Alto Golf Course Review

The Alto Golf Course is part of the Pestana Resort and is located between the cosmopolitan city of Portimão and the beautiful fishing town of Alvor. This is a well established golf course that recently became involved in the network of the Pestana Group resources, which include various expertises ranging from course management to marketing. Alto Golf followed an original design by Sir Henry Cotton and presents a traditional layout. To highlight this course, Golf Algarve invited two distinguished guests to play the course and make their respective comments: the Portuguese National Coach, Sebastião Gil from a professional perspective and the Managing Director of Tee Times Golf Agency, Carlos Ferreira from a visiting amateur perspective. Also joining us was Rodrigo Ulrich the Marketing Manager for the Pestana Golf and a real gentleman. During a lunch made for the gods, Golf Algarve presented our panel a number of questions and captured an interesting conversation about the golf course and this interesting game. This was certainly a great Algarve experience!

In general, what do you feel are the outstanding features of the Pestana Alto Golf Course?

Sebastião Gil ( Portuguese National golf Team coach and trainer ):
I had played at Alto only once before and I was not too fond of the course. This time, from what I saw, I must say that the course has improved quite a lot. It still does not have a layout that I would consider to be one of the best, but it is one that has plenty of potential. Contrary to what many people may think, the course is not as easy as it appears to be: most of the greens are raised, the fairways narrow, and there are many dog-legs. Players need to have a certain amount of skill to reap the maximum benefits of the course. The Pestana Alto course is very challenging, with many interesting features including some that I feel are important: it has several easy holes; some short par-5s and some long ones too, as well as several challenging holes. There are obviously some details that could be improved, such as some dog-legs that are too tight, especially for professionals who hit the ball farther, but it is a course that demands strategic play and has everything that is key to lead to good overall scoring. Without being a championship course, Pestana Alto Golf is an extremely interesting one that is well worth playing.

Carlos Ferreira ( One of the most prominent golf Tour operators in Portugal ):
From a golf tour operator’s perspective, having already played this course several times over the past few years, I feel that the improvement in its condition is highly perceptible, specially that of the fairways, greens and also the rough which has been cleared out and is now more open, making it easier to find balls that stray from the fairways. It is still a course that retains its original features but there is now more care taken with maintenance, so it is neater. I feel that our visiting golfers will now experience much better playability at Alto than they would have encountered a couple of years ago.

Rodrigo Ulrich ( Marketing Manager for Pestana golf ):
Following the improvements that have been carried out, I must say that what stands out at Pestana Alto Golf is the original design, apart from the fact that it is an enjoyable course to play. It’s a good test for both pros and amateurs, but as a course it is now up to the standard of the best we have in the Algarve.

In your opinion, what are the main characteristics of the tees, greens, fairways, bunkers and rough at the Pestana Alto Golf Course?

SG – I noticed that the course was well looked after: the rough was cut low, the tees well mown, the greens were consistent although from my point of view the grass was not short enough, but I realise that this is normal for the height of summer when there are fewer players, so the greens need to have preventive work done so that they are in good shape for the next main golfing season. Before coming I had a negative feeling but I liked what I saw and can assure you that I am impressed, although further improvements should be made to make this course into what it deserves to be. One of the things I liked most was coming to the clubhouse, which incidentally is very attractive, and after all is the one with most history concerning Sir Henry Cotton – history is extremely important to golfers as they enjoy the culture of the game, and sports men and women without culture are not true sports people.

CF – Continuing Sebastião Gil’s point of view, it was really interesting to note on arriving at the clubhouse how the members are involved, and the care management is taking with regard to course upkeep. There is noticeable attention given to Alto Golf history and maintaining the course in good condition since the members represent a considerable critical mass for the owners and it is necessary to have a high standard of quality to offer visitors to the course. The improvements made and the care taken with regard to club history in the clubhouse and not simply neglecting the past but on the contrary cherishing it, and all the involvement of those at Alto, one of the older courses in the Algarve, designed by a famous pro who left his mark in the region – Sir Henry Cotton – all this is sure to make more golfers come or return to play at Alto Golf.

