Tee Times Algarve Golf – Quinta do Lago North Course
Tee Times Algarve Golf – Quinta do Lago North at a Glance – Reopening in October 2014 – Algarve, Portugal
The eyes of the European golf industry are set to be on Quinta do Lago in October when it unveils its eagerly-awaited 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 number one course at the prestigious family resort.
“North Course: A great addition to Europe’s leading golf destination.” McGinley
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.
Welling, who has worked on more than 90 projects worldwide, said: “We have kept the routing of the North Course intact, but we have totally reworked the golf experience within the existing corridors. Specifically, we have worked very hard to make the experience more playable for higher handicappers while at the same time created precise target areas for the better player looking to score.
“The North Course will rival the very best.” Welling
“Paul has been great to work with. He is very passionate about golf in general, but he has a particular and keen interest in Quinta do Lago.
“We quickly realised we were very much “aligned” in terms of what we wanted to see happen with the improvements to the North Course, so collaboration has been easy. We both put a big premium on playability, but also in asking golfers to use their creativity when approaching a shot. The new experience of the North Course is going to require strategic thinking and have a lot of shot values, no doubt a big imprint of Paul’s influence.”
Tee Times Algarve Golf – Quinta do Lago North at a Glance
Among the changes introduced on the 6,776-yard course which has been closed since last December, all greens, tees, bunkers, irrigation, drainage systems and cart paths have been rebuilt using the latest state-of-the-art technology, with four sets of tees introduced on each hole to accommodate players of all levels.
With the existing turf on all tees, fairways and greens having been stripped back, the final figures for completing such an ambitious project make impressive reading, with 379,800 tonnes (211,000 cubic metres) of earth moved on site during the redevelopment.
“North Course: Golf at Quinta do Lago just gets better and better.” McGinley
An amazing 93.5km of new piping has been fitted on the redeveloped layout while the wide range of different jobs that have been carried have included:
Stripping existing grass; Earthworks; Sand extraction; Rough shaping; Lake installation; Drainage installation; Irrigation installation; Golf features construction; Cart path installation;
Final grading; Sand capping; Final preparation and floating; Sod fairways and tees; Seed roughs and greens; Grow in; Environmental management.
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.
Tee Times Algarve Golf – Quinta do Lago North at a Glance – Course Map
A low-cut Bermuda grass approach has been introduced around greens to create a myriad of recovery shot options for increased satisfaction on all levels of play. The aesthetics of the golf course have also significantly improved through the introduction of a cool season rough grass and the select planting of native grasses and specimen trees to help the environment.
“A must-play venue on any golfing trip to the Algarve.” McGinley
The renovation has also allowed Quinta do Lago to further reduce the impact on the environment by using recycled water and solar energy to maintain the course. The reduction of grassed areas will lessen the impact on the environment and the new design will include the creation of some new animal and plant habitats.
John Dwyer, chief executive of Quinta do Lago, said: “I think people will be blown away by the North Course. It is going to be very different but very playable and a real challenge, and it will be one that members and visitors will want to play again and again.
“We have focused on building a course that will be the best presented in Europe once it opens and we couldn’t be happier with the work that has taken place.”
“One of the most enjoyable new golf experiences in mainland Europe.” McGinley
Set amongst 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 benefiting 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 Laranjal – matched by outstanding practice facilities at the Paul McGinley Academy and the new TaylorMade Fitting Center, which gives golfers the chance to enjoy the ultimate club-fitting experience by providing them with the tools and techniques used by professionals on tour.
“A course golfers will want to play again and again.” McGinley
Away from the fairways, the resort’s extensive leisure facilities guarantee there is plenty to keep everyone occupied with events, tennis, cycling and watersports 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.
Source: Quinta do Lago
Courtesy of: Tee Times Tour Operator – Book now your Tee Times at Quinta do Lago North and enjoy your game with peace of mind and fun! Contact us for free quotes.
