Greens
Type of grass - Penncross / Poa
Height of cut - 3.25mm
Speed / stimpmeter reading - 9'6"
Any specific comments - sloping greens which can be difficult to read

Fairways
Type of grass - Penneagle / Poa / Rye grass
Height of cut - 12mm
General width and contouring - generous fairways, 25-35m

Tees / collars
Type of grass - Penneagle / Poa
Height of cut - 10mm

Rough
Type of grass - Rye grass / Poa
Height of cut - semi 32mm, rough 64mm

Weather
Weather in advance - very dry weather
Forecast for tournament - very dry, however, the annual issue of passing low cloud and mist over the course due to its altitude often causes visibility problems and delays during tournament play

Course
Opened - 1991
Course designer - Robert Trent Jones Jnr
Special features - the course descends 300m from top to bottom
General playability - can be tricky judging the distance because of the altitude and the wind
Undulating / flat - very hilly course at 700m
Tree lined / exposed - most of the trees are quite a long way fro the fairways
Many / few water hazards - there are quite a few hazards but not that close to play
Changes to the course - since 2008 a few wooded areas have been cleared

Other features
- The tournament is returning to Santo de Serra after three years at the neighbouring Portop Santo
- This will be the 20th anniversary of the tournament
- Stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean