Pestana Golf Resort - Vale da Pinta & Gramacho
Apartado 1011, Lagoa, Faro, 8401 -908 Carvoeiro LGA Portugal
This is a par 71 course that runs through an old olive grove. Designed by Ronald Fream, the greens are wide and deep and are protected by a total of 59 bunkers. Book a Tee Time
Visitors: Visitors are welcome.Club Information
Pestana Golf Resort - Vale da Pinta & Gramacho is .Tel: (+351) 282 340 900 | Fax: (+351) 282 340 901
Website: http://www.pestanagolf.com/en/courses/
Contact/Secretary: Emanuel Amador
Facilities: Driving range, Golf clubs for hire, Golf buggies for hire, Golf pro shop, Changing rooms, Golf clubhouse, Bar, Food available, golf course.
Location: From the airport, take the motorway (Via do Infante - A22), as far as the town of Lagoa. At the junction for Carvoeiro follow this road in the direction of Sesmarias. To assist you, you will find "Pestana" signed from Lagoa.
23 reviews from Golfshake members
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Average Review
4.17
from 23 Ranked 540 out of 1960
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Showing 23 of 23 golf course reviews for Pestana Golf Resort - Vale da Pinta & Gramacho
Reviews listed below are listed based on review recommendation and then date added.
The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com
Having just returned from 2 weeks in the Algarve where I played 5 courses I have to recommend these courses, they are both excellent. At present Gramacho is in the better condition and my second favourite course I played (CS Morgado being the first) with Vale da Pinta not far behind.
The courses are both interesting and challenging to play and if you don't enjoy either of these layouts you need to check your pulse!
The summer special rate of 90 euros for a 2 ball with a buggy is far better value than most courses in the UK of this quality, though I advise playing in the morning to avoid the full heat of the day. Also take plenty of water!
The greens were slick, up around 10 (Gramacho), 8.5 (Vale da Pinta) on the Stimpmeter we were informed by the pro-shop. They rolled perfectly and were a dream to putt on. Sadly like all Portuguese golf courses there were a lot of pitch marks to repair, a tragedy on such beautiful turf, a crime committed by far too many golfers it seems.
Vale da Pinta now has it's own new clubhouse so the facilities here are much improved.
The courses are both interesting and challenging to play and if you don't enjoy either of these layouts you need to check your pulse!
The summer special rate of 90 euros for a 2 ball with a buggy is far better value than most courses in the UK of this quality, though I advise playing in the morning to avoid the full heat of the day. Also take plenty of water!
The greens were slick, up around 10 (Gramacho), 8.5 (Vale da Pinta) on the Stimpmeter we were informed by the pro-shop. They rolled perfectly and were a dream to putt on. Sadly like all Portuguese golf courses there were a lot of pitch marks to repair, a tragedy on such beautiful turf, a crime committed by far too many golfers it seems.
Vale da Pinta now has it's own new clubhouse so the facilities here are much improved.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 5/5
by Mike Fon Jul 2 2011
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Nice to play in sunshine, there are some really spectacular holes here and I really enjoyed it, I just wish I had taken mu own clubs, and maybe I would have done this justice
The Course Facilities/Service
Value for Money
Overall RatingRated 3/5
by Graham Fon May 3 2011
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Excellent courses and great club facilties . Bit expensive. Hire clubs were not up to much
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 4/5
by John Lon Apr 18 2011
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1st time played here, lack of shade when hot and sunny, good challenging course though, one of the better value for money courses
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 3/5
by on Oct 13 2009
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PLayed it twice now, one of the best value for money courses in the algarve.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 5/5
by James Mon Nov 4 2008
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The course is the result of a conversion from Ronald Fream's original, double nine layout. The four opening holes remain much the same as before, with the latest new nine holes played from hole five to thirteen, with the last five holes as the original layout. The diversity of playing length to test golfers of every calibre.
