The most central area, between Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo is one of the most luxurious in the Algarve and also one of the best equipped for playing golf. These courses combine links and fairways with cliffs, lakes and bunkers, providing a high standard of holes. Take, for example, hole 16 at the Royal Golf Course in Vale de Lobo, the most photographed in Europe: a demanding Par 3 in which three spectacular sea cliffs stand between the tee and the green. Or hole 6 at Pine Cliffs, that is on the edge of a ravine and requires a shot over the beach.
True tests to the technical capabilities of even the most accomplished players, who have to put their strategies to the test, many of these courses are host to important international tournaments, such as the Algarve World Cup or the Cup of Nations. The Portugal Masters is part of the PGA European Tour and has been held at the Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura since 2007.
Algarve
Algarve
The Algarve has been repeatedly considered to be the best golfing destination in the world by magazines devoted to the sport.
With an ideal climate that lets you play throughout the year and a wide variety of almost four dozen courses, the region is a golfers’ paradise. Most courses are located in protected areas, with stunning views. They are internationally recognised for the quality of their facilities, and they have been designed by prestigious players and legendary champions such as Sir Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore, Arnold Palmer and Ronald Fream. On top of all this, there are excellent golf pros, a varied network of hotels and good accessibility, ranging from direct air links with many destinations in the world to easy transfers between Faro airport and the various resorts.
The courses are spread from one extreme of the region to the other. By the beach or further inland, flat or hilly, the choice is varied, but any of them can offer you the chance of birdies and eagles, and maybe even a hole in one. Between Lagos, Sagres and Serra de Monchique there are courses with varying degrees of difficulty, where the greens and fairways are framed by beautiful natural scenery. It is in this area, near Portimão, that the first course opened in Algarve is to be found, Penina Hotel & Golf Resort, which has been awarded on several occasions as one of the best in Europe.
Golf courses
Monte Rei Golf Resort
Nestled amongst the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Algarve, Monte Rei is an exclusive residential community woven into 1,000 acres of unspoilt countryside and overlooking the award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, consistently ranked as the best in Portugal.
Monte Rei - North Course
This Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course has been challenging players of all abilities and handicaps from across the world since 2007. Set against the backdrop of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the 7182 yard, par 72 course blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Wide forgiving fairways weave through mature trees and valleys, creating a unique test on every hole alongside spectacular vistas.
Monte Rei - South Course
The second course at Monte Rei, The South, will also be a Jack Nicklaus Signature course. The desing is being completed by the Nicklaus team - with Mr Nicklaus having visited the site in July 2019 and planning stage and construction is scheduled to begin in the next few months. Please keep an eye on our news section for regular updates.
Álamos Golf Course
Despite its relatively short length, Álamos Golf Course is a challenging test for any golfer. Affording splendid views over the Monchique mountains, lakes and farmland, the sensation here is one of being far from everything. This is a shorter course than Morgado Golf Course (Par 71), but it has all the necessary features to meet the expectations of the most demanding golfer. Rather than simply a test of your golfing skills, this course clearly demonstrates that man and nature can come together in harmony.
Boavista Golf & Spa Resort
One of the reasons people enjoy playing Boavista is that it's always in first-rate condition. Another is the attractiveness of the course with its far reaching views of the Bay of Lagos to the east and the Monchique mountains to the north. Designed in 2002 by Howard Swan the golf course uses the natural contours of the terrain and as a result it presents plenty of challenge - especially on holes six and eight where you have to hit your ball across a ravine!
Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club
This is one of the newest courses in Portugal, having been opened in 2001, in an area of the Algarve that until recently had no golfing infrastructures at all.
The recently-built course at Castro Marim is part of a truly exceptional tourist development, designed to provide unforgettable moments of leisure.
It has a very special setting in the peaceful atmosphere of the eastern Algarve and was in fact the first course to be built in this region, offering players beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean, the River Guadiana and the nearby Nature Reserve.
The design of the so-called "Atlantic Course" made use of the natural undulations of the hills and is sprinkled with many ornamental lakes. The fairways have been made with Bermuda grass, whilst the greens are made with the new Penn A4 grass.
hat makes the Castro Marim Golf and Country Club really special is its unique blend of history, culture, nature, river, sea, beach and sporting facilities in one single setting, together with its exceptional service and quality. Its proximity to the Benamor course has meant that there is now a new major golfing centre in the Algarve.
