Golf
Golf Courses in the Algarve
The Algarve, blessed with a sunny, dry climate, allows for most the regions golf courses to be enjoyed nearly year-round thanks to the mild Atlantic influence. Built in harmony with the natural environment and suitable for golfers of all abilities, the layouts afford opportunities for seasoned exponents as well as the keen novice and, of course, those choosing a golfing holiday here. At all of Algarve's courses golfers will find the following amenities: a clubhouse, bar, restaurant, pro shop, equipment hire, such as clubs, trolleys and buggies and at least one putting green and driving range. There are also golfing academies at selected courses
- Algarve
Parque da Floresta
A challenging layout and built on mainly hilly terrain with both coastal and inland views. The course has a variety of interesting and unusual holes, starting with a long sloping par-4 requiring an approach shot where a large hollow on the left comes into play. On the short fifth, only 88 metres from the yellow tees, played from an exposed hill-top to the green on the crown of a hillock, club selection can vary widely in the fickle winds. The memorable par-3 fifteenth is played over a valley with a small lake. Another lake comes into play on the par-3 11th and par-4 16th and 17th holes.
Holes: 18 Length: 5,712 metres
Par: 71 Extras: PGA Golf Academy
tel: +351 282 690 054
Boavista Golf
Set within a 260-acre area, much of this spectacular new 6,053-m long course is surrounded by land being left in its natural undeveloped state. Designed by Howard Swan, it is built on naturally rolling terrain with hundreds of indigenous trees and palms. The course affords golfers spectacular views over nearby Lagos and the western coastline, as well as inland towards the Monchique hills. Strong candidates for the signature hole are the par-3 sixth played over a deep ravine, the par-four 7th and the scenic 14th measuring 194m off the yellow tees where a lake comes into play.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,053 METRES
Par: 71 Extras: golf academy
tel: +351 282 000 111
Palmares
Palmares course is famous for its annual Almond Blossom tournament week in early February. The breathtaking scenery can be appreciated from most of the course, with views over the Alvor river estuary, beaches and the bay of Lagos. On the outward nine, there are five authentic links holes amongst the dunes close to the ocean exposed to the prevailing winds. The most demanding hole is the long par-5 fifth running roughly parallel to the shore. The other holes extend throughout hillsides and valleys with almond and fig trees, palms and pines. The par-3 tenth, requiring a long iron or a fairway wood is over a valley which is all carry from tee to green.
Holes: 18 Length: 5,961 metres
Par: 71 Extras: Driving range
tel: +351 282 790 500
Penina
Penina - Championship Course
Golf in the Algarve teed off here in 1966 with this masterpiece layout by Sir Henry Cotton. It has hosted the Portuguese Open 10 times, five since 1998. The imposing Le Meridien Penina overlooks the course, built on flattish parkland terrain with fairways lined by countless trees, and containing several tricky water hazards. It includes several long par-3 and par-4 holes, requiring both length and accuracy. Two of the memorable holes are the scenic dogleg 5th par-5 with a canal, lake and contoured green, and the daunting 197m long par-3 thirteenth with water on the right all the way to the putting surface. The par-38 back nine starts and ends with two par-5 holes, a true test of skill.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,273 metres
Par: 73 Extras: Golf Academy
tel: +351 282 430 223 / 4
Penina - Resort Course
Also designed by Cotton, this full-sized 9-hole course, although less demanding than the Championship one, has several challenging holes. Holes 1, 2 and 3 are all tree-lined dogleg par-4& - 039;s where keeping to the fairway is a definite advantage. The only par-5 is the 499-metre fifth hole, long and straight with an elevated green, a typical Penina feature. The par-4 sixth, with out of bounds to the right, requires a precise drive through a narrow avenue of tall trees, whereas the drive on the dogleg 7th needs to be a controlled draw followed by an approach steered left of a greenside lake that is too close to the green for comfort. A long par-3 with several bunkers and a long par-4 round off this pleasant course.
Holes: 9 Length: 2,987 metres
Par: 35 Extras: Golf Academy
tel: +351 282 430 223 / 4
Penina - Academy Course
This short 9-holer is laid out in amongst the Championship fairways and comprises six par-3& - 039;s and three par-4&
- 039;s. The greens are relatively small and therefore demand precise tee or approach shots, but the course is nevertheless ideal for all-year-round holiday golf and to perfect one&
- 039;s short game.
