Many things have changed in the Algarve over the last twenty years including Salgados Golf Club located by the beautiful Salgados lagoon near Albufeira
One of Portugal’s flattest courses, the course and clubhouse at Salgados have undergone some major changes since 1994 when the very first tee-shot was struck. Members and visitors of long standing will recall, as does ever-present Director, Pedro Silvestre, the original quaint, attractive clubhouse which sat where today’s ultra-modern clubhouse is now proudly located. While the clubhouse has benefited from brand new facilities in keeping with the expectations of 21st century golfers, the course itself has also enjoyed many developments some of which are obvious while others are more subtle.
John Wood, the resident professional for many of the last twenty years proudly highlights a few of the changes to the course. “The introduction of palm trees a few years ago has given the course more definition and character”, John explained. While the large-scale introduction of trees was not inexpensive, members and visitors do appreciate that they bring an enhanced dimension of course management to playing Salgados. Shots now have to been carefully considered by taking the trees into account. Aesthetically, the palm trees also contribute towards shaping.
the unique character and appeal of the golf course. Since the early days more bunkers have been strategically introduced to ensure that approach shots to the normally immaculate Penn Cross greens must take account of well-placed traps. Such subtle changes might not be immediately obvious to new players; however, Pedro Silvestre who has overseen all developments over two decades is well aware of how Salgados has progressed from being a relatively small golf club to the contemporary establishment that it is today. Pedro is keen to emphasise that “all developments over the years have been carried out with the needs of today’s modern golfers in mind. It’s important that all levels of golfer can consistently experience a challenge in keeping with their level of performance and I believe that this approach has been successful and that the ongoing investment has been very worthwhile.
” John and Pedro clearly share a passion and pride in how Salgados has developed over time and John points out that while the character of the course is shaped by the predominance of water, it was the removal of one such feature that met with virtually unanimous acclaim. “There is water on the left of the first hole”, explains John. “However, until a few years ago there was also water on the right making for an extremely tight opening shot. Probably because it is the very first shot of the round a great many players came to grief almost before they had even started. So, having listened to members and visitors of all standards, Pedro decided to fill in the water hazard to be replaced by what is now semi-rough. I fully supported this move and I believe that it makes for a much fairer opening hole.”
More recent innovations include an extended eighteenth hole. Players now cross a bridge to reach the tee which is about 30 metres further away than before. The result is that golfers now have a clear view of the ocean as they prepare to for their final teeshot. The drive now involves accounting for trees on the left and of course there is still water on the right. The last drive demands accuracy for precise placement on the fairway. John’s view that “this is now a very good finishing hole” is echoed by members and visitors who have played the hole before it was developed. Before and after a round golfers can now enjoy the fabulous clubhouse at Salgados. The modern bar and restaurant indoors or out is consistent with the high quality locker room to the extent that, all thing considered, the facilities at Salgados are undoubtedly among the Algarve’s best. From its humble beginning twenty years ago Salgados Golf Club has made impressive and significant strides both on and off the course. Provided it maintains the same level of enthusiasm and dedication that is a hallmark of all staff at the club there is every reason to have confidence that Salgados will continue to grow and build upon the notable achievements of the last twenty years.