Dom Pedro Pinhal Golf Course

This picturesque course is the ‘home’ golf course of the Four Seasons Vilamoura.

Inaugurated in 1976, it was the second golf course built in Vilamoura, having originally been designed by Frank Pennink, the architect of the nearby Old Course.

Several refinements have been incorporated over the years, the most significant being by Robert Trent Jones Senior in 1985.

The course is typified by rolling parkland terrain covered with numerous umbrella and Atlantic pines that line many of the fairways; a few even stand out on fairways or near greens.

To keep up with modern technical advances in clubs and balls, several holes have recently been lengthened and the par-72 course now measures 6,353m off the white tee markers.

Ponds and a stream come into play on five holes, but are not serious threats to above-average golfers.

“I first played this course in 1980 with the European tour and have always found it to be a challenge.” – Peter Lester

Location: Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal

Designer / Opened: Frank Pennink, redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1985, 1976

Holes / Par: 18 Holes, Par 72

Length (mt): 6353 m / 5914 m / 5206 m

The first nine holes are a true test of accuracy from the tee.

The second hole requires a tee shot to the left side of the fairway to leave a long second over a pine tree which stands 70m short of the green.

Hole 4 is best played with a fairway wood or long iron from the tee to leave the best angle to approach the green which has a lake guarding its right side.

Hole 6 is a long par 4 uphill.

Trees line both sides of the fairway and it requires a long straight drive if you want to hit the centre of the green in two shots.

The second nine holes open up and provide some ocean views.

The best hole is the 18th, which is a long par 4 uphill from the tee, and from the top of the hill a long second shot downhill to a well-protected green.

Avoid the large bunker left of the green.

You can enjoy a panoramic view over the excellent driving range and practice facilities from the large veranda of the renovated Clubhouse.