The popular Vilamoura Pinhal is more open than the Old Course and set in rolling countryside with pine trees lining the fairways. The front nine meander through the holiday villas that overlook the fairways and you will need accurate approach shots to the well protected, small greens. The back nine are more open and offer brief views of the sea but look out for the par 4 15th which might cause a few problems.
A par 5 starts you off with a blind shot over a small hill and deep bunkers protect the sloping, tiered green. Water comes into play at the par 4 4th with a small lake just before the green. The green itself is undulating, causing problems even if you do mange to land there on two! The par 3 8th also has water coming into play with a small lake protecting the green, so a confident and precise shot is needed here.