GWD_MAY_16

DAY TWO
Castro Marim & Quinta do Vale
Designed by Seve Ballesteros and opened
in 2008, Quinta do Vale’s championship
layout comprises a neat scorecard of six
par 5s, six par 4s and six par 3s.
The late Spaniard employed a policy of
minimalist movement of earth here, keen
to integrate the course into the landscape
rather than vice versa. Holes dart in all
directions, many with a view over the river
Guadiana, the border between Portugal
and the Ryder Cup legend’s homeland.
Overlooked by a handsome clubhouse,
the course sits in a natural valley that
offers welcome shelter given it stretches to
over 7,000 yards off the tips.
In addition to its length, Ballesteros
incorporated several dog-legs, none more
acute than on the 17th, which is
practically a right-angle. And while there
are usually wide fairways to hit, water is
on your mind on the holes that close each
nine in front of the clubhouse, as well as
in the stretch from the 2nd to the 7th.
Nearby Castro Marim is a nice
complement to Quinta do Vale. Terry
Murray designed 18 holes in 2001 – the
The Guadiana and The Atlantic loops –
with The Grouse added in 2008. The
latter, younger loop, is regarded as at least
the equal of its sister nines.
Lakes feature prominently on some
holes – being especially threatening to
under-hit approaches. All the loops come
in under the 7,000-yard mark, but it often
feels longer as its undulating fairways
frequently lead to elevated greens.
Finally, if you follow our advice and
stay at Robinson Club Quinta da Ria,
you might like to play Benamor, just 10
minutes away in the foothills of Barrocal
on the outskirts of historic Tavira.
Opened in 2000, it is Algarve godfather
Sir Henry Cotton’s last design and boasts
mountain and sea views from a tranquil
location that notably lacks residences.
TOP: The bridge over the Guadiana river to Spain in view on
Quinta do Vale’s 6th. ABOVE: The opening hole at Sevedesigned
Quinta do Vale. BELOW: The spectacular 11th at
Monte Rei. RIGHT: The 3rd on Castro Marim’s ‘Grouse’ loop.
BONUS TIP
Cross-border adventure?
Quinta do Vale sits right on the
Portugal-Spain border, the Guadiana
river. So it is perfectly feasible to hop
across and enjoy a day out in south-
west Spain – from Islantilla and Costa
Esuri a matter of minutes away to Tour
venue Montecastillo near Jerez or Top
100 Seville within 90 minutes.
120 Golf World May 2016