Pro´s Playing Tips
The opening holes are a soft introduction to some testing later ones. The par-4 sixth, for example, at 395 meters, has water on the left of the green and bunkers on the right. A good drive to a narrow landing area still requires a bold approach to the protected green. The 3-par ninth (155 meters) features a near island green. However, Roquemore has set the trees in a wide arc in front of the picturesque lake, making club selectiondifficult. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more delicate approach, a safe passage exists to the right.

The eleventh, a par-5 of 485 meters, is a good test. It is essential to get a good drive away because the second shot will be to a narrow landing area between a lake and a steep bank. Only from this point is it possible to expect a comfortable approach to a green protected to its left and in front by water.

The sixteenth (formerly the seventh of the yellow course) is the spectacular par-3 of 205 meters across the red sandstone cliffs for which Vale do Lobo is famous. Views from each of the tees are out along the length of the coastline westwards. And so to the last hole, with a fairway sloping off to the right, it is advisable to drive to the left. However the fairway is lined on both sides with pines which are constricting in the mind's eye. At 330 meters, this closing hole is not particularly long, but the green has raised banking to the left and the ground falls steeply away to the right. The approach shot must be committed and well positioned if you are to have the satisfaction of the ball remaining firmly on the green.