Holes: 9 Length: 2,035 metres
Par: 30 Extras: Golf Academy
tel: +351 282 430 223 / 4
Morgado do Reguengo
Morgado Course
This attractive course opened in February 2003 within a 980-hectare estate a few miles inland from Portimão. With views of the nearby Monchique hills, the complex will eventually house two 5-star hotels, very few villa plots and another 18-hole course. Designed under PGA European Tour supervision it is one of the Algarve& - 039;s longest layouts, with three par-5&
- 039;s on the back nine. It features large greens and a total of 104 bunkers - an excellent test of putting and precision golf in general. Many of the holes wind through valleys dotted with native olive, fig and carob trees. Six lakes or dams serve as hazards and refuges for aquatic birds, as well as catering for irrigation needs.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,399 metres
Par: 73 Extras: Driving range and chipping area
tel: +351 282 402 150 / 2
Álamos Course
Located alongside its sister course, Morgado, this shorter but trickier layout, with more undulating fairways and smaller greens, was opened in late 2005. After the 2 opening holes skirting a lake, the following 4 are on higher, more undulating terrain. Holes 7 to 17 wind through a valley with a meandering stream that comes into play on most of them. On the short par-four 10th and 15th the stream is close to the greens. Contoured putting surfaces and tight fairways are the main hazards, and demand precision play. Its countryside setting means that golf is played in a virtually natural and tranquil environment.
Holes: 18 Length: 5,641 metres
Par: 72 Extras: Driving range and chipping area
tel: +351 282 402 150/2
Alto Golf
Opened in 1991, Alto was the last work of Sir Henry Cotton and boasts a majestic site overlooking the ocean, and with views inland towards the Monchique hills. Some 10,000 trees were planted on the course and have attracted a large variety of birds. Unusually the course starts with a straightforward par-3. The impressive 16th hole measuring 604 metres from the tiger tee is one of the longest par-5’s in Europe. Apart from this formidable hole and perhaps the tricky par-4 tenth, the course is not overly difficult and can be enjoyed by golfers of all standards. A modern clubhouse overlooks the amphitheatre 18th green, the culmination of an excellent par-5 finishing hole.
Holes: 18 Length: 5,812 metres
Par: 70 Extras: GOLF ACADEMY
tel: +351 282 460 870
Pestana Carvoeiro - Vale da Pinta
The Monchique Hills form the spectacular backdrop to this excellently designed course. Most of the natural contours of the terrain were retained as was the majority of the centuries-old olive trees, one of which has been estimated to be over 1,200 years of age. Large, sometimes deep bunkers and fine, fast undulating greens are strong features of the course. The par-3 seventh is one of the signature holes, played over a valley to a well-bunkered wide, but not deep, green demanding a high, soft-landing shot.
HOLES: 18 LENGTH: 6,115 METRES
PAR: 71
Extras: David Leadbetter Academy® with Chipping green
tel: +351 282 340 900
Carvoeiro - Gramacho
Was an unusual "double-nine" course but nine new conventional holes were opened for play in September, 2002. Inserted after the original 4th double hole, the new loop was designed by Nick Price and Rick Elliott, head architect to Ronald Fream. Apart from areas near the lateral boundaries, the new holes are fairly wide open, with little or no rough, so golfers can keep up a steady pace of play. The scenic 10th is a downhill par 3 with lakeside green guarded by bunkers and palm-trees. After the 13th hole, players return to the original five closing holes with their familiar optional sets of tees and large optional greens, affording a pleasant mix of old and new on natural, contoured terrain.
HOLES: 18 LENGTH: ± 6,100 METRES
PAR: 71 Extras: David Leadbetter Academy® with Chipping green
tel: +351 282 340 900
Silves Course
This course, located north of Lagoa, was ready for play in late 2006. Built on attractive undulating terrain covered mainly with ancient olive trees, one of which is well over 1,000 years old, it affords a tranquil rural setting although only a stone& - 039;s throw away from the town of Silves. The changes in elevation, unforgiving bunkers and generally fast, contoured greens will test all players. Interestingly, there are no less than six par-3 holes with lengths of between 136 and 201 metres and four par-5&
- 039;s of 461 metres and upwards.
holes: 18 length: 5,615 metres
par: 70 extras: driving range
Tel: 282 441 111
Vale de Milho
This compact par-3 9-hole course in Carvoeiro is one of only three in the Algarve. It offers an interesting variety of holes to test golfers’ short game abilities. Features include regular sized greens, water hazar sand bunkers similar to those on a full course. With holes ranging in length from 60 to 164 metres, the layout is located in a park area within a quality residential complex. Good amenities and service ensure a friendly club atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Ideal for holiday-makers who wish to combine a little golf with visits to neighbouring beaches.
