Golf Day in Espiche

Today was once again a day for golfing. We wake up shortly after seven with the sun. While having breakfast, we experience a beautiful sunrise.

At 9:15 AM, we set off towards Lagos to Golf Espiche. The drive takes about 50 minutes. The Espiche Golf Course is a hidden gem in a breathtaking natural setting. It is located just a few kilometers from Lagos in a region known for its pristine nature and picturesque views.

The golf course has been designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The environmentally friendly concept of the course is reflected in the use of natural resources. The fairways and greens are integrated into the hills and valleys, making the game here feel more like a journey through nature. The vegetation includes typical Mediterranean plants such as carob trees, olive trees, and pines.

At 10:51 AM, we tee off at hole 1. The weather is dry, and we hope it stays that way until the end, as the weather forecasts predict more rain for today.

Espiche Golf is an 18-hole par-72 course with a length of about 5,862 meters from the white tees. The course is technically demanding and presents numerous challenges such as narrow fairways, well-placed bunkers, and small greens, along with some blind holes.

A short interlude for non-golfers: a blind hole in golf is a hole where the player cannot see the area where the ball is supposed to land from the tee or during the play, such as the fairway or green. Terrain or obstacles like hills, trees, or other topographical features block the view.

Blind holes often require a strategic approach, as the player must rely on previous experience, markings on the course (like directional posts), or estimations to place the ball correctly. They are considered challenging and test the skill and precision of the player.

At Espiche, players need to use strategy and precision, as the course offers little forgiveness. At the same time, there are many elevated tees that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The course differs from many other golf courses in the Algarve due to its focus on sustainability and nature conservation. There are no residential developments along the course, making the game particularly quiet and relaxing. The often strong winds in the region can add excitement to the play and challenge even experienced players. Today, the gusts of wind posed a real challenge.

The clubhouse at Espiche Golf is a highlight. It has received awards and offers a panoramic view of the golf course and the surrounding landscape. The design is modern yet blends perfectly with the environment.

After the game, we had a drink there with our flight partners Gisela and Willi. 

Espiche Golf is a place where golf and nature come together perfectly – a must for golf lovers in the Algarve! We had a lot of fun and didn't play too badly today, even though it was a slow progress. At this time of year, many groups are out, which makes the golf courses crowded. Due to tee times being scheduled every 8-9 minutes, there was already a logjam starting from hole 1, requiring a lot of patience. The round lasted nearly 5 hours. But at least the bunkers stayed out of my way today or almost. We faced strong winds, but thankfully we were spared from the rain. Despite everything, it was a very nice golfing experience.