Dom Pedro Golf Collection: Laguna Golf Course
Laid out over low lying coastal terrain, this course, with its many water hazards and few trees, is considerably different from the other ones at the resort and many of its holes convey a links atmosphere. U.S. golf architect Joseph Lee designed this course which was opened in 1990 and many previous visitors will recognise it as part of the former 27th hole Vilamoura III course. It has been subject to continual improvements over the years. Measuring 6,121 metres from the white tees, the par 72 course includes several lakes which influence play on a total of 11 holes. In addition to acting as hazards and emergency water reservoirs, these lakes serve a useful purpose in attracting a variety of aquatic birds, both resident and migratory, as well as amphibians, otters, terrapins etc. Apart from the lakes and an impressive total of 79 bunkers, another hazard is the wind that frequently blows over this somewhat exposed location. Oceânico Laguna is located on relatively flat, open terrain. The basis of its modern design is strategic placement of bunkers and water hazards, all of which demand accuracy of play. Laguna shares a large, welcoming clubhouse with the neighbouring Millennium Course.
Dom Pedro Golf Collection: Millennium Golf Course
The course is particularly open, although some holes (the 3rd to the 7th) wind between pine trees and are similar to the neighbouring fairways of the Old Course and Pinhal. In this more wooded area, the fairways are narrower and require greater accuracy - while the rest of the course has a clear landscape enriched by lakes at the 4th, 17th and 18th holes. The arrival of the Millennium Course made Vilamoura one of the main - if not the main - European golf destinations. The well-established UK golf Architects Hawtree & Sons were contracted to plan this modification and design work which has culminated in the creation of the new, exciting 18-hole Millennium Golf Course.
Refurbishment to the existing nine holes commenced in May 1999 and included the complete rebuilding of the tees, greens and bunkers. Changes were made to the layout or structure of the old nine holes, but several new design features were incorporated with a view to simplifying the strategy of the course and in order to make it more golfer-friendly. This applies especially to holes 8 and 9, the only ones on this loop with water hazards. Also, many of the bunkers have been re-shaped and the smaller greens expanded. This renovated North course has been joined together with the new 9-hole loop to offer a layout of different character, style and playing quality to the remaining Laguna Course. The two nines of the Millennium Course complement each other handsomely and have strong traits.
Dom Pedro Golf Collection: Old Course Golf Club
Situated in the heart of the Vilamoura seaside resort a mere 20-minute drive from Faro airport, this Frank Pennink designed parkland style layout is one of the oldest in the region and renowned all over the golfing world. Often described as the Grande Dame of Algarve courses, it meanders throughout impressive pinetrees - the principal hazard - over gently undulating natural terrain. Although it opened in 1969, the course was completely renovated and modernised 27 years later although no major changes were made to the magnificent layout. In addition to raising the Vilamoura Old Course to new heights of quality, an attractive new clubhouse and adjacent putting green were also built at that time. As with all Vilamoura courses, environmental protection practices are strictly adhered to by means of detailed management systems in line with guidelines established by ISO 14001 standards, Green Globe and Committed to Green programmes. This is one of the courses in Portugal that will always stay in the memory of visiting golfers.
Dom Pedro Golf Collection: Pinhal Golf Course
This was the second golf course built in Vilamoura and inaugurated in 1976, having originally been designed by Frank Pennink, the architect of the nearby Vilamoura Old Course. Several refinements were incorporated over the years, the most significant one by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1985. It is typified by rolling parkland terrain covered with numerous umbrella and Atlantic pines that line many of the fairways and a few even stand out on fairways or near greens. Ponds and a stream come into play on five holes but are not serious threats to above-average golfers. To keep up with modern technical advances in clubs and balls, several holes have recently been lengthened and the par-72 course now measures 6,353 metres off the white tee markers. The clubhouse was completely renovated and modernised at the turn of the millennium and from the large verandah one can enjoy a panoramic view over the excellent driving range and practice facilities.
Espiche Golf
Located within a nature reserve and just five minutes from Lagos, Espiche Golf is an eco-resort which has been perfectly integrated into the surrounding natural environment and offers a unique and authentic experience in the western Algarve.
