Jack's back at Monte Rei

Courtesy of the Portugal Resident

From left: Jack Nicklaus, Dirk Bouts, who oversees construction on all Nicklaus courses, and Troy Dear, a member of the on-site team at Monte Rei.

JACK NICKLAUS flew into Faro recently to pay another of his regular visits to Monte Rei, the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Portugal, just north of Vila Nova de Cacela in the eastern Algarve.

He was on great form and so, too, is the course. "She's very pretty," said Jack after inspecting the front nine holes, "this will be a terrific course." The sheer scale of the course is awe-inspiring: it covers some 70 hectares of undulating countryside, and Jack and the technical team covered each hole. His strategically-placed bunkers - some larger than most people's swimming pools and just as deep - mean that, even on the shortest holes, accuracy will be paramount.

The large lakes around the course not only provide further challenges but are linked to the water re-cycling system, just another part of the carefully-planned, environmentally-friendly approach. The course will be seeded in July and will be ready for play and the official opening in the autumn of 2006.

Sales for the residential properties at Monte Rei started a few weeks ago and already houses in the first village, 'O Miradouro', are selling fast, as are the spacious plots around the golf course. Unusually, the plots - with an average size of 2,800sqm - are arranged to overlook the fairways and greens rather than being on the same level. This enhances the golfing experience for players while giving property owners privacy and great views.

Mario Condeco, who is in charge of sales for Monte Rei, has had a busy time showing people around the massive site. "There has been a lot of interest from people living in the Algarve," he said. "They like the location and the space, and realise that the real estate here will be a great investment." With construction set at just eight per cent, space will not be an issue and the landscaping programme will ensure that residents and visitors enjoy a natural environment within the various villages and the common areas.

Monte Rei is shaping up in every sense and, as Jack says, "she's very pretty!" For more details, visit www.monte-rei.com.