South Course - Quinta do Lago
A championship course, in an exceptional setting
The South course is the true jewel of Quinta do Lago. Designed in 1974 by William Mitchell, it introduced greens, teeing areas and bunkers to American standards in the Algarve. Very quickly, this course acquired a prestigious reputation and became a must-see on the European circuit. This 18-hole course, par 72 and 6,500 meters long, is one of the favorites of professionals on the European circuit. It extends into the heart of lush nature, between umbrella pines, lakes and wild flowers, with a breathtaking view of the Ria Formosa natural park.
The Algarve
- Number of holes: 18
- Architect: William Mitchell
- Year: 1974
- Style: parkland
- PAR 72
- Slope 138
- Distance: 6500m
The route in detail
The South Course has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times, including Colin Montgomerie's famous victory in 1989. With an exceptional score of 24 shots under par, he won the event by 11 shots and set a world record by finishing at 63.
Route & Infrastructure
Despite its status as a championship course, it remains accessible to amateurs.
While Holes 8, 15 and 18 present real challenges for low-handicap players, the varying difficulty of the course tests all levels of play. Accuracy of tee shots is essential to hitting the fairways, especially as the course features a variety of doglegs and strategically placed hazards to increase the challenge. The first nine holes, which wind through the park, favor draw players, while the last nine, which runs along the lake, are more suited to fade players.