Golf Santo António
Golf Santo Antonio, formerly known as Parque da Floresta, was designed by the distinguished Spanish golf architect Pepe Gancedo, one of the most famous architects in Spain, whose philosophy of golf construction involves minimal alteration of the existing ground. The course is perfectly integrated into the landscape. Being the most westerly golf course in the Algarve, Golf Santo Antonio, stretches over the hills behind the fishing village of Salema, near the historic town of Lagos and not far from the Nature Reserve of Costa Vicentina. Framed by a valley that winds through the countryside creating some undulating fairways, the Santo Antonio golf course in Parque da Floresta is an impressive arena that has hosted the prestigious Europro Tour. With 18 holes, par 71, the course extends for 5712 meters. Golf Santo Antonio has a driving range, golf academy, practice area, putting green and golf shop. Whatever your ability, from an absolute beginner to a low handicapper – once you have spent some time with our PGA professional at the Golf Academy you will be better equipped to face the challenges of any course. A simple tip could be all that’s needed to change your whole game. The Clubhouse where you can enjoy a delicious meal, provides spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and the sea, and also an overview of the golf course.
Gramacho Pestana Golf Resort
Nick Price, the former world Nr.1 player, has teamed up with the well-known golf course architect, Ronald Fream, to create a uniquely designed 18 hole course with 27 varied greens that enable the golfer to play the same course several times with different greens and new challenges.
In 2005 and 2007 The Gramacho Course hosted the Portuguese Ladies Open. The design technique has positioned the greens and protective bunkers so that an 18 hole round is a genuine challenge. The characteristics already existing on the site, from the boulder outcrops and dry stone walling to the fig, carob and olive trees, have been complemented by art fully positioned lakes and bunkers. These hazards complete the challenging but attractive course.
Morgado Golf Course
Located in a valley in the inland Algarve, between Portimão and Monchique, the Morgado Golf Course is challenging both to amateurs who are just starting out in the game and to highly-experienced golfers seeking to put their technique to the test. This is a par 73 course but its length is attenuated by the generous width of the fairways. However, you may be penalised if your less successful strokes happen to land in one of the bunkers scattered around the course.
The Morgado Golf Course has the typical characteristics of a links course – with flat fairways and Scottish-inspired bunkers – but which, instead of being beside the sea, like a traditional links, is set in an area of parkland. Surrounded by the region's traditional trees, golfers playing on the Morgado Golf Course will come into contact with a different Algarve, an Algarve where the peace and quiet provide the perfect setting for a memorable round.
Ocean Golf Course - Valle do Lobo Golf Resort
One of the courses at Vale do Lobo, with a view over the Atlantic Ocean and offering very pleasant playing conditions. It is set in a tourist region that is a genuine paradise.
The Ocean Course, which forms an integral part of the exclusive Vale de Lobo tourist complex, is located near the sea and thus offers very pleasant playing conditions. Its undulating fairways built in a sandy terrain run alongside rows of pine, olive, orange-trees and eucalyptuses. The course was originally an 18-hole one designed by Sir Henry Cotton, but in 1972 another loop of nine holes was added.
It hosted the Portuguese Ladies Open in 1987 and recent work has given it yet another dimension: the various loops have been redesigned and divided into two 18-hole courses (the Ocean Course and the more famous Royal Golf Course).
Vale do Lobo is a luxury tourist resort only 13 kilometres from Faro international airport and has a good-sized 245-metre practice course ideally suited to all kinds of golfers.
Royal Golf Course - Valle do Lobo Golf Resort
he most famous course at Vale do Lobo is amongst the best 100 golf courses in Europe, with some truly unforgettable holes, such as the famous sixteenth hole. The Royal Golf Course is much more difficult than the neighbouring Ocean Course. The terrain is even more undulating, there are more water hazards and sand traps and its holes are generally longer. Although the original design was by Sir Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore´s distinctive trademarks are clearly visible all round the course. The Royal Course is also one of the world´s most frequently photographed courses, because of its famous hole 16, a par 3 requiring a shot of 218 metres over three spectacular cliffs to reach the green. Mention should also be made of hole 9, a par 3 with a lake in front of its green. Water is also a distinct obstacle at holes 6, 16 and 17.
With two courses and a golf academy, the sophisticated Vale do Lobo resort is one of the most beautiful tourist areas in the Iberian Peninsula, equipped with a full set of infrastructures that provide an ideal complement to its beautiful beaches.
