Same designer, same estate, same hotel — but South carries the Portuguese Open history and North got a €9 million modern rebuild. Here's how Quinta do Lago's two original courses actually compare.
Quinta do Lago's South and North courses were both laid out by William Mitchell in 1974, share the same estate and the same five-star hotel — but forty years of separate history have made them very different rounds. South is the one with the tournament pedigree; North is the one that got a complete modern rebuild. Here's how they actually compare.
One designer, one very different story since
Both courses opened in 1974 as part of William Mitchell's original design for the estate, and both wind through umbrella pines with views over the Ria Formosa Natural Park. But where South has stayed close to its championship roots, North was rebuilt from the ground up in 2014 — a €9 million redesign led by Beau Welling working with former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, which went on to be named Europe's Best New Golf Course that year. Every green, tee, bunker and drainage system was rebuilt to modern specification.
South: the championship test
At 6,500 metres par 72, South has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times since 1976, most recently in 2001, and it's still regarded as one of the toughest rounds in the Algarve. The front nine favours a draw through tight umbrella-pine corridors; the back nine loops the resort lake and asks for a fade instead. It also carries the strictest handicap limit of the two, at 24 for men, and the highest green fee — but our own visitors rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 538 reviews, the highest-rated course on the whole map.
North: the modern rebuild
North plays a shorter 6,140 metres par 72, and the 2014 redesign added four tee options on every hole, so the same course can play as a gentle introduction or a genuine test depending on which tees you choose. It's more forgiving on paper — the maximum handicap is 28 for men, four shots more generous than South — but strategic bunkering and water hazards mean low-handicap players still find plenty to think about.
Which one should you play?
If you want the course with the Portuguese Open history and don't mind paying for it, play South — it's the one people mean when they talk about Quinta do Lago's reputation. If you'd rather a course that adapts to your level, with modern conditioning and a shorter card, North is the better choice, especially for higher handicappers or a first visit to the estate. Green fees run from €178 on South and €163 on North, and both share the same practice facilities, so playing both across a trip is easy to justify.
Where to stay
Both courses share the same on-site hotel, Hotel Quinta do Lago — a member of Leading Hotels of the World since 1988, with 141 rooms and suites and direct pedestrian access to all three Quinta do Lago courses. You can book it directly on Expedia.
Want the numbers side by side instead? Open the course comparator to see South and North's price, handicap limits and facilities pulled straight from our live course data.
