I had the opportunity to play a few games at Praia D'el Rey this past week. The course is situated on a cliff over-looking a superb beach and the Atlantic. Maybe 1:15 minute drive northwest from the centre of Lisbon and not too far from stunning Obidos. The land is very sandy, hilly and dune ridden. There are many inland holes through pine forest and a huge housing complex. I imagine 5 years ago this course would have been a stunner. Praia d'el Rey still has its moments, but it is only a matter of time before all that will be left is the Muccian side of things. Good golf, who needs the the views?
I think the course was built by Cabell Robinson to accommodate an estate and hotel. It is very surprising (given the course is a resort type deal) how narrow some of the corridors are. Several times I paced off fairways less than 25 yards wide with rough, which was severe, offering another 20 yards of respite from wild desert like country.
For someone who hits the ball 230ish the middle tees are quite a stiff test because of narrowed landing zones and many dogleg holes which require shaping the ball if the driver is in the hand. It is actually safer to move back a set and not worry too much about about club selection. On many holes it does make a big difference which side of the fairway you are on for approach angles. I was just happy to hit the fairway!
I thought the course was very good. However, I didn't think the architect took too many chances with the design. Perhaps the estate and hotel limited the chances for a bolder course. Other than the narrowness of the course my biggest complaints are with the amount of bunkers and lack of f&f conditions. It seems these are two issues which in my opinion most new courses fail miserably on.
After a dopey little opener the second offers a glimpse of some good stuff to come. A short par 5 which forces the player to take on water and this bunker if he hopes to reach in two.
Par 3 third hole from short right.
The 3rd from behind the green.
The 4th hole. Very reminiscent of Cruden Bay's 8th though very different! This is a short par 4, but very much more difficult to drive the green. The player can drive over the right fairway bunker, but all you gain is distance as the better angle of approach is from the middle of the fairway because this green slides hard left down the dune. This is probably the best hole on the course.
Behind the 4th green.
The tough 5th hole. A good drive leaves this approach.
A closer look of the 5th showing a narrow, raised green.
Another toughie. The 6th is short, but very tight. This caps a trio of very good holes on the front nine.
A closer look at #6. This photo demonstrates another dislike of mine - trees near bunkers. The trees really help to transition the course to its surrounds, but they are a playability nightmare.
Another view of the 6th. This green is fairly typical. Small target and severely raised. It doesn't look like it, but this green slopes a load from back to front.
The very uphill 11th. About four clubs of steepness! Another difficult target. The green is shaped like a three leaf clover. You can see how difficult it is to get close to this pin. Those bunkers are 12 yards past the flag.
Another lovely hole, the 12th bends left around the huge Marriott hotel.
The driveable 13th. Not a great hole, but fun.
A closer, but misty view of the 13th.
The 13th from well right of the green.
The par 3 14th from the right. Many greens at PdR are narrow.
From behind the 14th green.
The 15th - another very narrow LZ.
A closer look at #15.
The 16th is a very difficult uphill par 4 followed by this monster par 5 that is oh so narrow. The 17th turns left and heads up the hill. After two very risky shots the player is rewarded with this very dicey approach.
The 18th is a good finisher. Tight drive and the approach is even tighter.
Another uphill approach with trouble both sides.
All in all, Praia d'el Rey is a good course. It is miles better than the highly touted course I played in Spain a few years ago, PGA Catalunya. However, I can't help but think it is an opportunity lost. This is a great site for golf, but I don't think there is a single great hole on the course. Additionally, the par 3s and 5s are not bad, but I would expect something better for a course rated 13 in Europe. If you find yourself in the area, bring your sticks and have a game, but don't plan a golf holiday around PdR.
Ciao