The course was designed by Arnold Palmer's highly regarded golf architecture firm, and was recently selected to host the World Cup of Golf, one of the four high profile World Golf Championship Events.
The Victoria can be stretched to 7,105 from the tips, and is dotted with a number of large man-made lakes which are a real threat, and create a beautiful contrast with the crystal white swathes of sand that guard the greens. This is a formidable test that can humble even the most skilled player, and is an essential part of any trip to Vilamoura for the golfing aficionado.
Arnold Palmer's playing style is clear for all to see in the final two holes on The Victoria Course. The 17th is a long par-5 stretching well close to 600 yards from the back tees with water in play off the tee and on the approach to the green. With a favourable wind, you can reach this in two but you'll be faced with a high number if you fall short of the green. The 18th, measuring over 450 yards is a very stern test to challenge its par of 4. Water is in play all along the left-hand side of the hole with bunkers guarding the right off the tee. Anyone managing to find the fairway then needs to play the perfect 2nd shot with a large undulating green that'll be sure to welcome a 3-putt.
Signature Hole: 18th Hole - Par 4 - 462 yards - Stroke Index 4
Without doubt the hardest par 4 on the course is the lengthy 18th hole, which is bordered by a water hazard to the left and several bunkers on the right. The tee shot must be long and accurate to have any hope of making birdie. The degree of difficulty is turned up a notch by a challenging approach (usually into the wind) to a well-protected pin. This stands as one of golf's great finishing holes and is a true work of art from 'The King'.
Wins by Padraig Harrington and Andy Sullivan in 2016 and 2015 with scores of 261 mark the record total, whilst amateurs can't expect to achieve the same heights of scoring, they'll enjoy a very enjoyable layout that rewards shot making and the ability to avoid the penal hazards which are sure to catch any offline shots.
The 2018 Portugal Masters was claimed by England's Tom Lewis. Lewis' -22 total included an unbeatable final 3 rounds of 63, 61 and 66 to hold off a world-class field including Masters Champions Sergio Garcia, Charl Schwartzel and Danny Willett.
Lewis' win was worth 333,330 euros to him in what was his 2nd Portugal Masters victory, following his maiden European Tour win in the 2011 event.
Dom Pedro Victoria Course is ranked as one of the best courses in Portugal
Course Information
| Par |
72 |
| Designed by |
Arnold Palmer |
| Opened for play |
2004 |
| Previously hosted |
PGA World Cup (2005), Portugal Masters (2007-present) |
Tees
| White |
6,651 metres |
SSS 74.6 |
| Yellow |
6,094 metres |
SSS 72.5 |
| Gold |
5,628 metres |
SSS 72.0 |
| Blue |
5,164 metres |
SSS 70.2 |
| Red |
4,762 metres |
SSS 67.4 |
