Quinta do Gramacho was designed by the
North American Ronald Fream, and is adjacent to the Vale da Pinta course. It is
part of the Carvoeiro Club, situated in the heart of Algarve, and close to the
fishing village of Carvoeiro, some 60 kilometers from Faro Airport.
The Quinta do Gramacho course has a nine-hole layout, but with 18 double tees
and greens. These run through rolling countryside, and blend perfectly the
natural vegetation with artificial lakes and bunkers.
Amongst these holes winding through almond, olive and fig trees, the one that
stands out is hole number 2, a par 5 that requires an accurate drive to the
right of the fairway in order to avoid the high pine trees. And look out for
hole number 6, a par 3 that must be played off from elevated tees with a drive
over water. On the second round, however, as it happens on other courses, this
hole has a different angle and distance. It is followed by hole number 7, a par
4 that demands a shot with both distance and precision in order to reach the
green in two strokes, for it is protected by a pair of impressive bunkers.
Finally, there is hole number 8 (17th on the second round), which requires great
precision, as there is a lake to its left and a difficult rough to its right.