Penina Golf
Penina, 8501-952, Portimão, Algarve, Portugal.
GPS; LAT; 37º 09' 41" N. LONG: 8º 34' 49" W.
Penina Golf
Whether, when Sir Henry first envisaged a Golf Course laid out on rice paddy fields he also had any inkling as to its eventual impact for golf in the region, remains pure conjecture. But following his original instincts, he conceived a layout, which would, after the introduction of literally thousands of trees and bushes, become transformed from bare shrub to the lush vegetation it is today.
As they reached maturity, those towering pines and massive eucalyptus gave the Course a character which was and remains entirely its own. They are what give it its uniqueness.
The course is characterised by an unusual grouping of the par-5’s, with four of the five arranged together in pairs at the beginning and end of the back nine producing a par of 38 as opposed to 35 for the front nine. As you turn home up the 18th, the magnificent building of the Hotel acts as a backdrop to the green framed to the near by an amphitheatre of trees. Drive short of the drainage ditch, position the second shot to avoid the bunkers guarding the putting surface and take into account the pin position on one of three tiers of the green for the approach and you could well finish with a condemnable par!
Of the par-3’s, the most memorable is the 13th – voted one of the best 500 holes in the world; The hole presents its own, particular challenge. A lake borders the right-hand side, coming into play off the back tees, while the sloping green is guarded to the front and left by a pair of bunkers.
The Penina also encompasses two 9-hole facilities; The Academy Course which winds its way between the holes of the Championship Course and the Resort Course to the far side of the Hotelpresenting opportunities to fine-tune one’s short game, while providing gentle training grounds for beginners.
The Penina Golf course was the first golf course to be built in the Algarve. It was completed in 1966 and was designed by Sir Henry Cotton. The Course was refurbished in 1994/5.
Sir Henry Cotton Championship Golf Course;
18 holes, Par 73
White; 6273 m, Slope 138
Yellow; 5827 m, Slope 137
Blue; 5414 m, Slope 132
Red; 5140 m, Slope 129
The total length is 6273 m
Handicap; Men; 28 Ladies; 36
Penina Academy Golf Course;
9 holes, Par 30
Length; 1851 m
No handicap required.
Penina Resort Golf Course;
9 holes, Par 35
Length; White; 2987 m, Yellow; 2629 m
2 x 9 holes can be played = 18 holes, Par 71
Length; White; 5964 m, Yellow; 5259 m
No handicap required.
Facilities; Restaurant, bar, pro shop, driving range, golf academy, putting green, target greens, chipping green, practice bunker, rental clubs, trolleys and buggies.
The entire Resort has gained recognition by and is a member of the Audobon Co-operative Sanctuary System, dedicated to the protection of wildlife.
Information and photos of the Penina Golf Resort Hotel can be seen here.
Penina Golf Course address; Penina, 8501-952, Portimão, Algarve, Portugal.
Penina Golf Course GPS; LAT; 37º 09' 41" N. LONG: 8º 34' 49" W.