Wednesday 19 December 2012

Oceanico Millennium Golfcourse

I would regard the Millennium Golfcourse in Vilamoura the ideal warm up course if you are planning to come out to the Algarve in Portugal, to play several rounds of golf. No golfcourse is easy but with few hazards even fewer water hazards this course will allow you to post a score close to your handicap while getting used to the Algarve conditions. The greens will vary depending on the season.
During the spring,summer and autumn months they will be quick but to allow for the damper conditions during the months of December, January and February they are a good bit slower.
The first hole has an out of bounds on the right so whatever you do, don't let the first tee nerves
take over and start with a slice! The most scenic part of the course are holes 3 through 7 but they also include three of the toughest holes. So don't get to hard on yourself if you used up a few extra shots as the back nine will give you the chance to stay in touch with your handicap. Apart from a tricky blind shot on 16 all other holes play fair.     

Sunday 15 January 2012

Victoria Golfcourse




Victoria Golfcourse is home to the European PGA Portuguees Masters during the month of October. It comes as no surprise therefore that this course requires length of the tee. Even when you play from the yellow tees expect par 4's of over 435 yards and par 3's measuring between 180-205 yards. It lets you find out how your game meaures up against that of the professionals. I like the fact that there are no blind shots anywhere, the greens are fast and that you get rewarded for good shots. No great distances between tees and greens and although a buggy is included in the greenfee you could easily walk the course. The wildlife around the course is enough to make a nature programme. Storks, Eagles, Flamingos and numerous birds are a joy to watch. One flock of coots however has taken possession of the 18th green so be prepared to clear some of the droppings! The 18th is a tough 460 yard par 4 finishing hole. Even more so because if your second shot is a little short of the green the fairway slopes towards the water hazard! Hopefully you have a shot to spare. Victoria GC is a great golfing experience but you do well to play to your handicap.