RU – there has in fact been an effort to keep up traditions as this was the last course designed by Sir Henry Cotton, who sadly passed away before it was completed. After the improvements that have been made, the course is much more playable. We have an excellent maintenance team who know how to make the course more pleasurable. Four of us played today, three of whom had not played at Alto for a long time and they all noted a marked change for the better. this is the effort that the pestana Group has made to ensure the course will continue to improve. We know that the work is not over, however we’re sure that we are on the right track.

How do you rate the difficulty of the Pestana Alto golf course?

Sg – my opinion is no doubt different from those golfers who consider Alto an easy course. it has many birdie opportunities but also lots of holes where one can easily score bogeys. it has a high degree of difficulty apart from the fact that it is not a long course, because it has many tricky features: players need to have an exact notion as to the distance of all approach shots; Alto has a large number of doglegs so tee-shots have to be precisely positioned; most greens are elevated and considerably contoured, making it difficult to approach flags with precision. i feel that pestana Alto Golf is a good test of golf, a test for good players too. on a scale of difficulty of 1 to 10 i would rate it as 7.

Cf – From a business point of view, an improvement that could perhaps be made to the course is to establish a better balance amongst the 18 holes. it could possibly be straightening out the dog-legs a little for the higher handicappers and having fewer raised greens and less undulating. these are the features that make Alto Golf somewhat difficult for golfers to play to their handicaps in spite of the excellent state the course that they will find.

RU – Somewhat contrary to the present trend, pestana Alto Golf is proof that a course does not have to be long to be challenging. I agree with Sebastião when he stated that it should be clearly rated as 7 on a scale from 1 to 10.

Sebastião, you’ve travelled practically all over the world, you were recently in Japan and the Scandinavian countries and, as the national coach, you have walked many golf courses. How would you compare Pestana Alto Golf to all those courses you have seen?

SG – My players compete on championship courses and understandably Pestana Alto Golf is not classified in that category. I do feel however that Alto has its place in Portuguese golf and it has a clientele such as the majority of our visiting golfers – the average to high handicap players. I believe that it has everything required for players to thoroughly enjoy golf, and for professionals to compete on every so often. From what I experienced today, I would like to mention that I liked the texture of the greens very much, and I also enjoyed the fairway grass which was excellent. More attention should however be given to the bunkers which are not as good as the rest of the course in general because, apart from being hazards, they could contribute to the quality of the course if they were in a better state. Logically, we cannot compare this course to a championship one, but Alto attracts an extensive clientele and we must benefit from it. I would also like to thank the Pestana Group as it has, like others, invested heavily in the Algarve and continues to have faith in it, and without this Group golf in Portugal and the Algarve in particular would lose considerably. In view of this I feel that it merits a positive opinion. The Pestana Group has other courses with better potential and standing than Alto, but courses are similar to hotels, they have different star ratings. Lastly, I cannot fail to mention that Pestana is a group that has staked a lot in projects that I feel are fundamental for the expansion of golf in this country.

Carlos Ferreira, last year you negotiated about 70,000 rounds of golf for amateur visitors and you of course obtain some feedback and opinions that they have on the Algarve courses. As an agent for these golfers who come to the Algarve what do you think of Pestana Alto Golf in this context?

CF – The Algarve is undoubtedly one of the world’s best golf destinations. Alto is a course near a city in an area that has a wealth of gastronomic, cultural and leisure delights to offer, as well as beautiful days such as this. We played golf at Alto this morning, came to have lunch at a wonderful restaurant in Alvor – the Fisherman’s Rest – with a fabulous atmosphere, and now at 4:30pm here we are sitting around a table having a drink at the end of our meal. This is the Algarve at its best, and what makes it a region par excellence. The Pestana Group has in fact done a great job and Rodrigo is exemplary in his dedication and enthusiasm for the project. This proves that it is an important group that pays attention to details, to its clients and the quality of the final product. It was truly gratifying for me to witness the dedication of the course staff, something that is uncommon with regard to certain projects, especially in large groups, but it ensures us that our clients will be provided with the best possible service.

