The Emerson Group’s new flagship golf course, at the Boavista resort near Lagos in the western Algarve, Portugal, opened for play at the beginning of the month, with much acclaim.
The 6070 metre par 71 18 hole layout was designed by the Howard Swan Practice. It was built and established in less than two years and is destined to become one of Europe’s best new courses – challenging for all levels of players from any of the four sets of tees; spectacular with some wonderful views from the rolling terrain and very natural in its design.
Every effort has been made to conserve the site’s natural features. Indigenous trees have been retained wherever possible and transplanted where not; rainwater is farmed for maximum retention and recycling; significant areas of the roughs are not irrigated to promote the local natural vegetation, particularly the wild flowers in Spring; and the old farm buildings are preserved. Most importantly, perhaps, irrigation is being provided to greens, tees and fairways by the use of treated effluent from the local municipality. There is a sophisticated recycling and aeration system which features eight lakes and a kilometre of cascades and streams throughout the course.
The sixth, a par 3 over a chasm of a nature reserve, is likely to become the signature hole but, as the national press stated recently, “there are so many memorable holes at Boavista, the experience is unforgettable and the scenery a delight to the eye”.
Swan Golf Designs www.swangolfdesigns.com