The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/all/20060322074556/http://premier-direct.com/oldcourse.htm
The Old Course
Premier Golf Course Rating

The Old Course is probably one of the best known courses in Vilamoura, if not the Algarve. The Old Course (formally Golf 1) was originally designed by the master himself Frank Pennink, this course is laid out along the lines of a classic British Design one of solitude and tranquillity.

"Today we have it back to it's former glory, after a year of rebuilding and back to it's original name The Old Course".

Par 3 - 4th Hole
Score Card

  • On the 25th April 1997, on the reopening the owners Lusotur Golfes organised a Charity Pro Am. In the year of the Ryder Cup to be held at Valederama, Spain, Lusotur Golfes lured Seve Ballesteros Captain of the Ryder Cup Team to Vilamoura. The list of players included Ian Woosnam, Constantino Rocca, Thomas Bjorn, Padraig Harrington and Daren Clarke, this line up included 3 of the Ryder Cup Team and it's Captain. This Pro-Am was in aid of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and individuals paid to be able play with one of the top professionals. All of the invited professionals agreed that The Old Course was indeed one of the best Courses on the Algarve, and had it been a little longer it could have been on the European Tour.
  • A quote of the day by Ian Woosnam "I wish I could birdie a hole like that" this was pointed at one of his 4 ball, Ian Weemes an amateur player off 16 who birdied the 15 par 5.

Here's a few holes to water your mouth with. From the elevated first tee you can get the feel of this course, lush fairways and good greens. This course will remain one course you will always wish to return to. The 4th is a par 3 of 163 meters, not long, but is probably one of the holes you will always remember. From the tee you have to negotiate a small lake with an imposing solitary pine tree, marring the view to the green. Just past the tree is one of three bunkers guarding the green, club selection is paramount along with a good steady shot.

On the 8th tee you will appreciate why this par 4 is given it´s stroke index 1 tag. From the tee you look into the distance from a very tight tee down the hill, then up hill to the green with the fairway sloping to the left all the way to the green. Fairway bunkers and pine greens on both sides of the fairway make this hole very difficult on the best of days, make a 5 and it will feel like a birdie.

As you try and decide which club to take from the 10th tee, try and force your self into 1 more club, as a short shot leaves you with a blind recovery shot to the green. From the elevated tee you look over a deep ravine to an elevated green, a short hole but take care, you must be on the green with your tee shot. Out of bounds to the left and trees to the right makes this hole one of the most difficult par 3's on the course.

  • COURSE DETAILS
    Built in 1969 - Course architect Frank Pennink
    Rebuilt 1997
    Par 73 -18 Holes - SSS 72 Length off White Tees 6,316 Meters
  • Score Card

PLAYER REQUIREMENTS

  • Current Handicap Certificate Necessary
    Men 24 and Ladies 28
    Soft Spikes Obligatory
    Normal Algarve Dress code,
    Tailored shorts and collared polo shirts.
Last up date January 1, 2002
© Copyright 2001 Premier Direct - Web Site Design by Premier Webpages