Rodrigo Ulrich, as marketing director at Pestana Group, what would you like to add as to what was already said.

RU – A large number of improvements have been made since the Pestana Group took over this course in September last year. We have installed new sprinkler systems, planted new grasses, rebuilt greens and we had to carry out a series of changes to enhance the course. Sebastião is absolutely right in bringing up the matter of the bunkers and we are aware that there are, in fact, certain bunkers that require upgrading but we needed to concentrate firstly on the fairways then the greens, and we are now going to deal with the bunkers. We are conscious of the fact that the course has to be improved and that the next step is definitely to work on the bunkers, however compared with a year ago, the overall difference is enormous. Speaking with Carlos, one of our most important tour operators, a year ago the course was practically unplayable and now we have managed to obtain some positive feedback. I would like to thank Golf Algarve for the absolutely undeniable contribution to the quality of golf here. It is fundamental for us to have companies, magazines, etc., who take time to play our courses and arrange to have pertinent individuals to accompany them. We have Alfredo here, for example, an excellent golfer, Sebastião Gil who is one of our golf gurus, and also Carlos - one of the two top operators in Portugal - who has given us the necessary feedback so that we can know what to improve and above all the way to improve. We consequently believe it is essential to have Alfredo and the whole Group on our side, working as partners because after all we have a common objective: to satisfy our customers’ aspirations.

Courtesy of Golf Algarve Magazine, Feature of September 2009

Quinta do Lago Laranjal Review

The Laranjal Golf Course is a part of the Quinta do Lago resort and is located in Ludo – within a 10 minute drive of the Quinta do Lago, Pinheiros Altos and Vale do Lobo triangle - nestled between a protected parkland sanctuary and a vast region of orange groves. A brand new addition to the Algarve, designed by the renowned golf course architect Jorge Santana da Silva and maintained by Paulo Viegas a well recognized master greenkeeper. In order to highlight this golf course, Golf Algarve invited three distinctive guests to play the course and make their respective comments: the Portuguese National Coach, Sebastião Gil and ex-director of the British PGA Colin Snape gave us a professionals perspective; and from an amateur perspective, we were honoured by Jane Barker's company. Also joining us was Nuno Gonçalves the Golf Director of Laranjal and a real gentleman. Golf Algarve presented our panel a number of questions and captured an interesting conversation about the golf course and the outcome of this interesting game. This was certainly a glorious day of golf!

In general what do you feel are the outstanding features of the Laranjal Golf Course?

Colin Snape ( Former Head of the LPGA Europe in the 1980’s ):
To start with, it is the environment and the location. It is very rare that around a golf course one can literally hear the birds perfectly in a peaceful and quiet setting – its location is superb. It is near to the other golf courses, which in tourism terms is so crucial. The infrastructure as well. So, I have been extremely pleased with what I have seen today.

Jane Barker ( Golfer for 27 years, present handicap 13 ):
My first thought was the beauty of the course, the space of the course and having no buildings around you, no villas overlooking fairways and the natural beauty of the course.

Sebastião Gil ( Portuguese National golf Team coach and trainer ):
I believe that the location of the Laranjal golf course is extremely important. It is close to some of the best ones in the Algarve and, it is therefore always possible to make comparisons and when doing so – Laranjal cannot be considered inferior to them. Laranjal has all the ingredients to be a great course. It has wide fairways, lots of bunkers to guard them and beautiful lakes. The three main features I would highlight are those that any top-class player would like to see on a golf course: the greenness of the grass; sparkling white sand and blue water. These are essential factors, and the Laranjal course incorporates all of them.

Nuno Gonçalves ( Golf Director at Laranjal ):
I agree with many of the opinions mentioned, but in my point of view, I would like to point out the dedication and effort made on a daily basis to maintain and present all the facets – namely the intrinsic qualities of the Laranjal course as a product. Laranjal is a course with an extremely pleasant layout but, at the same time, it is a challenge for all golfers, irrespective of their playing abilities. I would also like to take this opportunity to stress that we are committed to providing a high level of service, including catering, to ensure satisfaction on the part of our customers.

