There has been a noticeable increase in tourists around the resort this week, hopefully not too many booked to get a few rounds in on a championship course and see the Open that was scheduled for next week.
We experienced more rain this week so there wasn’t a noticeable difference in the course from last week. (Photos posted below) There has been more work done in preparation to get the course up to scratch for the Open, with evidence of slice tining and sand being applied on the more problematic holes.
The ball still isn’t getting much roll. The greens are still playing slower than normal due to slight sanding over the last few weeks. We’ve also noticed rakes missing from some of the bunkers, quite annoying to say the least. The forecast shows good weather ahead so hopefully we’ll see improvements daily.
I’d be happy to receive comments and feedback directly or by email letting me know your thoughts and if you find these updates useful. To see more photos from today click on the link on the menu bar above.
Practice area (click photos to enlarge)
2nd fairway
2nd tire tracks
6th tee box
6th tire tracks in fairway
7th green looking back
6th green from 8th
10th tee looking great
14th fairway looking good
14th green repairs healing up
15th tee
16th tee
17th par 3
18th GUR improving
19th in site
Worth the wait
6 comments:
Could it be that Penha Longa are now taking the Course seriously at last. ???
Mr. Weekendgolfer,
Do you go every weekend to Penha Longa to practice for your photo abilities, or to practice your swing? To be honest I think it’s ridiculous that you, being a member of Penha Longa, are writing this kind of posts. If you don’t like the place why don’t you leave? I've just played the course today, and I enjoyed a lot, and already planning to return.
Shame on you.
Quinta da Marinha all the way! Penha Longa has had its day as a fantastic golf course. Got a chance to play there quite a bit a few years back and loved it, played again a few weeks ago and was really disappointed, thank god I had Quinta da Marinha otherwise my GOLF holiday would have been a waste of time. It has lost its charm and the fancy restaurant is a resort trap to spend thousands. Where is the quaint clubhouse, where you could sit, chill out and have a few beers at a reasonable price? Keep up the good work, there's no shame in showing the course for what it really is and if they want to hear nice things about their precious golf course, start investing where it matters. Wish more guys had the balls to post the truth about their clubs, sick and tired of reading bias payed publicity.
Thanks for the reviews! Not there yet but seems to be getting better, look forward to playing it when it starts to look a little better, keep posting. Food looks great in the above photos but I've eaten there before and it's not worth the price, you pay 5X at Penha Longa for a beer for what you would pay anywhere else in Portugal and the food; looks great, SOMETIMES even tastes great but the price is a joke. I recommend finding one of many restaurants nearby (like I do) and make that the hang out for the 19th.
As a medium handicap golfer who plays Penha Longa from time to time, I must agree with Mike about the restaurant. The beer is over the top expensive and the food which is not bad generally is way overpriced. There is no clubhouse as such and the place is all glass and plastic. Personally I think it is out of keeping with a golfclub and more in keeping with a designer hotel restaurant.
UK Golfer
we cancelled our visit to Penha Longa last autumn as a result of the reviews on a couple of websites. We are booked in again this October and will keep a close on the reviews before we confirm our reservation. We have also booked Oitavos & Quinta do Peru. Appreciate the honesty from all who post. If anyone has recommendations about alternative courses in the area, I'd appreciate them.
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