A memorable hole is the long demanding 2nd . It is a par-5 where a lengthy straight drive along the extreme right hand side of the fairway will stay clear of two majestic pine trees and set up the ideal line towards the green. It is normally advisable to lay up the second shot in front of the myriad of bunkers which defend the front of the green. The 15th is an attractive long par-3 hole from elevated tees, played over a water hazard to the green down in a valley. The distance is deceptive, making club selection important.
next we have the tough par-4 16th where one requires length and accuracy to reach the green, tightly guarded by bunkers. This followed by a genuine thinking golfer's hole, the short par-4 17th.
Accuracy is important, the fairway being extremely narrow, with a lake to the left and difficult rough to the right. The 17th green is out to the left, cut into a terrace just over the bank of the deep lake, but it is usually reachable with a short iron second shot.
A memorable hole is the long demanding 2nd . It is a par-5 where a lengthy straight drive along the extreme right hand side of the fairway will stay clear of two majestic pine trees and set up the ideal line towards the green. It is normally advisable to lay up the second shot in front of the myriad of bunkers which defend the front of the green. The 15th is an attractive long par-3 hole from elevated tees, played over a water hazard to the green down in a valley. The distance is deceptive, making club selection important.
next we have the tough par-4 16th where one requires length and accuracy to reach the green, tightly guarded by bunkers. This followed by a genuine thinking golfer's hole, the short par-4 17th.
Accuracy is important, the fairway being extremely narrow, with a lake to the left and difficult rough to the right. The 17th green is out to the left, cut into a terrace just over the bank of the deep lake, but it is usually reachable with a short iron second shot.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 4/5
by Matthew Pon Oct 5 2008
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The course is the result of a conversion from Ronald Fream's original, double nine layout. The four opening holes remain much the same as before, with the latest new nine holes played from hole five to thirteen, with the last five holes as the original layout. The diversity of playing length to test golfers of every calibre.
A memorable hole is the long demanding 2nd . It is a par-5 where a lengthy straight drive along the extreme right hand side of the fairway will stay clear of two majestic pine trees and set up the ideal line towards the green. It is normally advisable to lay up the second shot in front of the myriad of bunkers which defend the front of the green. The 15th is an attractive long par-3 hole from elevated tees, played over a water hazard to the green down in a valley. The distance is deceptive, making club selection important.
next we have the tough par-4 16th where one requires length and accuracy to reach the green, tightly guarded by bunkers. This followed by a genuine thinking golfer's hole, the short par-4 17th.
Accuracy is important, the fairway being extremely narrow, with a lake to the left and difficult rough to the right. The 17th green is out to the left, cut into a terrace just over the bank of the deep lake, but it is usually reachable with a short iron second shot.
A memorable hole is the long demanding 2nd . It is a par-5 where a lengthy straight drive along the extreme right hand side of the fairway will stay clear of two majestic pine trees and set up the ideal line towards the green. It is normally advisable to lay up the second shot in front of the myriad of bunkers which defend the front of the green. The 15th is an attractive long par-3 hole from elevated tees, played over a water hazard to the green down in a valley. The distance is deceptive, making club selection important.
next we have the tough par-4 16th where one requires length and accuracy to reach the green, tightly guarded by bunkers. This followed by a genuine thinking golfer's hole, the short par-4 17th.
Accuracy is important, the fairway being extremely narrow, with a lake to the left and difficult rough to the right. The 17th green is out to the left, cut into a terrace just over the bank of the deep lake, but it is usually reachable with a short iron second shot.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 4/5
by Matthew Pon Oct 5 2008
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Silvas is a serene spot, but the course is anything but the proverbial walk in the park.
The 18 hole course has a fine collection of par 3s, and the four par 5s are extraordinary. As for two-shot, holes, there is great variety, ranging from the short and arrow-straight, but formidable opening hole to the long spectacularly curving 13th, blending harmoniously into its immediate surroundings.
Target Golf reigns supreme. Adrive at the opening hole has to flirt with two lateral water hazards on both flanks.
Silvas encourages and rewards attacking play, it has a natural beauty and an elegant design.
Most holes offer a spectacular mountain and valley view, overlooking palm trees and olive groves. You may even pick a few oranges or even fig along the way to the next tee.