HOLES: 9 LENGTH: 926 METRES
PAR: 27 Extras: chipping & putting green
tel: +351 282 358 502
Salgados
This coast line course features several links holes by the beach but with a difference: Salgados has by far the largest number of water hazards to be found on any course in the Algarve - fourteen in all. Accuracy of shot-making is therefore of extreme importance. This is specially the case with the par-5 sixth where there is a large lake on the right and rough to the left of the narrow fairway. The 12th is a short par-3 to a two-tiered green just beyond a lake and guarded by bunkers on each side. Sea and land breezes across the low lying terrain affect the playing conditions, making this a challenging course that demands concentration.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,080 metres
Par: 72 Extras: Driving range
tel: +351 289 583 030
Balaia
This executive par-3 nine-hole course is part of the Balaia Golf Village complex just east of Albufeira.Built on pleasant, undulating terrain with umbrella pines, cork oaks and carob trees. The course has holes measuring between 73 and 160 metres in length (58 to 147 metres for ladies), demanding a wide range of club selection for tee-shots. Excellent for holiday golf and sharpening one’s short game.
Holes: 9 Length: 983 metres
Par: 27 Extras: Driving range and golf school
tel: +351 289 570 442
Pine Cliffs
The spectacular Pine Cliffs clifftop nine-hole layout is set against a glorious backdrop of the Atlantic. Only 2,324 metres long and with one par-5 hole, it is a pleasant holiday course set amongst umbrella pines, although narrow, undulating fairways demand accurate placing of shots. The pièce de résistance is the last hole, a par-3 aptly named ‘Devil’s Parlour’, where a long shot from the clifftop tee must carry a deep chasm in the reddish cliffs in order to the reach the green located close to the hotel grounds. Another memorable hole is the short par-4 second where one is tempted to thread the drive between two tall pinetrees not far short of the well-guarded green.
Holes: 9 Length: 2,227 metres
Par: 33 Extras: Golf Academy
tel: +351 289 500 100 / 113
Vilamoura
Oceânico Old Course
A mature course of classic English layout opened in 1969, with mainly narrow pinetree-lined fairways. This is one of the favourite and highest rated Algarve courses, and one of Golf World& - 039;s top 100 in continental Europe. The one and only lake is on the attractive par-3 fourth where the tee-shot must clear not only the water but also a pine and a bunker fronting the green. The back nine has three par-5’s with the long 16th requiring three precise shots to avoid the menacing pines and to reach the green safely.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,254 metres
Par: 73 Extras: Driving range and putting green
tel: +351 289 310 333
Oceânico Pinhal
The course opened in 1976, but several holes were re-constructed in 1985 and 2001 to improve its playability and appeal to all levels of golfers. Pinetrees are also a strong feature, and combined with the comparatively small greens, mean that accurate shots are required on most holes. The par-4 fourth is an interesting hole where one needs to play for position from the tee as a lake comes into play on the approach shot. Careful play is also required on the par-3 twelfth with its contoured green guarded by bunkers. The excellent closing hole is a par-4 with a downhill approach shot to a well defended sloping green.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,353 metres
Par: 72 Extras: Driving range
tel: +351 289 310 333
Oceânico Laguna
This parkland course built on low-lying coastal land has many heavily bunkered greens and several water hazards to take advantage of the high water table. More exposed than the other courses at this large resort, Laguna is often influenced by the sea breezes. The 9th is a tricky par-4 with an old well in the middle of the fairway and a lake on the right, all the way to the green. Played from a raised tee, the par-3 17th has a threatening lake on the left.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,111 metres
Par: 72 Extras: DRIVING RANGE
TEL: +351 289 310 333
Oceânico Millennium
This attractive course opened in the year 2000. It is an extremely attractive, quality course. It is situated adjacent to the Laguna layout with which it shares a spacious, modern clubhouse. The first nine holes were newly built and meander through typical Algarvean pinewoods. The par-3 sixth with its lakeside green is one of the signature holes. The back nine holes, part of the former 27-hole Laguna course, are located on flattish undulating terrain and have been refurbished and partially modified.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,157 metres
Par: 72 Extras: DRIVING RANGE
TEL: +351 289 310 333
Oceânico Victoria Clube de Golfe
Opened in June, 2004, this Palmer-designed layout is the jewel in the crown of Vilamoura& - 039;s 5 courses. The Victoria, located on attractively landscaped open land just west of the Millennium course, contains many ancient olive and carob trees. The wide fairways and large greens are inviting but water comes into play on 8 holes, mainly over the back nine, including the 11th to 13th that form a triangle - dubbed Victoria corner. The 18th, an appealing par-4, demands a tee-shot between a lake and bunkers to set up the ideal linein to the green.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,560 metres
