The Oceanico Pinhal Golf Course was the second golf course built in Vilamoura and inaugurated in 1976, having originally been designed by Frank Pennink, the architect of the nearby Vilamoura Old Course.

Several refinements were incorporated over the years, the most significant one by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1985. It is typified by rolling parkland terrain covered with numerous umbrella and Atlantic pines that line many of the fairways and a few even stand out on fairways or near greens.

Ponds and a stream come into play on five holes but are not serious threats to above-average golfers. To keep up with modern technical advances in clubs and balls, several holes have recently been lengthened and the par-72 course now measures 6,353 metres off the white tee markers.

The clubhouse was completely renovated and modernised at the turn of the millennium and from the large verandah one can enjoy a panoramic view over the excellent driving range and practice facilities.

Pro Tip

Unusually, the course opens with a fairly long par-five, 498 metres from the back tee. As the fairway rises slightly up to the half-way point, the green is not in view until you reach the crest. Favour the left hand side for the drive where the line for the second shot to a gentle downward slope is more open. The raised, split level green is well defended with a tree and bunker inset into the bank on the right, large mound front left and a shallow bunker behind.