American architect William Mitchell raised the bar in terms of golf course architecture here at Quinta do Lago by importing American standard greens, tees and bunkers. In May 2020 the South course closed for major renovation work which took more than a year to complete.
American architect William Mitchell raised the bar in terms of golf course architecture here at Quinta do Lago by importing American standard greens, tees and bunkers. In May 2020 the South course closed for major renovation work which took more than a year to complete.
6
The Quinta do Lago South Course remains one of the Algarve’s standout golf courses and forms part of one of Europe’s premier resort golfing destinations.
From the moment you step onto the first tee, the course feels immediately welcoming, setting the tone for what lies ahead. While the fairways are generous by resort course standards, the South Course still presents a strategic challenge throughout. Most holes are framed by stunning pine trees, with carefully cleared areas providing visibility through the course and making the search for stray balls less punishing, though wayward drives still receive fair punishment.
This balance is one of the course’s great strengths. It rewards thoughtful aggression while offering risk and reward opportunities for those willing to cut corners and shorten several of the doglegs. Although you are often aware of other groups through the surrounding clearings, each hole is set sufficiently apart to create a genuine sense of sanctuary.
Architecturally, the South Course is beautifully routed through mature pines, natural water features and gently rolling terrain. Subtle elevation changes provide both striking views and a clear sense of the challenges ahead. If there is one routing flaw, it is the slightly excessive walk from the ninth green to the tenth tee.
Otherwise, the course flows wonderfully naturally, weaving seamlessly through umbrella pines, lakes and undulating ground, creating the impression that it was always destined to be a golf course. That quality is increasingly rare in resort golf, where layouts can often feel compromised by surrounding real estate. Here, the priority has clearly been the golf course itself.
The result is a layout that feels varied and engaging from start to finish, with each hole carrying its own identity and strategic demands, avoiding repetition and creating genuinely memorable moments.
The greens are not overly severe in their contouring but contain enough subtle movement to remain interesting. Around them, the bunkering is intelligently placed, framing the greens visually while demanding precision. Fairway bunkers are equally purposeful, positioned in key landing areas at exactly the right distances to influence club selection and shape decision making from the tee.
What makes Quinta do Lago South especially memorable is its closing stretch, particularly holes fourteen through sixteen. Here, the drama builds beautifully, with water increasingly coming into play and creating both tension and visual spectacle. It is a stretch that lingers long in the memory.
The signature hole, however, is surely the par three fifteenth. Measuring from 196 metres off the back tees down to 125 metres from the forward markers, it is played almost entirely over water, cementing its place as one of the finest short holes you are likely to encounter.
Beyond the architecture, the conditioning is consistently exceptional. The presentation, particularly the use of wood chippings along the fairway edges creates an immaculate array of colours and contrast to an already picturesque setting.
If there is one criticism, it is the final green complex. Unlike the seventeen holes that precede it, the finishing hole lacks the visual drama expected of a closing hole and feels slightly underwhelming, crying out for a grandstand finish more in keeping with the quality of what has come before.
Quinta do Lago South is a course that successfully combines accessibility with strategic depth. Enjoyable for the holiday golfer, yet sufficiently demanding for elite players. It is a layout capable of testing the world’s best while remaining engaging for club golfers of all abilities.
Most importantly, it is the kind of course you would never tire of playing and that surely is the true hallmark of great golf course design.
Paul Howard
Round Information
Date Played
May 4, 2026
Standout Holes
#15, #16, #8
Rating Breakdown
Strategy
Green Complexes
Variety
Facilities & Amenities
Overall rating
4.5
Overall rating
4.5
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