The course was opened in 1972 and unlike Quinta Do
Peru the course is not manufactured with bunkers,
many holes in fact have a complete absence of sand
traps, and course architect Frank Pennink lets nature
dictate your strategy. The course winds its way through
a pine forest and the true genius in its inception was to
master which tree to leave instead of which to remove
when creating each hole. Each tee box offers you the
option to drive away but the lone tree protruding on to
the fairway, or the natural undulation forcing your ball
towards the rough will mean only the most confident
of players will still be taking out the big stick at each
available opportunity.
The course is another long one, measuring just over
6,700 yards, it’s opening hole, a 485 yard par 5 sets the
tone for your round, although a relatively straight hole
the fairway runs down to a bunker on the right of the
fairway, avoid this and you still have a difficult approach
to the green which is protected by three bunkers on
the left. Do not be afraid, the key to Aroeira is course
management, playing the sensible shots and picking
your spots is the best way to get around, do this and you
can score well on a course that has previously hosted
the Portuguese Masters.
Quinto Do Peru
54 | YOURCADDY MAG - ISSUE 06
The course has some wonderfully long winding holes
with the natural geography of the landscape creating
some very challenging drives and approaches but the
stand out hole on our visit was the 14th, the 130 yard
par three. You may think a hole of this length would be
an oversight but from tee to green there is nothing but
water, go long and you’re in the bushes, go left or go
right and you’re in the sand. This little gem is a great way
to start the run in for the final 5 holes, it’s easy to under
club and if there is the added pressure of competitive
match on the line it’s easy to end up wet.
Due to its location in the forest and being situated
up against the coast line the resort benefits from an
amazing microclimate that allows golf to be played in
the sunshine all year round, this paired with its naturally
challenging geography and the beautiful architecture
makes Aroeira an attractive option, particularly in the
dark winter months.