Pinheiros Altos - Pinheiros/Sobreiros

Overview: The Pinheiros/Sobreiros combination at Pinheiros Altos is an 18-hole round made from two of the resort's three contrasting nines. Pinheiros, the Pines, moves through sandy ground and mature pine trees, while Sobreiros, the Corks, uses rolling land, lakes and views over the Ludo valley and Goldra hills. The contrast gives the combination its character. The Pines asks for careful placement through woodland and includes a valley par 3, while the Corks is longer and regarded by the club as the more demanding nine. Firm, fast greens and Bermuda fairways keep the ball moving, so approach angles and control around the putting surfaces matter as much as the broad Algarve scenery.

History: Pinheiros Altos is a 27-hole resort beside the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. The original 18 holes were designed by American architect Ronald Fream, and Portuguese architect Jorge, also listed as George, Santana da Silva created the additional nine added in 2007. The three nines are named Pinheiros, Sobreiros and Oliveiras, and each is a par-36 loop. The ranked combination is therefore not a separate single course with one uninterrupted historical date, but the current Pines and Corks pairing within a larger 27-hole facility. That distinction matters because the layout blends original ground with later holes, including four newer holes within the present Pines nine.

Did You Know? The Pines ninth is a par 3 played over a valley toward a McKenzie green. The club also identifies the Corks eighth as a long double-dogleg par 5, while the neighbouring Olives nine contains an island green. Those details show how the three loops use very different landforms even though they share the same resort and clubhouse.