Golf courses creators have to practice their dexterities on very improbable landscape at times. One of the popular visitors of the proposed site at Penina was Sir Henry Cotton in 1963. He was then challenged by an absolutely flat, grassy, and paddy field. Unfortunately, it was also water-logged that calls for appropriate designs and measurements. However, the course he created - the first in the Algarve, opening in 1966 - will perhaps come to be seen as his memorial.
However, Robert Trent Jones, one creative designer might have decided to modify and renovate the landscape, but Cotton took an amazing approach: he decided to plant various types of trees, said to total more than 350,000 in the site. He created this for two purposes: one reason was that they would help to absorb the water on the landscape provided by heavy rains and the other was that these trees will serve as major features and beautification of his new course. They both line the fairways and help create the doglegged. However, thousands of trees could not drain the former paddy fields and the numerous drainage canals were needed that time.
Though the results were not that good as expected, Cotton did not give up his course, but he made some modifications and added features such as vast tees, up to 100 yards (90 m) in length. This idea was probably from Robert Trent Jones. With these new features, good amateurs can play Penina at fewer than 6,900 yards (6, 310 m) because it can be stretched to nearly 7,500 yards (6, 860 m). Penina Gold Course was then considered as one of the longest courses in the world, which amateurs and veteran golfers can play unlimited rounds.
Cotton lived at the Pinena Hotel for many years, leaving temporarily when Portuguese 'revolution' started. He was not in favor about the rules of the Portuguese towards Englishmen. His last days were saddened when his gold course would be changed by another designer. However, the modifications did not devastate his previous plans and designs.
Sir Henry died in Penina before Christmas in 1987. However, he was awarded with recognitions as one of the best golf course designers who created the most prestigious landscape within few years. These recognitions were not announced in the New Year's Honors List, but Sir Henry knew it according to the sources.
However, Robert Trent Jones, one creative designer might have decided to modify and renovate the landscape, but Cotton took an amazing approach: he decided to plant various types of trees, said to total more than 350,000 in the site. He created this for two purposes: one reason was that they would help to absorb the water on the landscape provided by heavy rains and the other was that these trees will serve as major features and beautification of his new course. They both line the fairways and help create the doglegged. However, thousands of trees could not drain the former paddy fields and the numerous drainage canals were needed that time.
Though the results were not that good as expected, Cotton did not give up his course, but he made some modifications and added features such as vast tees, up to 100 yards (90 m) in length. This idea was probably from Robert Trent Jones. With these new features, good amateurs can play Penina at fewer than 6,900 yards (6, 310 m) because it can be stretched to nearly 7,500 yards (6, 860 m). Penina Gold Course was then considered as one of the longest courses in the world, which amateurs and veteran golfers can play unlimited rounds.
Cotton lived at the Pinena Hotel for many years, leaving temporarily when Portuguese 'revolution' started. He was not in favor about the rules of the Portuguese towards Englishmen. His last days were saddened when his gold course would be changed by another designer. However, the modifications did not devastate his previous plans and designs.
Sir Henry died in Penina before Christmas in 1987. However, he was awarded with recognitions as one of the best golf course designers who created the most prestigious landscape within few years. These recognitions were not announced in the New Year's Honors List, but Sir Henry knew it according to the sources.
About the Author:
Known worldwide in golfing lore Penina is a golf resort located in the Algarve region of Southern Portugal, between Portimo and Lagos. The resort spans 360 acres (1.5 km2) and contains a hotel complex, golf courses, tennis courts, a football pitch and an running track.. Unique version for reprint here: English Golfers Prefer This Western Portuguese Course.
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