Quinta do Lago South

This course favours the long hitters, but it requires the skill to score well. Although the front and back nines are both anti-clockwise loops, the first nine favours a draw, while the second favours a fade from the tee.
The first tee isn't too difficult, there is some leeway from the generous fairway and the approach to the large green of this par 4 has no intrusive hazards, a couple of bunkers or so. Along par 5 follows. The third is a par 4 of 387 meters and flows over a rise in the fairway, frustratingly masking the finger of water coming in on the left in front of the green. If your second shot is in any way wanting, you will have a pretty good idea where the ball will be! A firm, confident approach to the elevated green is needed. The hugely elevated tee at the par 4 ninth somehow encourages a forced drive, which will find trouble on the left and right. This hole dog-legs left and a longish, straight drive is rewarded with sight of the green. The fairway dips away off the tee, then climbs again, so the approach is invariably an uphill lie. Your best shot is to the right side of the green. Probably the most memorable hole here is the 200 meter par 3 fifteenth, with a large lake which you have to carry. The green is set in a semicircle of umbrella pines and you get to it across a distinctive wooden bridge. Very picturesque.