In your opinion what are the main physical features of Laranjal golf course? In terms of the greens, the tees, the fairways, the roughs, the bunkers.

CS – First of all, the overall manicure is superb. For a golf course that has only been open for two months. I think I can safely say that I have never seen a golf course in such immaculate condition. I looked around and I couldn’t see anything that you could say “well it isn’t quite finished.” That is my general opinion. If you go through each one of the constituent parts, the greens are huge, undulating is the description. I would say that a lot of tournament directors are measured by what their feel is in looking for pin placements – so that really is something. The tees and the fairways are excellent. The way the bunkers have been strategically situated on some of the holes, I would say that local knowledge is required, the bunkers are fair and the water hazard, I feel just require a little bit more definition, but that would hardly be a criticism. But overall, the presentation is excellent.

JB – They were all superb. The greens obviously for me are very challenging, difficult to read, very large but very enjoyable to play. The bunkers have a lot of sand, I came across that in a couple of instants, but perhaps I shouldn’t have been there in the first place. Generally speaking the actual manicure of the overall course is superb.

SG – The Laranjal greens are amongst the best in the country as they were made by someone who really knows how to make them: they are well moulded, compact and perfect; they allow for several different pin positions and even for me, the approach shots are always challenging. The greens were very well planned and built. The water hazards and bunkers on the 11th hole, for example, are seamlessly interconnected, with one starting where the other ends – they are extremely well conceived. The fairways today were immaculate. Whether you like it or not, Bermuda is the best grass we have in Portugal, particularly in the Algarve. The tee sizes are generous and there are many teeing-off options and positions. The placement of the bunkers is also very good, and for the course it is, some are extremely penalising. The only downside in my point of view is the exaggerated amount of sand in the bunkers, but this is a general problem we encounter throughout the whole country. Otherwise, the grass height on the fairways is ideal. The rough gives us a good chance to hit approach shots to the greens and as regards to the greens themselves, it is difficult to find any that are better. The course is 100 per cent.

NG – We are pleased to hear all your comments since it gives us all a feeling of reward for all the work that has been done, as well as strengthening the work philosophy we should adopt. Our main objective at Laranjal is to afford all our visitors the best possible playing conditions. On the practical side, I would like to highlight the challenge that the greens demand, as well as the harmony between the hazards that are strategically located throughout the course. Incidentally, we are also carrying out landscaping work in order to improve several details.

How difficult did you find the Laranjal Golf Course?

CS – I genuinely feel that this is a championship course from day one, whether for professionals or amateurs. The interesting thing that I looked at was the par-3s. You have four par-3s that are to me the ‘piéce de la resistance’ of this golf course, I have never found a par-3, in my life, that is a stroke one in the index, but that is not to say that it isn’t a fair reflection. Also the last three holes. If you would know that you have got to play level par or better, to win something, that to my mind would be the mark of this golf course. It is difficult but it is fair. It is what I would call a ladies customer course. The red tees on some of the holes are so far forward and that is what business is all about. Ladies in golf terms, is a business that is going to grow and that is something that will appeal.

JB – I found it reasonably difficult, but if you are a good low-handicap lady player, I think would actually be even more challenging because your second shot is going to be having to come over bunkers to get on to greens. If you are a medium handicapper than you are obviously looking to get three on the green and, therefore, you can hopefully do a bit of course management. But overall, I thought it was a challenge. It was a very fair start on the gentlemen’s tees, I felt that we were all given a good start and that is an advantage. If I manage to have a good drive, then I was up more or less with my three playing partners.

