Clubhouse/Hospitality
Quality of Course
Practice Facilities
Value for Money
This is what golf is all about....
Now THIS is more like it.... What a great course this is!! And in contrast to the flagship course of the Pestana Group (Vila Sol) this more than lived up to expectation. This IS why I came to play golf in The Algarve.
Designed by Ronald Fream, Vale da Pinta is considered one of the best layouts in Europe and you can see why.
Vale da Pinta is a parkland course built into the natural contours of the terrain. After a fairly easy start the course then starts to test you with undulating fairways, plateau greens, stunning views, playing off fairways like carpets. Millionaire golf!
The course has played host to the Seniors Tour in recent years and we were there the day before the regions PGA championship was taking place. There are two big lakes on the course, which invites you to challenge yourself but I would save my praise for the Par 3 -7th (165 years plateau to plateau) and the stunning approach to the Par 5 – 12th. Most greens on the course are beautifully guarded with multiple bunkers, but don’t be put off – they are full of soft, fluffy sand.
There are also works under-way around some of the course but all very subtle and it does not detract from the course in any way. I can honestly say it’s one of the best courses I have had the pleasure of playing (and I have played over 120 in total to date).
The clubhouse is cool and airy and the Pro shop staff welcoming and helpful. The views from the patio allow you to watch the golfers tee off and play the entire uphill first hole.
However, I have one criticism…. why build a course, so that the last two holes you are playing directly into the sunset? And why put the 18th green 500m away from the clubhouse leaving a steep walk back, right at the end of your round?!
This is of course nit-picking as most will visit here and take buggies and I would jump at the chance to play here again!
