Feature Review: Oceanico O'Connor

We recently sent Golfshake ambassador & feature writer Matt Holbrook to play the Oceanico courses at the Amendoeira Golf Resort in Vilamoura.  Read the review for the O'Connor course.

Designed by Christie O'Connor the O'Connor course sits along side The Faldo course and forms part of the Amendoeira resort which is part of the Oceanico group.

Whilst set in the same location the 2 courses are completely different from each other with the O'Connor being mainly based around its water features and the Faldo the bunkers.

Pre-round thoughts

The staff at the pro shop are extremely helpful and very friendly and this is where you need to collect your 'ticket' before heading downstairs to the caddy master to either collect your clubs and trolley or buggy. The driving range is of tour standard with your pyramid of balls waiting on your grass bay for you upon arrival. The large putting green is shared with the Faldo course (even though the Faldo course has its own separate green) as with the large chipping green/practice bunker.

Par 3s

The par 3's here are not of any extreme length ranging from 144 yards to 165 yards and the opening offering - the 3rd hole - is the one that really sticks out.

A shade over 150 yards and having to carry both the water and deep front green-side bunkers coming up short here is not an option. Go long and the undulating green is ready to pounce!

Par 4s

Most of the water features here will come into play on he par 4's. There is a nice mixture of fairways or greens being guarded by the blue traps. The 7th - 10th holes are perfect example as they come into play on all 4 holes. 7th 8th and 9th greens are heavily protected whilst the 10th having to carry over slightly on the lovely 90 degree dog leg.

I have played courses in the past where water comes into play on so many holes like it does here but the designer has really done a great job in not making the holes repetitive.

Par 5s

Whilst the shortest of the Par 5's at just under 500 yards the 5th is a tester and due to the incline plays a lot longer.  With OOB left and unsurprisingly, water right getting your tee shot middled is key. Not many will have the length to tackle this in 2 and just to make it a little more fun you will have to take fairway bunkers into account with your second.

If you manage to tackle all that then the raised green with the 2 large front bunkers - and one back to boot - will make you really work for a score.  The 5th is a really enjoyable hole.

The 11th is less guarded and will allow you to really open your shoulders and the fairway is extremely wide - but get a good one! Fairway traps ready to grab anything too wide!

Post-round thoughts

The condition of the course is excellent. The greens in particular are receptive, true and will hold a golf ball. Hit a putt on line here and it will stay exactly where you hit it.

Staying out the water is key and could definitely put a good score together if you can stay dry.

Once finished your clubs will be carried up to the front of the club house for you and you can go upstairs and relax on the terrace with a fantastic view of the entire resort - in particular the approach shot of those heading up the 18th.

For a golfing resort the food a drink is fantastically priced and I can highly recommend grabbing the bar menu and having a nice lunch!

Verdict/Roundup

This is one of those courses that will stick with you for a long time. It's one you will want to go back to - over and over.

As with all the Oceanico course it's excellently looked after by the dedicated team of green staff and it shows as the quality lasts throughout the course all year round.

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Stay & Play: Amendoeira Golf Resort - Vilamoura