Oceânico Faldo Course - Amendoeira Golf Resort
Designed by Nick Faldo, with strategic play in mind, this course demands careful positioning to score well, rocky outcrops, meandering watercourses and views to the distant mountains and orange groves defining its essential character. In a modern twist of a traditional recipe, cacti and wild herbs replace the role of Sunningdale’s heather, spartan Holm oaks and ancient olive trees take the place of a lush English woodland, and desert scrub bunkers of crushed limestone replace Berkshire’s sandy tracts in a golf course that revels in the classic principles of strategic play. The course opens with a testing uphill, par 4, focusing the player on the challenge which lies ahead.
The opening holes play through mature trees, offering a number of “risk and reward” opportunities. The downhill, par 5, fourth encounters a meandering watercourse, which comes into play on three of the front nine holes and two of the inward.The inward nine holes include several which will become the talking point of the “19th hole cognoscenti”. Mastering the massive par 5 thirteenth, descending, with the wind behind, will demand consistent shot making all the way to the green. Holes 14 and 15 continue the challenge, playing amongst rocky outcrops. After leaving high ground to the west, the eighteenth brings the final chapter to a close with a magnificent par 5.
Oceânico O'Connor Golf Course - Amendoeira Golf Resort
Designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr., this course complements the neighbouring Oceanico Faldo Course and also takes full advantage of being situated in a fertile valley. Its various water features, both lakes and watercourses that are spread throughout the entire course, demand accuracy and test from all golfers, and the rich topsoil has been skillfully landscaped and planted with mature palm trees, affording a lush, ornamental setting like an extensive oasis.
This course has tees that are generally connected to the fairways, but its greater overall distance, the water hazards and big greens provide its challenge. Golfers must also be prepared to read the subtly contoured putting surfaces that are strong features.
Holes 7, 8 and 9, average length par 4’s, offer a particular challenge as all three run alongside lakes, so golfers’ concentration and accuracy of tee-shots as well as approaches are vital. 3rd and 17th holes are both excellent par 3’s.
Two consecutive par 4’s, the 14th and 15th with large rolling greens, are tough hurdles to overcome at such a critical stage of the round, and then the finishing hole, 356m off the white tee, requires a precision drive to set up the approach to a two tier green benched into the hillside. Christy's 18th hole brings the course to a fantastic finish, a gentle climb with the river running along the right hand side. 'This hole is a humdinger; once you get up here and look down on the golf course, you will feel you have been blessed.
Onyria Palmares Beach Golf Resort
The New “Onyria Palmares”, which has been totally transformed by the American designer and brand leader, Robert Trent Jones Jr, is a mixture of parkland and authentic links – something unique in the Algarve.
The higher part of the course features unforgettable views of the Ocean and Alvor estuary. There are sea views from 90% of the tees. The lower holes near the beach incorporate links dunes and long grasses and the sound of the sea. Few other courses in the Algarve offer your clients the chance to get so close to the Ocean with their golf clubs!
Penina Sir Henry Cotton Academy Course
Previously The Penina, but known as the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course, the main 18 holes provide the most demanding test of a player's skills in the Algarve, if not in Portugal.
With the inevitable difficulty that a flat landscaping and terrain creates with club selection, the holes are crossed and flanked by a series of streams, ditches and water hazards, demanding precisely executed shots to avoid trouble and achieve par.
The course is beautifully maintained, winding past tall stands of eucalyptus and clumps of palm to mainly elevated greens which have subtle slopes and sometimes treacherous speeds.
Pestana Vila Sol Golf Resort
This is one of the most highly regarded Algarve courses and has already been chosen to host the Portuguese Open. A complementary nine-hole loop was opened quite recently. Situated in the heart of one of the most highly developed tourist areas in the Algarve, Vila Sol has become a picture postcard of Portuguese golf. The Portuguese Open was held here in both 1992 and 1993. Inaugurated in 1991, this is a typical inland golf course of the British school, designed by Donald Steel and already displaying a high level of maturity. Winding through an immense pine-wood, in which fig-trees, oaks and almond-trees also feature, the course is a serious test for any golfer´s strategic skills. The fairways call for accurate driving, and there are several obstacles (lakes and bunkers) that constantly need to be coped with, as well as some really fast greens. Achieving a good final score largely depends on successfully negotiating the first four holes. The fourth hole in the recently-opened nine-hole loop is a par 5 that measures 519 metres and is the longest in the whole course, although several of the new holes are also very challenging.
