Quinta do Lago Laranjal Course

The land that this course is built on used to be an orange grove and the transformation is nothing short of staggering. Sitting just 2km from the resort in the Ludo Valley, pine and orange trees play a role in the beauty of this course. Voted the best course in Portugal in 2011 this is a challenging track with well-defended greens.

The set-up of this course is unique with five par-5s, eight par-4s and five par-3s. Given that this is a standalone course away from the main resort, the Laranjal has its own clubhouse and practice facilities. These amenities are exactly what you would expect from Quinta do Lago and are of the highest quality. The 11th hole on the course is probably the signature hole, although choosing a highlight is difficult here. A 180 yard par-3 with water to the right of the hole as well as the famous ‘beach bunker’ making that tee shot a little tenser. The green is lightning fast and leaving the ball below the hole is a must to give yourself a chance at a single putt.

Signature Hole – No. 11: Par 3, 230 yards (Black Tees)

There are many stand-out holes at Laranjal but it’s hard to argue against the 11th being the Signature Hole. This stunning par 3 is played over a sizable lake towards a green that is guarded at the front by a remarkable bunker which has no boundary at the front, rather disappearing into the depths of the lake. A miniature beach of you will.

The green is framed at the back by tall umbrella pines and slopes severely from front to back, meaning that any approach shot above the pin when it’s in the back portion of the green will leave a lightning-fast putt down the hill.

Facilities

Only a short shuttle ride from the main resort, the Laranjal course has its own clubhouse and practice facilities where you can relax after a long round in the hot Portuguese sun. If you fancy grabbing a bite to eat, the Laranjal Clubhouse Kitchen has a menu for all tastes and is open from 7:00 to 17:30. Buggy bars also circulate the course.

A pro-shop is available at the Laranjal Clubhouse, where golf equipment and a variety of merchandise is also on offer.