Par: 72 Extras: DRIVING RANGE
TEL: +351 289 310 333
Vila Sol
The course is laid out on ideal undulating terrain in amongst natural woods, mainly pines, carob and fig trees, and little artificial landscaping was required during construction. Several water hazards were, however, introduced. The original 18-hole course, opened in 1991, was the venue of the Portuguese Open in 1992/3. In 2000, a third 9-hole loop was opened, named the Prestige, and the others are now the Prime and Challenge loops. With its large, contoured and often speedy greens, together with several long, testing par-4 holes, the course is an excellent challenge for golfers of all handicap levels.
Holes: 27 Par: 72 (each 18-hole combination)
Lengths: prime+prestige 6,320m, 10-27 — CHALLENGE+PRESTIGE – 6,173M — PRIME+CHALLENGE – 6,335 METRES
Extras: Driving range & academy
tel: +351 289 300 500 / 505
Vale do Lobo - Royal Course
Combines nine original Henry Cotton designed holes with nine conceived by Rocky Roquemore and opened in 1996. It incorporates the world-famous par-3, the 16th, with an extensive carry over the russet cliffs, and which is the photographers’ favourite. One of the signature holes is the par-3 ninth over a lake to a spectacular semi-island green. Another fine hole is the challenging par-4 twelfth with sharply contoured fairway and a large green bunkered on all sides.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,059 metres
Par: 72 Extras: academy/practice area
tel: +351 289 353 465
Vale do Lobo - Ocean Course
The course was upgraded in 2002/4, particularly the outward nine, with three new holes and a lake being incorporated. An attractive layout with beautiful holes alongside the coast and the remainder mainly lined with pine-trees. After the difficult, stroke-index 1 opening par-4, the golfer will find a blend of straightforward and testing holes, prominent amongst the latter being the dogleg 9th with a raised green, the 11th and 14th – all par-fours. The improvements made have placed this layout on par with its sister course.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,131 metres
Par: 73 Extras: academy/practice area
tel: +351 289 353 465
Quinta do Lago South
The championship course within the 800-hectare estate of the same name, has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times. The layout favours the long hitter but correct placement of shots are needed to score well. Strategic bunkering, occasional water hazards and large, contoured greens are the main challenges. The signature hole is the beautiful par-3 15th with a long carry over a large lake to the green set in amongst pine trees. The 8th, 10th and 18th are excellent testing par-4’s for low-handicap players on this scenic course which is an enjoyable experience for players of all standards.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,488 metres
Par: 72 Extras: Driving range
tel: +351 289 390700
Quinta do Lago North
Is basically the same style as Quinta do Lago South course, Quinta do Lago North is notable for its four fine par-5 holes and many dog-legs where accuracy off the tee is a must. The tricky downhill par-3 fourteenth with its green well defended by bunkers on either side is an outstanding challenge. A majestic 480-m par-5 finishing hole demands a drive over a lake and between fair-way bunkers to set up the ideal second shot, with the approach up a steep rise to the green.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,205 metres
Par: 72 Extras: Driving range, permanent bar by 9th tee
tel: +351 289 390700
San Lorenzo
This magnificent Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore 18-hole layout opened in 1989, and is currently considered the fifth best course in continental Europe by Golf World magazine. It comprises several scenic and testing holes culminating in the memorable 18th with an exhilarating approach to the well defended green across a lake. The 6th, 7th and 8th are tight, challenging holes skirting water hazards along the right hand side. The immaculately maintained course, which is owned by the well-established Le Meridien Dona Filipa Hotel nearby, is open to visitors although priority is given to hotel guests who pay nominal green-fees. Course privileges are also granted to Le Meridien Penina Hotel guests.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,238 metres
Par: 72 Extras: Driving range
tel: +351 289 396522 / 289 396 534
Pinheiros Altos
An independent 18-hole course built on the Quinta do Lago estate. Here is an unusual layout with two nines of contrasting character. The outward nine meander through typical Algarvian pine woods whereas many water hazards must be negotiated coming home. The course embraces part of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, making this another course of beauty and challenge for players of all standards. The outstanding par-3 fifth calls for a mid-iron shot played across a valley full of umbrella pines to a heavily contoured green. Hole number 12 is a par-5 that requires careful positioning of shots to avoid a watery grave on the left.
