Quinta do Lago has unveiled plans for a major renovation of its North Course to match the other first-class golfing facilities at the prestigious resort in Portugal’s Algarve.
Work will begin this month (Nov) and the course is scheduled to re-open in October 2014, with the new plans designed by renowned American golf architect Beau Welling in collaboration with European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.
Among the changes taking place, all greens, tees, bunkers, irrigation and drainage systems and cart paths will be rebuilt using the latest state-of-the-art technology.
While the routing of the course will not change, Quinta do Lago has revealed that golf course strategy will be addressed to make the par-72 layout significantly more playable for all golfers, while still being a challenging test for the better players.
A low-cut Bermuda grass approach will be 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 will also significantly improve through the introduction of a cool season rough grass and the select planting of native grasses and specimen trees to help the environment.
Welling, who worked with Tom Fazio for more than ten years and has worked on more than 90 projects worldwide including the re-design of the famous PGA Tour course at Quail Hollow, said: “I can't begin to tell you how excited we are about the project, as we truly believe the end result will make the North Course one of Europe's best.
“The "new" North Course is really going to become a great golf course to play. By having the opportunity to adjust the golf course strategy, we can make the course substantially more playable, while still introducing many different shot options for golfers of all skill levels.”
John Dwyer, CEO of Quinta do Lago, said: “This is a very exciting time for us, our members and residents. This renovation will allow us 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.”
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.
Since its inception, Quinta do Lago has been at the forefront of golf in the Algarve 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 on the professional Tours.
Away from the fairways, the resort’s extensive leisure facilities guarantee there is plenty to keep everyone occupied, with events, tennis, cycling and watersports and 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 resort has become famous for.
For further information on Quinta do Lago and its facilities, call 00351 289 390 700 or visit www.quintadolago.com
