Going for Golf

The Algarve - full of eastern promise

Quinta da Ria Quinta da Cima

Edge closer to Spain and there, tucked into the coastline, are two sisters, Quinta da Ria and Quinta da Cima. Okay, strictly speaking sisters would share a surname not a Christian name, but there is no doubting that these two are very closely related and live happily together. Although undoubtedly alike, each has her own distinctive personality and so there’s no problem telling them apart. Both were designed by William ‘Rocky’ Roquemore, who has shown considerable flair in creating such an appealing pair of coastal crackers.

Opened in July 2002, Quinta da Cima is the slightly younger and, at nearly 7,000 yards, the significantly longer of the two. The terrain is gentle enough to make walking a pleasure and, despite the fact that solar-powered buggies can be hired, you can easily manage without one. However, it’s not all plain strolling as there are hazards to avoid.

With so much sand available on this delightful stretch of coastline, it’s hardly surprising that there are clusters of bunkers. And for those with an appetite for trouble, there are streams, waterfalls, fountains and lakes as well.

Some of the olive trees comfortably qualify as super seniors – the oldest is reckoned to be about 850 years old – and will have witnessed many historic moments, although nothing more strange, surely, than the sight of sunburned Englishmen in shorts struggling to hit long irons out of the rough.

Presented in superb condition, Quinta da Cima is a genuine championship challenge that has hosted the Europro Tour, the Ladies European Tour and several European Seniors Tour qualifying schools. Used for club competitions, one suspects that the lake on the 18th is only as full as it is because of the tears shed by heartbroken competitors who have screwed up at the death.

Quinta da Ria is right alongside, every bit as beautiful and rather more popular among the members principally because it enjoys better sea views. Environmental considerations have prevented the course from encroaching closer to the Atlantic than 50 metres from the bluff above, which is quite close enough.

And the sea is not the only water to watch out for as a number of ponds and lakes come into play on half-a-dozen holes. These are home to a wide variety of waterfowl which, even though their unwelcome excrement renders cleaning the ball as imperative on a couple of the greens as it is unpleasant, they unquestionably add to the course’s considerable appeal.

At just over 6,600 yards off the back tees, it’s plenty long enough. Although the greens are a tad smaller than its neighbour’s, the fairways appear wider and the tee shots are not quite as tight. Both courses, however, are extremely well maintained and a real treat. And there’s an impressive new Robinson hotel on site that offers a whole range of activities for those strange individuals for whom golf is not enough.