Quinta do Lago South Course

The eighth is an early reminder that South Course rewards committed, accurate golf, and it is joined by the 15th and 18th as the holes most likely to test strong players. This par 72 stretches to 7,108 yards, with doglegs and hazards placing real value on finding the right section of fairway before taking on the greens. William Mitchell brought broad, American-style shaping to the Algarve when he designed the layout, particularly in its tees, bunkers and putting surfaces. Umbrella pines frame much of the round, while lakes, wildflowers and views towards the Ria Formosa Natural Park give it a distinctly Algarvian setting. The parkland front nine tends to suit a draw, then the lakeside back nine asks for a fade. Portuguese Open golf has been played here on eight occasions, including Colin Montgomerie’s 1989 win, when a second-round 63 helped him finish on 24 under par.

A practice area and driving range are available before the round, with the range open from 07:00 until 19:00 each day. Club hire, buggies, electric trolleys and hand trolleys keep travelling light straightforward, while the buggy bar is welcome once the Algarve warmth builds. The clubhouse serves breakfast, lunch and drinks overlooking the fairways. South is one of three courses at Quinta do Lago, alongside North and Laranjal, so a longer break can take in different tests without leaving the pine forest and lakes of the resort. Coaching at the Paul McGinley Golf Academy is available for players looking to work on technique, consistency or the mental side of the game.

The Magnolia Hotel provides 74 rooms and seven cabin-style cottages, with steam showers, 300-thread-count cotton sheets and high-speed Wi-Fi in the guest rooms. A heated outdoor pool, spa and gym make the afternoon easy to fill after golf, and complimentary bicycles are useful for moving around the resort. For dinner, Casa do Lago looks over the Ria Formosa and centres its menu on seafood and local produce. Faro Airport is around 20 minutes away by road.