Holes: 27 Length: 6,186 metres
Par: 72 (each 18 hole combination)
Extras: Golf Academy, drinving range, chipping & putting greens
tel: +351 289 359 910
Colina Verde
This executive course is integrated into the rural Golf-Domizil Colina Verde Aparthotel complex near Moncarapacho, east of Faro. Basically it is a par-3 course but the 2nd hole is a 243-metre par-4. It features challenging full-size greens with subtle contours, and a water hazard that comes into play on three holes, particularly the 160-metre 5th. Ideal for beginners, holiday golfers and those seeking short game practice.
Holes: 9 Length: 1,145 metres
Par: 28 Extras: academy / PRACTICE AREA
tel: +351 289 790 110
Benamor
A course with striking mountain and ocean views, located just east of Tavira. The rolling terrain was wisely used by the designers to produce widely varying holes. With three short par-4& - 039;s and a par-3, the start is relatively uncomplicated. However, precision on many tee and approach shots is a must. The inward nine features several memorable holes, e.g. the tricky par-3 tenth over water and unplayable rough left of the green, and the two par-5&
- 039;s, the 15th and 18th, the latter having out of bounds areas on either side close to the green.
Holes: 18 Length: 5,497 metres
Par: 71 Extras: Driving range and chipping green
tel: +351 281 320 880
Quinta da Ria Course
Opened at the end of 2001, this impressive 18-hole course just east of Tavira borders on the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Although affording spectacular ocean views, it is built on gently undulating terrain and includes five man-made lakes, one of which - alongside the scenic par-3 17th - has an island and is already the habitat of many species of birdlife. Hundreds of old olive and carob trees were transplanted on to the course, and since the vineyard and orange orchard surroundings will be devoid of housing development, the natural atmosphere will be retained. This Roquemore designed course has four par-3’s, four par-5’s and the rest par-4’s, divided equally into each 9-hole loop. The bent-grass greens are slightly undulating and well guarded with bunkers.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,016 METRES
Par: 72 Extras: DRIVING RANGE and ACADEMY
tel: +351 281 950 580
Quinta de Cima Course
Stretching southwards from the EN125 road on a 62-hectare area, this layout belongs to the same complex as Quinta da Ria. It is also a Roquemore design and provides an interesting challenge to golfers of all standards, with well-guarded greens, several close to hazards of both the water and sand variety. Holes 4, 5, 6 and 13 are crossed by a stream that includes a few small dams, but golfers will require concentration as the magnificent hilly inland and ocean views can be distracting. Continuity of the tranquil natural setting is assured since there will be no housing development around the course.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,256 METRES
Par: 72 Extras: Driving range and academy
tel: +351 281 950 580
Monte Rei
The 1st of two exciting Nicklaus-designed courses planned here, blended into attractive foothills and valleys. With five par-3& - 039;s and five par-5&
- 039;s, the course has water hazards on 11 holes.
Holes: 18 Length: 6,567 METRES
Par: 72 Extras: FULL PRACTICE FACILITIES
tel: +351 281 950 950
Castro Marim Golfe and Country Club
Opened in 2001 this challenging 18-hole layout, the Atlantic Course, is part of a 225-hectare property development near the historical town of Castro Marim, close to the Spanish border and the River Guadiana.
It is built on attractive rolling terrain with pines and a variety of other tree species, and affords scenic views of the river, Atlantic Ocean and a backdrop of hills.
Holes: 18 Length: 5,265 METRES
Par: 71 (73 for ladies) Extras: Driving range and CHIPPING PRACTICE
tel: +351 281 510 330
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