Oceanico Faldo, Algarve, Portugal

Designed by Nick Faldo with strategic play in mind this 6,604 meters par–72 championship course demands careful positioning to score well. Nick said: "The land at Amendoeira is dramatic and the project has the potential to be a real talking point in the Algarve. With so many courses in the region, that’s no mean feat," pointed out Faldo, who will be non–playing captain of the European Ryder Cup team in 2008.  In a modern twist of a traditional recipe, cacti and wild herbs replace the role of Sunningdale’s heather, spartan Holm oaks and ancient olive trees take the place of a lush English woodland, and desert scrub bunkers of crushed limestone replace Berkshire’s sandy tracts in a golf course that revels in the classic principles of strategic play.  Nick said: "This is a very exciting project, which gives me a great opportunity to exploit my passion for design the same way I exploited my passion for playing. You have incredible views, beautiful undulating land and any time you get natural terrain like this, it is great fun to work with.  The real skill is that when you stand on the tee, the golf hole tells you what to do and if you do what it tells you there is reward but if you don’t you’re penalised. I’ve managed to get the more undulating land on the site and my back nine is going to be quite hilly, which is fantastic because we’ve got some great views to complement the course.  I like my courses to be challenging to whoever plays them. There might be easy holes in some places, but they are a challenge because you have to think about them, and that is what I am after. The best compliment you can get in the design business is when players come off the course and say ‘wow, that was a challenge,’ and that’s just what I am planning here at Amendoeira.

Paraiso de Albufeira

Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal

This lively complex is perfect for those golfers (and non-golfers) wishing to be in the heart of Albufeira's nightlife area. Full details