The newest course to open in the Algarve, Espiche has been 17 years in the making and opened with a soft launch 15th February ’12. It is located on the north side of Lagos, beyond Boavista and through the town of its own name.
Espiche Golf is a monitored course on an environmental programme linked to the University of the Algarve and various departments within the Algarve’s Commission for Regional Development (CCDRA). The land on which it is built is classified as an Ecological Reserve and made of a geological structure of a karst rock (lime stone) which has a water lens aquifer below it.
Designed by South African golf course architect Peter Sauerman Espiche has been laid down on a hilly terrain thick with natural indigenous undergrowth. The fairways make full use of the natural undulating slopes and hollows and are flanked on occasions on both sides by rough – once in then a shot out is unlikely.
The front nine is more sheltered from the elements with the back nine the harder to play as it climbs to the crest of the hill and into the wind. Wild countryside views all around add to the beauty of the course with natural stone walls cleverly placed within view and in play. Calcada buggy paths take the strain off the course weaving their way from green to tee.
Buggies and electric trolleys are limited so best reserve at time of reservation. There are ample pull trolleys.
The Society assembled at Parkies Cafe for breakfast and set off in good time for a tee off time of 11:30. If you were to take the old EN125 road or the toll road A22 motorway it is going to take the best part of an hour to reach to reach Espiche from Vilamoura. Toll for a small car is around €11.00 return.
Reports had been received that the greens were in poor shape but all 15 players insisted on trying this latest addition to the Algarve. A pairs betterball was chosen as the format of the day – probably a good decision as no one really knew where we were going and the course looked quite challenging!
Facilities are basic with the clubhouse scheduled to be built later in the year so we gathered in Espiche town for post game refreshments and nibbles. Everyone enjoyed the course commenting on its layout and views – many would return again once the greens were sorted. Eight of the group then headed off to Guia for a piri-piri chicken dinner.
1st: David Bowles & Carlos Ferreira: 38pts
2nd: Roland Russell & Bob Walker: 35pts
Nearest The Pin (7th): Bob Walker