Pine Cliffs Golf & Country Club - Sheraton Algarve
Perched 200 feet above the golden sands and blue water of the Atlantic Ocean lies the immaculate Pine Cliffs Golf Course. The location of the resort is unique. It extends across 168 acres of naturally beautiful land set above a stunning cliff top, beneath lies an expanse of golden sand beach and the deep blue water of the Atlantic Ocean. The dark red of the sandstone cliffs contrasts sharply with the immaculate green of the golf course above and the sparkling blue ocean below.
This is one of the country’s most original golf courses, built in a pinewood setting, with tree lined fairways running parallel along the Atlantic Ocean, giving it's guests breathtaking views along the Algarvian coastline. Architect Martin Hawtree’s main concern was to keep the natural surroundings as it was before the course was built.The jewel of this perfectly kept course is the Par 3, Devil's Parlou sixth hole. The championship tee is built over a ravine that requires a 198 metre carrying shot over the cliffs to a deep but narrow green.
Pestana Alto Golf
Located between the picturesque village of Alvor and the bustling tourist resort of Praia da Rocha, Alto Golf has established itself as one of the most popular golf courses in the Algarve. Designed by the legendary golf course architect Sir Henry Cotton, the rolling fairways and elevated greens test the low handicap golfer whilst providing an enjoyable experience for the average player. With the combination of a fantastic golf course, professional and friendly staff, a fully serviced golf clubhouse, state of the art driving range and PGA professional golf academy, Alto will cater to your every golfing need. Located close to numerous stunning beaches and a wide variety of traditional and international restaurants and bars, Alto Golf is the perfect location for that much needed break in the sunshine.
Pestana Silves Golf
Silves is a serene spot, but the course is anything but the proverbial walk in the park. A drive at the opening hole has to flirt with two water hazards on both flanks. A heroic and straight shot will reward the player with an easy uphill approach. Silves encourages and rewards attacking play.
The excellent condition, all year round, is ideal for low scoring. A relentless test in precision, this course has no peers. It is the “archetype” of man-sized parkland golf. Most holes offer a spectacular mountain and valley view, overlooking palm trees and olive groves.
The severity of the bunkering is enough defence against the onslaught of the games big guns.
Pinheiros Altos
This is one of the four courses to be found in the luxurious and exclusive area of Quinta do Lago, marked by the evident contrast between its different holes and its excellent practice area. Bordered by the beautiful Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, which provides a natural habitat for many species of migratory birds, Pinheiros Altos is an original and unusual course, in that it is composed of two sets of nine holes with completely opposing characteristics: the first nine holes are built on rolling sandy terrain with stone pines; the shorter second half runs through gentle hills dotted with several lakes. Hole number 17 has a green in the form of an island, just like the famous seventeenth hole at the TPC course in Sawgrass, in the United States. Since its inauguration, the course has gained a reputation as the favourite pre-season practice ground for many of today´s top professional golfers. They are drawn to the large practice area, which includes three putting greens, bunker and chipping areas and many practice greens. There are also comprehensive tuition programmes available for golfers of all levels.
Quinta da Ria - Robinson Club & Golf Resort
The first of the two PAR 72 golf courses extends itself in a spectacular location on the coast of the eastern Algarve, locally known as "Sotavento".
Quinta da Ria Golf situated in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve has already been described by experienced golfers as the most beautiful course in the region.
In fact, perched above the Ria Formosa estuary, the views down to the sand below, the tidal waters and the ever flowing currents are quite breathtaking. The concentration will drop, the mind will wander... Keeping your score at the forefront of the thought-process may not be so easy... and, in fact, you may not want to!
Quinta de Cima - Robinson Club - Quinta da Ria Golf Resort
This magnificent 18 hole golf course is a formidable test of golf off any of the tees and a truly exceptional challenge.
The whole area is blessed with a profound peacefulness. From Quinta de Cima Golf the views are spectacular and inspiring: from any part of the course, both the sea and the Algarve Mountains are a delight to anyone’s eyes.
Old centenary olive and carob trees, together with the surrounding orange trees and vineyards, maintain the originality of the region landscape. It looks like as if the course has been there since centuries ago. This is a protected area and hopefully will remain this way forever!
Quinta do Lago Golf Resort: Laranjal + QdL - North + South
Quinta do Lago Norte
This is one of the four famous courses included in the exclusive resort of Quinta do Lago, all of which benefit from the incomparable beauty of the Ria Formosa Nature Park.
