If the reviews on Leadcourses.com are to be believed (average rating 7.5/10), the golf club really needs improvement. Salgados Golf Club in Algarve, Portugal, has just announced a €3.2 million facility renovation initiative, including
- upgrades to its 18-hole golf course and golf facilities,
- plus a new golf cart fleet.
The four-month course renovation began on November 1, 2024, and will be completed in February 2025.
Salgados Golf Club features an 18-hole par-72 layout originally designed by Pedro Vasconcelos in 1994 and renovated by renowned landscape architect Álvaro Mano in 2012.
Simon Doyle, Troon’s Vice President of Agronomy, along with the Troon Design and Development team, will manage the course renovation.
This project includes the introduction of a new island green signature hole and expanding the on-course lakes to enhance habitats for both birds and plants.
The course renovation project
The course renovation project is set to significantly enhance the golf experience by installing a cutting-edge irrigation system from Rain Bird, replacing the outdated 30-year-old system.
This new system will efficiently utilize regional gray water for irrigation, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.
Salgados Golf Club stands out as the only golf course in Portugal that exclusively uses 100% effluent/non-potable water in its irrigation.
In addition to the advanced irrigation,
- all tee boxes will be expertly laser-leveled, and
- bunkers will be redesigned and filled with new sand to improve playability for golfers of all skill levels.
Crews will also work on expanding the lakes to provide more wildlife habitats and increase water capacity.
One of the renovation’s highlights will be transforming the par-3 12th hole into a striking island green, surrounded by water on all sides.
This redesign, featuring native rock borders, will create a visually stunning layout ranging from 96 meters from the forward tees to 135 meters from the back, adding drama and beauty to the course.
New Club Car fleet
Salgados Golf Club will also take delivery of a brand new fleet of Club Car golf carts, including a beverage cart, in February 2025.
The new carts will improve the golfer experience and ensure availability for every visitor, with the aluminum chassis protecting against ocean-front corrosion for a long, high-quality life.