In Quinta do Lago, the San Lorenzo course contains three superb holes on the edge of the Atlantic salt marshes, in the heart of the Rio Formosa natural park.

Let's start with the heart of the matter. The 5-6-7 sequence in San Lorenzo is one of the most scenic in the Old Continent, the kind of holes that make this game definitely like no other. The elevated start of the 5, a short par 3, almost gives you the feeling of hovering over the Atlantic, within driving range. The Grosse Bertha precisely, it is very tempting to draw it at the next hole, a long par 4 in left dogleg which runs along the estuary of Rio Formosa and its salt marsh. In this unique setting, the 6 is presented as a sumptuous puzzle classified handicap 1, which gives an idea of ​​the problem. To cut as short as possible is to take the risk of seeing your ball disappear on the port side and forever in thick shrubs. Playing safe at the entrance means transforming the jewel into a par 5. If the wind also woke up in a bad mood that day, the par quickly took over from the mirage.

The 7 is revealed below, like a ribbon placed delicately along the sea. The golfer takes full eyes and walks in the heart of a nature reserve where more than 70 species of birds * frolic in freedom, but also many tourists that it is not uncommon to see crossing the fairway, with family or by bike. Undoubtedly the price of success for this hole which ends (inevitably) in style with a green carpet in the shape of an island. Change of scenery with the spectacular par 5 of 8, which comes back inland. With its vast expanse of water to starboard that we will find 9 holes later, its local fauna and its false air of American course, it is also in another style a visual slap.

Imagined by the American architects Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore in 1988, San Lorenzo is designed like an 8, which explains the great importance given to doglegs, like the first hole, a par 5 which continues to meander and s' suddenly turns out to be almost impossible to hit in two. Almost four hours later, the last drive serves as the final fireworks display on a long par 4 where water hazards are a permanent threat and where the green seems elusive. We understand better why Golf world ranked (in 2017) San Lorenzo 15e among the top 100 of the best golf resorts in continental Europe.

Frank Crudo

* You will be able to meet herons, storks, hoopoes, coots, stilts and gallinules.

 

Dona Filipa Hotel

WHERE TO STAY? Nestled a woodcut 5 from the beach, le Dona Filipa Hhotel (5 *) is the ideal place for a golfing getaway around the multiple courses of Quinta do Lago. The panorama is unique, the blue of the ocean contrasting deliciously with that of the sky. The Kamal restaurant offers a very varied international buffet (apart from the health crisis), while the Dom Duarte serves refined and local cuisine. Ten of the most beautiful Algarve golf courses are located within a 20 minute drive, including San Lorenzo (15 minutes away) and the two Vale do Lobo courses 800 meters away. Preferential rates for hotel guests on the San Lorenzo and Pinheiros Altos courses, which belong to the same group (JJW Hotels & Resorts) than Dona Filipa.

https://www.donafilipahotel.com/offers-packages/golf-offers-packages

https://sanlorenzogolfcourse.com/