Quinta de Cima Golf Course

One of the main selling points of this 36-hole complex is that it’s located within the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, ensuring no distracting housing projects get in the way of enjoying golf in an unspoilt natural setting.

The course is a paradise for golfers who love to be in contact with nature, and numerous olive, carob, cork and orange trees maintain the traditional landscape of the Algarve.

But the Quinta de Cima Golf Course isn’t just about its stunning natural surroundings. It has also played host to some of the most prestigious golfing events in recent years, including:

• The PGA Europro Tour in 2003 and 2004,
• The Portugal Algarve Seniors Open 2005,
• The European Seniors Tour Qualifying School in 2006, 2007 and 2008,
• The Portugal Algarve Ladies Open 2008,
• The BMW Golf Cup International 2008,
• The Algarve Pro Golf Tour 2016 and 2017.

Course Desgin

When designing a championship golf course, few can match the expertise of architect Rocky Roquemore. And that’s exactly who was tasked with designing the Quinta de Cima course – a true gem in the heart of the Algarve.

Roquemore has done an outstanding job in creating a course that’s challenging enough to attract the most accomplished amateur and professional golfers yet still enjoyable for those seeking a unique and exciting golfing experience.

The course’s inbuilt degree of difficulty is a testament to its championship pedigree, with well-placed bunkers and enough water to attract the odd misdirected golf ball.

One of the standout features of the course is its openness. This allows golfers to open their shoulders from the tee and go for those big drives we all dream of hitting. But don’t let that fool you – the course still demands precision and strategy if you want to score well.

The Quinta de Cima course is also known for its pure bunkers, which are widely considered to be the best in the Algarve. And with several natural creeks running through the course, golfers are constantly reminded of the beauty of their surroundings.

The grass types used on the course are also worth mentioning. The fairways are sewn with Bent Crenshaw and Soysia, while the tees and greens are Bent Crenshaw. This combination ensures a visually appealing, high-quality playing surface which is also a pleasure to play on.

Course Information

Quinta de Cima Golf Course is a par 72 course designed with tournament play in mind. The course offers a variety of tees to suit all levels of players.

The Competition Tees measure 7203 yards, the Yellow Tees are 6722 yards long, and the Red Tees measure 5503 yards.

To play at Quinta de Cima, men and women must have a handicap of 36 or less.

Quinta de Sima Slope Rating

Quinta de Cima has a slope rating of 135 for the Competition Tees, 131 for the Yellow Tees, and 128 for the Red Tees.

This rating reflects the course’s challenging design, which includes well-placed bunkers and natural creeks.

Course Layout

The layout of Quinta de Cima is reminiscent of a top tournament course, with cleverly placed bunkers and water hazards that take the form of lakes, streams, and ditches, particularly on the final three holes.

A stream with dams and a steady flow of water meanders through holes 4, 5, 6, and 13, adding to the challenge.

The opening hole is a par 5, offering a gentle start to your round. However, as you progress through the course, the challenge increases significantly. The first two holes provide a taste of what’s to come, with club selection and accuracy being key to success.

A stream runs across the fairways of holes 4 to 6. But it’s only a real problem on the 368-yard, par-4 4th hole, where it cuts across just in front of the green.

The course’s most challenging stretch is holes 13 to 18, where you’ll need to navigate three long par 4s before facing three holes where water plays a crucial role in determining your score.

The par-5 16th is a particular challenge, with a stream that runs diagonally across the fairway, beginning 180 yards from the green before feeding into a pond on the right of the putting surface. The pressure is on for your approach shot, which must be precise to avoid the water hazard.

At the par-3 17th, you’ll need to carry a pond in front of the green with your tee shot. It’s a tricky hole that demands accuracy and confidence.

Finally, the 18th hole provides a dramatic finish to your round. There’s water cutting across the fairway and running into a small lake on the right of the green. Both your tee and second shots must avoid the water before you can safely reach the putting surface.

The Greens at Quinta de Cima

The Quinta de Cima Golf Course greens are an absolute joy to play on. Covered in a luscious and well-manicured layer of Bent Crenshaw grass, they provide golfers with an excellent platform to showcase their putting skills.

Despite being easy to hit, the greens at Quinta de Cima are not to be taken lightly. Rolling well at an average pace, they provide golfers with just enough of a challenge to keep them on their toes.

Golfers must strike the right balance between accuracy and pace to keep those three putts off the cards.

The greens are exceptionally well kept, maintained to a high standard, and always in excellent condition. Moderately fast and true without huge breaks, they are a testament to the skill and dedication of the ground staff at Quinta de Cima Golf Course.

Quinta de Cima Signature Hole

The par five 16th is undoubtedly the signature hole at this golf course, and it is easy to see why. It is a formidable hole that requires careful consideration and precise execution.

A large lake awaits to the right of the green, and the approach shot must be kept left of the flagstick to avoid it. However, the large bunkers that sit in wait offer some solace to wayward shots.

But that’s not all; a stream runs diagonally across the fairway, 180 yards from the green, adding another layer of complexity to the already challenging hole.

This stream feeds into a pond to the right of the putting surface, making it all the more important to hit the perfect approach shot.

This hole demands a combination of distance and accuracy off the tee, followed by a precise approach shot that considers the various hazards.

Golfers who conquer the 16th hole will undoubtedly feel a sense of accomplishment and relief.

To Conclude

In summary, Quinta da Ria offers stunning natural beauty and an array of challenges that will keep you coming back for more.

With its easy-to-hit greens, well-kept fairways, and cleverly designed water hazards, this course will surely test your skills.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Quinta da Ria is a must-visit for any golfer looking for an unforgettable experience.