SG – I think it's always hard to define the extent of course difficulty. Laranjal has everything a modern design can provide us with. For day-to-day usage, it is a commercial facility, whilst having all the makings of a championship course due to its maximum distance, the variety of pin positions available, cut of the fairways and rough height. If those involved wish to stage a Portuguese Open or the Portugal Masters here, the course itself certainly lacks nothing. All that they need is the desire, and someone who knows how to choose the correct tees and pin positions. I would like to recommend local golfers to try out the course at least once, and also to those living abroad, I would like to add that it is really worthwhile playing Laranjal. I feel that after playing it once they will fall in love with the course as it is yet one more golfing attraction in Portugal. Laranjal is a complex that should not be missed by any golf addict, and I am sure that everyone who plays the course will not go away disappointed because it is a par excellence golfing venue, and one with a bright future.

Nuno, what can you say regarding Laranjal's degree of difficulty today?

NG – Our objective is to offer a course that is enjoyable by our customers whilst also being challenging for their various handicap levels. The difficulty we encountered today was based on the pin positions that demanded more accurate putting, as well as approach shots to the green and especially the tee-shots on the par-3s. At an overall maximum length of 6,480 metres, Laranjal is considered to be a championship layout, with generous greens, wide fairways and five sets of tees per hole. It can be managed on a pay & play basis as well as being suitable for holding professional tournaments. Generally speaking, I feel that the Laranjal course offers a unique diversity of playing circumstances that demand the use of most clubs in any golfer's bag.

Colin, you were head of the PGA British for 12 years and I am sure you have seen a lot of courses in your years. Did Laranjal come to you as a surprise?

CS – It did come to me as a surprise, an agreeable surprise. I first came here in 1973 as tournament director of the PGA, for the Portuguese Open and I have seen the Algarve over those 35 years in evolutionary terms. This golf course is what I would call a modern golf course. It has got all the facilities that you can see in architectural terms, in environmental terms and so on. You can see the budget that must have gone into this; you can see the budget in maintenance as we have seen everybody working along with modern equipment and so on − all the things that were not there 35 years ago. So, this to my mind so far, is what I would say the ultimate in modern architecture and facilities and you can’t take that away from them. It must ultimately be featured as one of the top golf courses, not only in Portugal but I believe in Europe as well. Jane, you have played in many golf courses as well. You have been captain of ladies teams throughout England.

Did Laranjal come to you as a surprise?

JB – It did. It came as a great surprise, but a very pleasant one. As a matter of fact it was a real treat and a privilege to play it today. I played in America and on links courses in England, but it was such a wonderful experience to come to play this course today in such wonderful condition. There were so many people working on the course, all the money being put in, hopefully and I am sure it will reap the benefits of all this hard work that has been put in. I thouroughly enjoyed playing Laranjal. The beauty of the course was stunning. The birds sung, the sun shone, the smell of the orange trees was heady and there were no developments to be seen. Sebastião, as coach of the Portuguese team, having travelled throughout the whole world and seen and played countless highly regarded courses, including Valderrama.

How did you rate Laranjal?

SG – I've had the privilege of playing and visiting leading courses in the five continents and, in my opinion, it is always a pleasant surprise to confirm that we have top class facilities in Portugal − and Laranjal is one of them. As far as golf is concerned, Quinta do Lago is almost home to me, and Laranjal is no less prestigious than those in the great Quinta do Lago complex. The new course is another addition and enhances Quinta do Lago further. Laranjal is a top-drawer course and although it will obviously need a couple of years to reach full maturity, the Quinta do Lago directors must be really proud because they have been able to establish the same standards they have maintained at Quinta do Lago for several decades.

Nuno, as golf director of this course, having previously held the same position at Quinta do Vale, you also worked at the courses in Vilamoura. What surprises did you encounter at Laranjal?

Nuno – Laranjal is the most recent Algarve course and now complements the renowned, emblematic Quinta do Lago ones. I am honoured to be part of the Quinta do Lago team that has such know-how and history within the context of the golf industry in Portugal. Of course, modern methods were adopted in the construction of Laranjal, mainly due to the new technologies that are now available in golf course design and construction, and which were non-existent when Quinta do Lago North and South were built. Finally, I would like to mention again that Laranjal underscores the commitment of golf course and service quality that Quinta do Lago has always strived for with a view to promoting Algarve and Portuguese tourism throughout the world.

Courtesy of Golf Algarve Magazine, Feature of July 2009