Royal Golf The beautiful 6,175 meter long Royal Course has championship tees and is a lot harder compared to the Ocean Course. This is because of its more interrupted terrain, the quantity of water and sand obstacles and it is generally composed of longer holes. Though the original design is by Sir Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore's design trademarks are visible along the course. The US architect who is very active nowadays in Portugal is accountable for the enlargement of the "yellow" course.

The high point of the Royal Golf Course is actually its popular Par 3, just about the most captured pics worldwide because of its unique conditions. To play this hole in the championship tee, one needs a 218 m stroke over three spectacular cliffs to reach the green after crossing a lake. Water is also a part of the game in holes 6, 16 and 17.

The opening holes are a soft introduction for some testing later ones. The par-4 sixth, for example, at 395 m, has water on the left from the green and bunkers on the right. A great drive to a narrow landing area surely needs a bold way of the protected green. The 3-par ninth (155 meters) features a near island green. However, Roquemore has set the trees in a wide arc in front of the beautiful lake, thus it makes the club selection much challenging. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more delicate approach, a secure passage exists to right.

The 11th, a Par 5 of 485 meters is a good test. It is essential to get a good drive away because the second shot will be to some narrow landing area between a lake as well as the steep bank. Only from this level is it possible to anticipate a much more convenient approach to a green protected to its left as well as in front by water.

The 16th (the older seventh of the yellow course) is the spectacular par-3 of 205 meters across the Red Cliffs for which Vale do Lobo is famous. The view from each of the tees are out along the length of the coastline westwards. And so to the last hole, having a fairway sloping off towards the right, you should drive towards left. Though the fairway is lined on each side with pines which are constricting from the mind's eye. At 330 meters, this closing hole is not particularly long, but the green has raised banking to left and the ground falls steeply away towards right. The approach shot should be fully commited and positioned very well if you have the satisfaction from the ball remaining firmly on the green.

Learn more about Royal Golf Course that is certainly another amazing demonstration of Algarve Golf Courses.

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