Severe bunkering is enough defence against the big guns. Enchancing playability, fairness and strategy, the course is very pleasant to play. It establishes a balance to most of the international new courses, which are artificially stressed and stretched by the obsession of modern designers of adding more and more distance to each and every hole, at all cost
The 18 hole course has a fine collection of par 3s, and the four par 5s are extraordinary. As for two-shot, holes, there is great variety, ranging from the short and arrow-straight, but formidable opening hole to the long spectacularly curving 13th, blending harmoniously into its immediate surroundings.
Target Golf reigns supreme. Adrive at the opening hole has to flirt with two lateral water hazards on both flanks.
Silvas encourages and rewards attacking play, it has a natural beauty and an elegant design.
Most holes offer a spectacular mountain and valley view, overlooking palm trees and olive groves. You may even pick a few oranges or even fig along the way to the next tee.
Severe bunkering is enough defence against the big guns. Enchancing playability, fairness and strategy, the course is very pleasant to play. It establishes a balance to most of the international new courses, which are artificially stressed and stretched by the obsession of modern designers of adding more and more distance to each and every hole, at all cost
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 3/5
by Matthew Pon Oct 5 2008
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The 18th is the longest I have ever played - to me a par 6 . Played the course twice - suggest you play during the cooler parts of the day. For my first trip to the Algarve was suitably impressed. The prices jump significantly come teh 1st September for the main season but do ask if they will give you the August special if the seasonhas just started.
The icing on the cake was when my 17 year old daughter scored a hole in one on the 5th - well done Kellie!!
The icing on the cake was when my 17 year old daughter scored a hole in one on the 5th - well done Kellie!!
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 4/5
by Brian Con Sep 8 2008
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Played a twilight round for under 100 euros for a 2 ball with a buggy. Not that busy which made the round very enjoyable
Similiar to Vale da Pinta you need to be accurate with tee shots and keep away from teh bunkers
Similiar to Vale da Pinta you need to be accurate with tee shots and keep away from teh bunkers
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 4/5
by Brian Con Sep 8 2008
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I can only agree with the previous reviews a fantastic course which apart from the 18th is not the longest but the lay of the land the use of strategically placed bunkers make it a challenge for all levels. The 5th provides an interseting par 3 downhill and on a good day no more than half a sand wedge, but dissapointed to see a thinned SW role all the way to within inches to win our nearest the pin comp!!! Tips if planning a vist practice your sand shots or take a bucket and spade !
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 5/5
by Stephen Oon Jul 26 2008
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fantastic course. no need for driver as reasonably short holes but still very challenging
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 5/5
by Simon Bon Jul 10 2008
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This was originally 18 greens with shared fairways, but a further 9 holes have been added. 9 holes still have either 2 seperate greens. or double greens, which gives a huge choice of pin positions!
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 3/5
by Terry Gon Jan 30 2008
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The course opened in 1992, and is my favourite of the 3 Pestana courses. The Clubhouse is far newer, having only been open for 2 years, and is really good.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 4/5
by Terry Gon Jan 30 2008
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This is the newest of the Pestana group's courses, having opened in 2006. As the greens were laid out 5 years before the course opened, these are good if a little firm. There is still work ongoing around the course (as at January '08), but this didn't interfere with the round.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 3/5
by Terry Gon Jan 30 2008
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This is in the Algarve and forms the trio of the Pestana group of Courses (Gramacho & Silves the other 2).
As you would expect from a course used for European qualifying, the Senior's Tour and has a David Leadbetter Academy attached, the greens are quick with subtle borrow's that will destroy your card, unless you are close to the pin you can expect to 3 putt, great fairways and use of bunkers.
Has one of the longest Par 5's in Europe (600 odd yds)
Fantastic views, plenty of water in play.
I play these 3 courses every year in feb wearing shorts. An absolute must to play.
As you would expect from a course used for European qualifying, the Senior's Tour and has a David Leadbetter Academy attached, the greens are quick with subtle borrow's that will destroy your card, unless you are close to the pin you can expect to 3 putt, great fairways and use of bunkers.
Has one of the longest Par 5's in Europe (600 odd yds)
Fantastic views, plenty of water in play.
