The Vilamoura Pinhal Golf Course is a course distinguished by fairways lined with pine trees.
Inaugurated in 1976, it was originally designed by Frank Pennink. Later, in 1985, it was partly
redesigned by Robert Trent Jones, who introduced new challenges into the course.
Vilamoura Pinhal golf course built in the middle of a beautiful pine wood,
with panoramic views over the sea, one of the main characteristics of this course is the small
size of its greens, requiring great precision from the golfer in terms of approach shots.
The first nine holes meander through an exclusive residential complex, the second nine are more
open, undulating land with occasional glimpses of the sea beyond.
The first hole is a tricky par 5. The drive is blind, over a gentle rise.
The second shot is, in principle, relatively straightforward. The approach must be played with determination
to carry the deep bunkers which protect a two tiered McKenzie green inclined towards the line of play.
The 4-par fourth hole is probably the signature hole of Pinhal. There is a small lake which comes
into play at the second shot - or possibly with an overly long drive!
The green is undulating and torturous, making par a real achievement even if your second shot
has found the putting surface. Vilamoura Pinhal golf course there is water too, at the par-3
eighth. Although the elevated tee gives a feeling of confidence by its very height,
the green is immediately behind the small lake which protects it.
A positive shot is required so as not to find the bank and roll back into the water.
The green itself is stepped and generous from side to side - not a lot of depth though.
On the back nine, the fifteenth has changed from being relatively straight forward.
Only a well judged drive will allow a second shot, which must carry a meandering ditch and a
scattering of trees and bushes to fly the green.
Length: Championship: 6353 metres | Mens: 5914 metres | Ladies: 5206 metres | Par: 72
Slope Rating: 132 | Course Rating: 73.7
Requirements: Handicap Certificate. Max: Men - 24, Ladies - 28
Dress Code: Only soft spikes are allowed. Tailored shorts or trousers, Polo shirts, Golf shoes
Facilities: Club House, pro-shop, restaurant, bar, buggy bar on the course, putting-green, driving range.
Local Rules: to be read in conjunction with the FPG golf rules and any temporary local rules.
Out of Bounds: White stakes
Course Signage:
Players with buggies must follow the paths and course signage at all times, 100 and 150 meters distance posts are in meters measured to the front of the green.
Course layout:
Take a tour around the course