The third edition of GolfSixes takes place on Europe’s most westerly tip at Oitavos Dunes, Portugal, from June 7-8 and will see 16 international pairs go head-to-head on the Cascais coastline.
The Arthur Hills design combines panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean with the stunning backdrop of the Sintra Mountains, offering 18 wonderful holes that combine both links and parkland golf.
The six holes that will take centre stage are the first, second, third, fourth, 18th and a brand-new final hole, where the players will tee off from the hotel’s pool terrace.
Furthermore, some of the holes will have innovative features including one hole where a shot clock will come into play.
Let’s take a closer look into the six holes on show at Oitavos Dunes.
Hole One
The first hole at Oitavos Dunes will feature the Grand Entrance, as players come out to music and are introduced to the crowds.
And what a stunning hole it is to kickstart the 2019 GolfSixes in Cascais.
Playing towards the Atlantic Ocean, the fairway is framed by tall umbrella pines with the landing area narrowing around 275 yards from the tee box. The green, set in a natural bowl of sand dunes, may see some matches earn a crucial point in this short format.
Hole Two
The short par four second hole should see a lot of birdies as it measures just under 340 yards. Again, the hole is framed by the beautiful umbrella pines and natural dunes, but with no more than a wedge left for the approach, expect to see plenty of birdie chances here.
Hole Three
The third hole is a relatively short par three in the seclusion of the pine forest, however the elongated green means the hole can play completely differently from day to day. There are three deep bunkers that protect this green, with a back right pin position causing the most problems for golfers who take on this hole.
Hole Four
Although another relatively short par four, the fourth hole will see the inclusion of a shot clock. Players will have 30 seconds to play their shot and if they haven’t played their ball within the time, they will be hit with a one-shot penalty.
And players better make sure they are committed to their shots as the northerly wind can make things tough off the tee and the deceivingly quick green, which slopes towards the ocean, can be hard to find.
Hole Five
Normally the 18th hole of Oitavos Dunes, this finishing par four is regarded as one of the best in Europe, especially when you take into account the views of the towering Sintra Mountains behind you as you play towards the Atlantic Ocean from elevated tees.
Hole Six
The par three sixth hole at this year’s GolfSixes has been especially created for the event and, for the first time, will see players tee off from the Oitavos Dunes Hotel pool terrace. With the trophy on display, this could be where all the drama unfolds. Additionally, the final hole will also be used as the play-off hole, where the nearest to the pin wins.
To add to the pressure, a live DJ will be playing on the pool terrace.
One thing is for sure, this stunning venue in Cascais is sure to bring plenty of excitement and drama in a beautiful setting as the players battle it out to become 2019 GolfSixes champions.
