Quinta do Lago South

The South Course is the crown jewel of Quinta do Lago. Designed in 1974 by William Mitchell, who introduced American-standard greens, tees and bunkers to the Algarve. Soon the course gained a prestigious reputation and became a flagship in the European Tour Course. A favourite among European tour players, the 6,500 metre par 72 is set among umbrella pines, lakes and wild flowers, overlooking the serene Ria Formosa Natural Park.

South Course has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times, including Colin Montgomerie’s win in 1989. Having won 24 under par, he finished 11 strokes ahead and broke the world record with a round of 63.

Paul plays the 16^th hole, at Quinta do Lago South, a par four.

Pestana Gramacho

The Pestana Gramacho Golf Course near Carvoeiro in the Algarve was originally a nine hole course which has been extended and cleverly redesigned to become a fully fledged interesting 18 hole course. The course covers undulating terrain with olive, almond and carob trees scattered as planted years before by the local farmers. Chris plays the 10^th hole, a par 3.

Quinta da Ria

Quinta da Ria is a very popular course about forty-five minutes from Faro airport. This 18 hole course was designed by Rocky Roquemore to take advantage of the natural setting in a Nature Reserve with the blue sea on its southern boundary and is the sister golf course to Quinta de Cima.

At this beautiful course, right by the sea, Chris plays the 12^th hole, a par 3.

Castro Marim

Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club is just half an hour from Faro and an hour from Seville airports. With three great nine hole golf courses, this is a dream location for golfers. This beautiful course is played by Paul and Chris on their tour of the Southern part of Portugal. Chris and Paul play the fifth hole, a tricky par 5, on this course which overlooks the Atlantic ocean.

The Old Head

Two miles in from the Atlantic Ocean, The Old Head of Kinsale is home to the most spectacular golf course. The Old Head Golf Links is built on 220-acre diamond of land jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean.

Paul plays Hole 4, a spectacular Par 4 on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. Aim for the lighthouse and you might just make a 4!

Ardglass Golf Club

Ardglass Golf Club, home of the world’s oldest clubhouse dating back to 1405 AD, is a stunning 18-hole links course in a natural setting hugging the north-east coast of Ireland.

Paul and Chris play the 11th. A stunning par 5 with the “original” Coney Island in the background. Framed by coarse hedges on the left and the Irish Sea on the right. There is little room for error as Chris found out!

Royal Belfast

The oldest club on the island of Ireland, this beautiful course is designed by the famed designer Harry Colt. In 1885 the Club became “Royal” after the Prince of Wales (Subsequently King Edward VII) was invited to become its Patron during a visit to Ireland.

Chris plays the 11th. It’s a tough par 3 in the middle of the club’s own “Amen Corner”. The tee shot will take your breath away.

Carne Golf Links

The Carne Links at Belmullet is designed by famed designer Eddie Hackett and many believe it is his best design. The course sits on the Atlantic edge of County Mayo and lies on the peninsula amidst gigantic sand dunes. The views from the course are spectacular across Blacksod Bay to the islands of Inis Gloire and Inis Gleidhewild.

Paul plays the 10th on the wild Atlantic Dunes. And it was a wild day! It’s a par 3. It is over 200 yards and with the wind blowing in from the Atlantic, this was a tough one.