is not just the sheer amount of care that goes into his work protecting his clients’ investments, it’s in large part due to the excellent relationships he builds with his clients – many of them trust him with his own keys to their cars.

“What’s so special about Paulo is just how seriously he takes his work,” says Quinta Properties’ Alison Hojbjerg. “He has an incredible service ethic which shines through in everything he does for clients. He’s a real asset to the local community.”

Drive around Quinta do Lago and it’s likely you’ll soon spot one of Paulo’s vans kitted out with all the latest professional equipment and products. They’re also fully powered with electricity, clean water, and all the gadgets imaginable.

Quinta do Lago’s local treasures

Paulo himself has become one of Quinta do Lago’s local treasures – even the police stop to say “hello as he weaves his spell on yet another luxury car.

So what does the future hold for Platinum Valet? “More teams,” Paulo hopes, “extending our services, perhaps even bridging over to southern Spain.” But don’t fear. Paulo won’t be going anywhere yet.

“My teams can expand,” he says, “but I shall always stay with the best – in Quinta do Lago!”

Paulo Assunção, Platinum Valet, Quinta do Lago
Tel: 00351 969 277601
www.platinumautovalet.com

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Antonio Santos – The San Lorenzo Golf Course in Quinta do Lago

San Lorenzo is a beautiful golf course set within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, with spectacular sea views from the 5th, 6th and 7th. The prestigious UK magazine Golf World currently ranks it N° 9 in Europe, and its reputation attracts players from all over the world.

The course is owned by Le Méridien, who also own the Dona Filipa and Penina Hotels, and they invited António Santos to become Director of Golf in 1991. Since then many more golf courses have been built throughout southern Europe and yet San Lorenzo maintains its special status.

“Golfers from northern countries love our winter sunshine, it’s perfect for playing golf. It’s true that many other southern European countries now have golf courses, but I believe the Algarve has its own characteristics,”

he says, “we offer more than golf – we have the proximity to the ocean, wonderful food and wine, and a lovely lifestyle. Players can come here with friends, enjoy the surroundings, have some exercise and know that, tomorrow, the sun will shine again. It’s very sociable.”

Golf is known for its strict rules and etiquette, and for António Santos this teaches respect and good behaviour in players of all ages. “Children who are taught golf early learn the rules about behaviour on the course, dealing with divots, bunkers and so on,” he says, “this consideration for others stays with them and carries into other walks of their lives.” The game is also a great leveller, in many ways. “The greatest businessman in the world will go through the same frustrations as a housewife in learning the game,” he smiles, “and at the end, both will derive the same huge sense of achievement and pleasure from it.” He continues: “There is no direct confrontation between the players in golf. Each individual has his or her own challenge, with the common adversary being the course they are playing on.”

Has the increasing number of women golfers changed the game?

“Over the last 20 years or so, more and more couples are playing golf together. Often couples get to know each other and will meet regularly to play. Men seem to start of in large groups of “boys together” then, later in life, they calm down and realise it’s healthier for them to play with their wives! Women certainly play as well as men, and bring a certain level of civilisation to the game. It is always a pleasure to see women at San Lorenzo:”

Do people appreciate the surroundings at San Lorenzo?

“For sure,” says António Santos, “this is a 5-star course and we are within the 5-star resort of Quinta do Lago. The one complements the other. The players who come here are those who choose the select surroundings of Quinta do Lago for their holidays or as a place to live. They appreciate what we have here – the lake that is home to so many birds, the wildlife sanctuary we have become – and that is good. It comes down to respect again, for nature and for the environment.”

What does golf mean in Quinta do Lago?

“It means everything,” he says simply. “If you remember André Jordan’s original concept for Quinta do Lago, golf was central, and it remains so today. People love to play golf, and here they can do it in beautiful surroundings. And don’t forget, golf adds value to the price of a villa just as a sea view does. People pay a premium to live alongside a golf course – and who can blame them? How beautiful to have immaculate greens at the end of your garden!”

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