I play these 3 courses every year in feb wearing shorts. An absolute must to play.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 5/5
by Wayne Son Oct 30 2007
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This is in the Algarve and forms the trio of the Pestana group of Courses (Pinta & Silves the other 2).
As you would expect from a course used for european qualifying and the ladies tour, the greens are quick with subtle borrow's that will destroy your card, unless you are close to the pin you can expect to 3 putt, great fairways and use of bunkers
Fantastic views, plenty of water and i mean of the hazard type not the rainfall.
I play these 3 courses every year in feb wearing shorts. An absolute must to play.
As you would expect from a course used for european qualifying and the ladies tour, the greens are quick with subtle borrow's that will destroy your card, unless you are close to the pin you can expect to 3 putt, great fairways and use of bunkers
Fantastic views, plenty of water and i mean of the hazard type not the rainfall.
I play these 3 courses every year in feb wearing shorts. An absolute must to play.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 5/5
by Wayne Son Oct 30 2007
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Nice course, a course for every ability.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 3/5
by Richard Con Oct 30 2007
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This is a new course and adds to the Gramacho and Vale de Pinta course's that are under the umbrella of the Pestana Group's Golf courses in the Algarve.
As a new course (opened oct 2006) it will take a little while to bed down, but don't under estimate it, this course isn't for the faint hearted nice wide fairways but off of them and you are in trouble with a capital T.
Scenic elevated tee's will make you feel closer to the holes but proper club selection a must if you want to take this beauty on.
Greens are protected well with bunkers and on some holes water, plays longer than it is due the length being in metre's but that's not say high handicappers don't have a chance because they do.
This is a must play course if your in the Algarve and more than matches it's older sisters.
As a new course (opened oct 2006) it will take a little while to bed down, but don't under estimate it, this course isn't for the faint hearted nice wide fairways but off of them and you are in trouble with a capital T.
Scenic elevated tee's will make you feel closer to the holes but proper club selection a must if you want to take this beauty on.
Greens are protected well with bunkers and on some holes water, plays longer than it is due the length being in metre's but that's not say high handicappers don't have a chance because they do.
This is a must play course if your in the Algarve and more than matches it's older sisters.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 5/5
by Wayne Son Oct 10 2007
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The Pinta course is one of three courses run by the Pestana Group.
It has a Leadbetter Training Academy and is used as a qualifier for the Portuguese Open and the European Seniors Final.
There is quite a walk at times between the green's and tee's and some holes will play longer than they seem but all in all it's a great test for all abilities.
The Green's are fast with subtle borrows and well protected by bunkers.
It also has the longest par 5 in Europe (the 18th) with a bunker running down the left side around 100 yds long and OOB on the right, but once your halfway and at the dog leg it's a nice shot into the two tier green (gulp).
The Clubhouse is only 2 years old with a patio area overlooking the 1st tee and 3rd green, the staff are very friendly and accommodating.
Once you have played this course you will want to come back.
It has a Leadbetter Training Academy and is used as a qualifier for the Portuguese Open and the European Seniors Final.
There is quite a walk at times between the green's and tee's and some holes will play longer than they seem but all in all it's a great test for all abilities.
The Green's are fast with subtle borrows and well protected by bunkers.
It also has the longest par 5 in Europe (the 18th) with a bunker running down the left side around 100 yds long and OOB on the right, but once your halfway and at the dog leg it's a nice shot into the two tier green (gulp).
The Clubhouse is only 2 years old with a patio area overlooking the 1st tee and 3rd green, the staff are very friendly and accommodating.
Once you have played this course you will want to come back.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 5/5
by Wayne Son Oct 10 2007
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This is a new course and adds to the Gramacho and Vale de Pinta course's that are under the umbrella of the Pestana Group's Golf courses in the Algarve.
As a new course (opened oct 2006) it will take a little while to bed down, but don't under estimate it, this course isn't for the faint hearted nice wide fairways but off of them and you are in trouble with a capital T.
Scenic elevated tee's will make you feel closer to the holes but proper club selection a must if you want to take this beauty on.
Greens are protected well with bunkers and on some holes water, plays longer than it is due the length being in metre's but that's not say high handicappers don't have a chance because they do.
