On the way to the east of Algarve, a large property was transformed into a tourist resort, as the result of the imagination and power of a man who believed in the potential of the southern-most province of Portugal, showing the methodical, integrated and controlled ways that should be emulated by our tourism. This man was Cupertino de Miranda, who laid the foundations of Vilamoura in a way to be regarded as an example to be followed. We owe the benefits of Vilamoura to him, no matter what ups and downs this resort has been through.

The Vilamoura golf courses are a reality that have turned it into one of the popular golfing destinations in Europe, with three separate layouts.

The Old Course (ex.Vilamoura l) was inaugurated in 1969. Its project was Frank Pennink's first one in Portugal, and we can understand why he was invited to design and project other courses in our country.

This is a golf course that winds its way through umbrella pine woods in a most natural way. It is the English school of course design. The beginning of the round is apparently easy and inviting, with an easy par 4 - for those who keep the ball on the fairway - the green of which can be reached with a good drive.

Of the par 3's we would highlight the 4^th played over a small lake, and the 15^th, with a green, which is difficult to reach. However, the «flavour» of The Old Coursel is undoubtedly the back nine par-5 holes - four in all of which the l6^th is the best.

[In O Golfe em Portugal - Fernando Nunes Pedro - Texto Editora-Andersen Consulting]

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