CASTRO MARIM Golf and Country Club, the premier resort at the eastern end of the Algarve, is entering into a phase of rapid growth, with the construction of a further nine hole course that will give the resort two 18 hole golf courses. As well as another golf course, the resort is to have a new clubhouse that is currently in the process of being built and scheduled for completion in December 2005.Described as “the most original clubhouse in the country”, it will measure 1,600sqm and include two restaurants, two bars, a games room, pro-shop and a mini-health club, amongst other facilities. One of the restaurants situated on the first floor will be open all year round and aims to become very well-known for its top class menu. “We have an original project that respects the history and culture of Portugal, namely the town of Castro Marim,” explained the resort’s General Director, Dick Lavoo.
Famous for the excellent condition of its greens, the Atlantic Course is becoming more and more popular with golfers. “The landscape and the course architecture assure a great rhythm,” says Lavoo. “It is our intention to make the new course a real golfer’s paradise. These new holes will give our golfers a fresh challenge. The course will be integrated within the resort’s 230 hectares and just like the Atlantic Course, all the holes will have fantastic views,” he emphasised.
The club is already a success, bringing in golfers from all over the Algarve. “We are very satisfied with our results,” Lavoo explained. “The number of players has steadily increased, which is excellent, since some golf courses in the Algarve have seen their numbers decrease,” told Lavoo.
Marc van Gelder, son of Vale do Lobo owner, Sander van Gelder, is the club’s director of marketing and sales. Marc is proud of Castro Marim’s performance to date, commenting:“Over recent years Castro Marim Golf and Country Club has matured to become a truly special place, where one can play golf, enjoy the sun, nature, culture, history, quality and service totally in harmony.It is the perfect place to live or invest.”