This is a must play course if your in the Algarve and more than matches it's older sisters.
As a new course (opened oct 2006) it will take a little while to bed down, but don't under estimate it, this course isn't for the faint hearted nice wide fairways but off of them and you are in trouble with a capital T.
Scenic elevated tee's will make you feel closer to the holes but proper club selection a must if you want to take this beauty on.
Greens are protected well with bunkers and on some holes water, plays longer than it is due the length being in metre's but that's not say high handicappers don't have a chance because they do.
This is a must play course if your in the Algarve and more than matches it's older sisters.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 5/5
by Wayne Son Jun 22 2007
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The Pinta course is one of three courses run by the Pestana Group.
It has a Leadbetter Training Academy and is used as a qualifier for the Portuguese Open and the European Seniors Final.
There is quite a walk at times between the green's and tee's and some holes will play longer than they seem but all in all it's a great test for all abilities.
The Green's are fast with subtle borrows and well protected by bunkers.
It also has the longest par 5 in Europe (the 18th) with a bunker running down the left side around 100 yds long and OOB on the right, but once your halfway and at the dog leg it's a nice shot into the two tier green (gulp).
The Clubhouse is only 2 years old with a patio area overlooking the 1st tee and 3rd green, the staff are very friendly and accommodating.
Once you have played this course you will want to come back.
It has a Leadbetter Training Academy and is used as a qualifier for the Portuguese Open and the European Seniors Final.
There is quite a walk at times between the green's and tee's and some holes will play longer than they seem but all in all it's a great test for all abilities.
The Green's are fast with subtle borrows and well protected by bunkers.
It also has the longest par 5 in Europe (the 18th) with a bunker running down the left side around 100 yds long and OOB on the right, but once your halfway and at the dog leg it's a nice shot into the two tier green (gulp).
The Clubhouse is only 2 years old with a patio area overlooking the 1st tee and 3rd green, the staff are very friendly and accommodating.
Once you have played this course you will want to come back.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 5/5
by Wayne Son May 18 2007
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Having played some overrated and somewhat disappointing courses in Portugal we finally arrived at Silves. Driving in the course doesn't look much more than a pricey parkland affair and the clubhouse is tiny (although I think they're building a new one) with limited food and drink.
The course, however, is excellent and just what you would expect from an expensive foreign course - flat, fast greens, a variety of signature holes and lush beautifully tended fairways. A couple of the par 5s are simply stunning, teeing off to fairways from high in the mountains. It's not too difficult but not a walk in the park either.
Due to its location a little inland it also seems that Silves has escaped the curse of being overplayed, these really were the best greens I've ever putted on.
The course, however, is excellent and just what you would expect from an expensive foreign course - flat, fast greens, a variety of signature holes and lush beautifully tended fairways. A couple of the par 5s are simply stunning, teeing off to fairways from high in the mountains. It's not too difficult but not a walk in the park either.
Due to its location a little inland it also seems that Silves has escaped the curse of being overplayed, these really were the best greens I've ever putted on.
The Course Facilities/Service Value for Money Overall RatingRated 4/5
by Lucien Hon Oct 10 2008
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The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com
Score Cards
| Course | Tee | Par | SSS | Yds | ||
| Vale da Pinta | Black | 71 | 71 [123.000] | 6686 | ||
| Vale da Pinta | White | 71 | 68 [123.000] | 6211 | ||
| Vale da Pinta | Yellow | 71 | 67 [119.000] | 5732 | ||
| Vale da Pinta | Red | 71 | 69 [121.000] | 5322 | ||
| Gramacho | Black | 72 | 72 | 6660 | ||
| Gramacho | White | 72 | 70 [126.000] | 6050 | ||
| Gramacho | Yellow | 72 | 67 [120.000] | 5700 | ||
| Gramacho | Red | 72 | 71 [122.000] | 5224 | ||
If any of the data above is incorrect please use the 'Add News/Update' tab above to notify us of any changes.
News & Events
| Event | From | To | |||
| ALGARVE 2013 | Sat 2nd Feb 2013 | Sat 9th Feb 2013 | view | ||
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