Plans have been unveiled for a major renovation of the North Course at the Quinta do Lago resort in Portugal.

American architect Beau Welling has developed the new plans, working alongside Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.

All greens, bunkers, tees, drainage systems and irrigation and cart paths will be rebuilt as part of the project. The new irrigation scheme has been designed by Portuguese engineer Pedro Nobre Correia of GEOdesenho.

Low-cut bermudagrass will be added around the greens, and cool season rough grass, native grasses and specimen trees will be planted with the aim of improving the course aesthetically and environmentally.

Welling said “I can’t begin to tell you how excited we are about the project, as we truly believe the end result will make the North Course one of Europe’s best. The ‘new’ North Course is really going to become a great golf course to play. By having the opportunity to adjust the golf course strategy, we can make the course substantially more playable, while still introducing many different shot options for golfers of all skill levels.” 

Nine holes on the North Course opened in 1974, designed by American architect William Mitchell. The remaining nine were designed by Joe Lee with the collaboration of Rocky Roquemore and opened in 1989.

Located in the Algarve, Quinta do Lago’s North Course is 6,126 metres and a par 72. The routing will not change as part of the project, and the course is scheduled to reopen in October 2014.