Quinta do Lago North
Championship in Quinta do Lago
The North Course at Quinta do Lago reopened in 2014 following a complete redesign by the American architect Beau Welling, a protege of Jack Nicklaus who had previously worked on several acclaimed projects across the United States and Europe. The redesign was a bold decision by the Quinta do Lago estate, effectively demolishing the existing course and starting from scratch to create a modern championship layout that would complement the established South and Laranjal courses.
Welling's design represents a significant departure from the traditional pine-corridor approach that characterises most Algarve courses. While the mature pine trees remain a defining feature of the landscape, the fairways have been opened up to create broader playing corridors with strategic options off the tee. The bunkering is sculpted in a modern style, with irregular, natural-looking edges that blend into the surrounding terrain rather than presenting the formal geometric shapes common on older courses. The overall effect is a layout that feels more American in character while remaining distinctly rooted in the Algarve landscape.
The course measures over 6,600 yards from the back tees and features a varied selection of holes that test every aspect of the game. The par four second is an early standout, requiring a precise drive to a fairway that narrows towards the landing zone, followed by an approach to a green complex with multiple pin positions that radically alter the difficulty. The par five fifth provides risk-and-reward excitement, with an aggressive line off the tee opening up the possibility of reaching the green in two but bringing bunkers and rough into play.
One of the most notable aspects of the Welling redesign is the quality of the green complexes. Each putting surface features subtle contours and slopes that create distinct zones, meaning that the pin position on any given day fundamentally changes the character of the hole. This attention to green design ensures that repeat plays reveal new challenges and maintain interest over multiple rounds.
The back nine builds in intensity, with the stretch from the twelfth to the fifteenth providing the course's toughest examination. The par three fourteenth is particularly memorable, playing to a well-defended green with water on one side and deep bunkers on the other. The closing holes offer a satisfying crescendo, with the eighteenth, a par five, providing genuine drama as players weigh the risk of going for the green in two against the safer lay-up approach.
The North Course benefits from Quinta do Lago's investment in modern infrastructure. The irrigation system incorporates recycled water, and the turf management programme balances playing quality with environmental responsibility. The course has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating native vegetation in the rough areas and creating wildlife corridors that connect the estate with the neighbouring Ria Formosa.
Practice facilities are shared with the other Quinta do Lago courses and include the Paul McGinley Academy, driving range, and short game area. The clubhouse, renovated alongside the course redesign, offers contemporary dining and bar facilities with views across the final holes.
Green fees sit alongside the South Course at the premium end of the Algarve market. The North Course has quickly established itself as a favourite among golfers who appreciate modern course architecture, and it offers a fascinating contrast to the more traditional designs found elsewhere on the estate and in the wider Algarve region.
Highlights
- Complete 2014 redesign by Beau Welling creating a modern championship layout
- Innovative green complexes with multiple pin zones changing each hole's character
- Sustainable design incorporating recycled water and native vegetation corridors
- Part of the Quinta do Lago trio with access to Paul McGinley Golf Academy