Former Dubai Desert Classic champion Sergio Garcia can’t wait to unveil his first major golf-course design project, with The Torre Course at Terras da Comporta opening in Portugal next summer.
Created over an area of natural sandy terrain one hour south of Lisbon, the par-72 layout is European Ryder Cup legend Garcia’s first golf-course design project where he has been given overall responsibility.
Terras da Comporta’s team of greenkeepers completed seeding on the course’s teeing areas, fairways and greens at the end of last month and the layout remains on schedule to be ready for play at the start of next summer.
Measuring, 6,575 metres from the back tees when completed, The Torre Course – the first design that the Spaniard has worked on in Portugal – is set to feature a combination of risk-and-reward holes, tight fairways and small greens, with Garcia taking inspiration from his favourite course in the world, Valderrama.
“When it comes to full-on design, this is my first project and we are very, very excited about the course,” said Sergio Garcia.
“It’s something that I can really put my stamp on.
“The site is located in striking scenery, just a couple of kilometres from the beautiful beaches of Comporta, and the land has all the ingredients for a spectacular golf course. It’s a beautiful spot for a golf course and we are building it using the best sustainable methods.
“We have tried to fit the course as naturally as possible into the landscape in order to give the guests the feeling that the holes were shaped together with the surrounding by the hands of time. Players will find large, sandy waste bunkers along the not too overly wide fairways.
“My favourite golf course is always Valderrama – I enjoy tight fairways, small greens and a target golf course. The Torre Course will feature a mixture of risk-and-reward holes and the golf course, in general, will favour precision and shot-making over length and power.
“It will be a challenge but also very playable as we want people who play the course to come back, and to keep coming back. With six teeing positions on each hole, the course will cater to all levels of golf from beginners to professionals and young to old.”
