Monte Rei Golf & Country Club is widely acknowledged to be the most exciting and significant development in the 40 year history of golf on Portugal’s Algarve coast and is on schedule to meet its opening date in Autumn 2006.
The 7,200 yard course, set in over 1,000 acres and surrounded by an exclusive residential development, has been designed by Jack Nicklaus who is very excited by the project, which is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, and has taken personal supervision of the design and made regular visits to oversee its progress.
When he first saw Monte Rei, Jack said,”It is a great setting with awesome views. When I design a course, my top priority is finding the features such as native trees, grade variations or natural wetlands. I believe it is important to preserve the natural features of the land and not go against what Mother nature has created. Then I let the surroundings shape the holes. I never try to force an idea on a piece of land”.
Jack’s Signature Golf Course at Monte Rei traces a route around five lakes, includes five par 3 holes as well as five par 5s.
The latest construction techniques and highest material specifications have been used to ensure that Monte Rei remains in the best possible playing condition all year round. To this end, the fairways will be seeded with a stronger Bermuda grass. Beneath the grass there will be a layer of sand imported from Spain, to provide even growth as well as improved drainage and divot re-growth. Fairways and greens will be seeded in Spring 2006.
The clubhouse, built in the classic Portuguese style and ideally positioned to provide breath-taking views across the course towards the sea and the mountains, will offer a full range of excellent amenities for both members, who will have the top floor for their exclusive use, and visitors alike. There will be a variety of dining areas with comprehensive menus from snacks to haute cuisine.
A second course is also planned in the south of the site observing the declared philosophy of the developer, Aliber S.G.P.S. Lda, to “build one of the most sought after and exclusive golf and country clubs in Europe. Monte Rei will be just such a place”. To this end, Aliber has appointed Troon Golf to ensure the highest level of maintenance of the golf course and services to visitors and members. Naturally there will be top level teaching staff and first class practice facilities.
Landscaping has been designed to ensure that much of the Algarve landscape is preserved and enhanced. Homes will be built on larger than average plots. And the building density will be one of the lowest of any comparable development in Europe.
Nicklaus Design www.nicklaus.com
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club www.monte-rei.com
Monte Rei on schedule to open in 2006
