The works on the second-oldest golf course in the Algarve aim to put it among the best in Europe

Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura, recently crowned IAGTO’s Portugal Golf Resort of the Year for 2024, is venturing into an extensive renovation of its iconic Old Course (the second-oldest golf course in the Algarve), in a bid to cement its place among the best courses in Europe.

Undergoing a “fundamental and sustainable series of updates over the last few months”, the Old Course will open a new state-of-the-art clubhouse this November.

Some of the upgrades of the new clubhouse include the entrance, golf shop, living room, bar and restaurant and a terrace area, creating a classic and elegant appearance that complements the course’s overall legacy.

The renovations aim to transform the Old Course into a premium gated club, offering an elevated experience, featuring personalised services, VIP concierge, and world-class conditions.

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The 1st hole on the Old Course Vilamoura, showcasing meticulous landscaping and layout from the tee box

Dom Pedro is heavily focusing on sustainability and is introducing “a new long-term strategy to make it one of Europe’s most environmentally friendly courses”. To reduce water consumption and energy consumption, new sprinkler systems and water-resistant grass varieties will be introduced, as well as 100% electric machinery and hydropressor stations to reduce energy consumption.

However, to minimise the impact on golfers’ stay, the changes are being made without closing the course, with all developments scheduled to be completed by the end of August.

Nuno Sepúlveda, Co-CEO of DETAILS, the management platform which oversees all of Vilamoura’s golfing assets, said that “the renovations of the Old Course align with the long-term vision of enhancing quality, sophistication, and an effortless guest experience. These improvements specifically target maintaining high standards in golfing facilities and service and reinforcing Vilamoura’s image as a premier golf destination”.

“The renovations are meticulously planned to respect its classic design and rich heritage, while still introducing improvements that enhance the overall golfing experience. By carefully balancing the old with the new, the renovation ensures that the course remains a cherished destination for golfers.”

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The 4th hole on the Old Course Vilamoura, with a water hazard in the foreground, and the challenging green in the distance

A careful maintenance programme will be conducted on the greens and fairways, bunkers will be sharpened with new sand, lips and slopes, tee boxes will be planted with Bermuda grass, their roots sanitised, and levelled, and some will be reoriented occasionally, resulting in environmentally friendly tees of premium quality.

Overall, the aesthetic of the course will be improved, with more definition between the grassed play areas and the iconic landscape of pine trees, and with more sunlight reaching the fairways, which will have a significant impact on both appearance and quality.

Apart from the course, there will also be requalification to the driving range and additions of the most modern technology, enabling various training sessions and experiences, catering for golfers of all levels.

Visit the Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura and the Old Course for more information.

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