| Golf in Portugal |
Algarve
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| Golf in Portugal > Algarve > Millenium > Bookings | |
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 Well-established
UK golf architects Hawtree & Sons were contracted to plan this modification
and design work which has culminated in the creation of the new, exciting
18-hole Millennium Golf Course. Refurbishment to the existing nine holes
commenced in May 1999 and included the complete rebuilding of the tees,
greens and the old nine holes, but several new design features were
incorporated with a view to simplifying the strategy of the course and
in order to make it more golfer-friendly. This applies especially to
holes 8 and 9, the only ones on this loop with water hazards. Also,
many of the bunkers have been re-shaped and the smaller greens expanded.This renovated North course has been joined together with the new 9-hole loop to offer a layout of different character, style and playing quality to the remaining Laguna Course. The two nines of the Millennium Course complement each other handsomely and have strong traits of Martin Hawtree's traditional architectural style. The new nine holes are located west of the clubhouse which has also been extended and renovated and will accommodate players and visitors to both the Laguna and Millennium courses. The terrain is partially open; similar to that of the original 27 holes, whereas the remainder meanders through attractive pinetrees so the fairways tend to be narrow, placing a premium on accurate play. Nearest Accommodation: Hotel Atlantis, Hotel Ampalius, Marinotel, Hotel Vila Galé Marina Nearest Golf Courses: Old Course, Pinhal, Laguna |
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Pro's Playing Tips
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The
par 3's - the third and sixth - are a delight, both visually and to
play. The sixth offers more of a test. There is a lake on the left
and that makes club selection paramount. When a course is visually
appealing as this one, it is hard to determine which hole will linger
longest in the mind, but the twisting and turning par-4 seventh is
a contender. Shadows of trees, mounds and hollows dissecting the fairway
conspire to confuse, but a well struck and very accurate drive will
set up a comfortable approach to the green. The second nine opens
with a benign par 4 of 335 meters. An elevated tee afford views inland
to the hills. The rolling fairway makes you want to open the shoulders
and look for a relaxed, comfortable shot to the generous green. The
eleventh - a par 5 - has fairway bunkers and requires accuracy to
score well. The par -4 sixteenth invites a drive to the right side
of the fairway where there is a strategically placed bunker. Perhaps
the most distinctive change in the back nine - the former North Holes
- has been the swapping of the par's on the seventeenth and eighteenth.
The seventeenth is now a beautifully designed par 4, with subtle undulations
in the fairway making the approach distance difficult to judge. The
finishing hole, now extended and rating a par 5, tempts the confident
player to try for the green in two, setting up a real "eagle"
possibility.