Part of an exclusive tourist resort much frequented by the international jet set, the Ria Formosa course, built in a nature park with a great wealth of fauna and flora, seems quite similar to the Quinta do Lago course, although its challenges are very different. The course has four magnificent par-5 holes. The par-4 holes are generally doglegs (except for holes 10 and 13) and the par-3 holes can be heavily affected by the wind, so that they call for very accurate shots. The lakes on holes 13 and 18 make it difficult to achieve a good score.
The course was designed by several architects: William Mitchell was responsible for holes 1 to 5 and 15 to 18, whilst Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore designed the course from holes 6 to 14. The fairways and tees are covered with a mixture of Bermuda 419 and cold season grasses, which helps to keep the course in good condition all year round. The greens, however, are covered with Penn Cross Bent Grass and have a fast regular surface.
Quinta do Lago South
Situated in a high-quality tourist resort with the Ria Formosa as their backdrop, the Quinta do Lago courses are famous throughout the world of international golf. The luxury tourist resort of Quinta do Lago had four nine-hole loops with sufficient flexibility to allow for four 18-hole combinations, but a recent transformation divided these four loops into two separate courses. The most famous of these is the Quinta do Lago course, based on the B and C loops and considered by the Golf World magazine to be the 28th best course in mainland Europe. Designed by William Mitchell and inaugurated in 1974, it allows the player a wide variety of different approaches to the greens. The course hosted the Portuguese Open in 1976, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 2001 and it was here that Colin Montgomerie gained his first professional title, when winning the Portuguese Open in 1989. Besides the strategically placed bunkers, attention is drawn to the course´s most famous hole: number 15, a par 3, which, when played off the championship tee, calls for a 200-metre shot over a lake and onto the green surrounded by trees.
Quinta do Vale Golf Resort
Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, Quinta do Vale Golf Resort features an 18-hole Championship layout including 6 Par-5´s, 6 Par-4´s and 6 Par-3´s. Marvelously integrated in the landscape and with a luxurious view over the Guadiana River, the course sits into a natural valley always overlooked from the Clubhouse. At Quinta do Vale, players will notice Seve´s creativity as well as his promise: To please everyone no matter what their handicap is. Numerous dogleg holes, wide fairways and obstacles enhance the course quality and its breath-taking surroundings…The challenge waits at Quinta do Vale Golf Resort.
Salgados Golf Course
Salgados Golf Course is located next to Salgados beach, with a long sandy beach on one side and a protected area that is home to various species of birds on the other. This is a links-style course with sea breezes and abundant wildlife. Thanks to its location, the walk on Salgados Golf Course is very easy and pleasant, with the greens and tees very close to each other. The yellow tees will ensure you enjoy a pleasurable round. If you are feeling confident, you could try the white tees, although these are perhaps more advisable for golfers with a single-digit handicap or professionals. Situated close to the city of Albufeira, Salgados Golf Course enjoys an attractive setting in a nature reserve. This location affords golfers a unique experience, since the course is home to various species of birds, some of them threatened with extinction. The beach is just a few steps away and the sea view from the course undoubtedly adds considerably to the pleasure of playing here.
San Lorenzo Golf Course - Dona Felipa Golf Resort
The rare and multi-faceted beauty of San Lorenzo and its impeccable upkeep make this a real gem amongst Portuguese courses, and even worldwide. A truly memorable course to play.
An 18-hole course with a wide variety of different situations, San Lorenzo offers players a real festival of golf amidst the pine-trees, lakes and beaches of the Algarve coast. Situated in the exclusive tourist resort of Quinta do Lago and forming part of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, the course is a very challenging and imaginative one.
The most exciting part of the course begins after hole number 5 with a view over some truly magnificent beaches; then, at the eighth hole, it turns back inland towards the larger of its two lakes. For the next four holes, however, the course again turns seawards and ends with a par 4, where the green is surrounded by the second of the two lakes. A remarkable end to a course that requires you to use all the clubs in your bag, and where you can find 67 different species of birds. San Lorenzo is considered by the Golf World magazine to be one of the five best golf courses in Europe and was voted the best course in Portugal in the biennial poll organised by the European Golf magazine.
Vale da Pinta Golf Course
The Pinta Course is one of the best-designed courses in Europe. It is a Championship course with an exceptional layout designed by the famous American golf course architect, Ronald Fream.
Since 1992 it has earned a deserved reputation for the outstanding level of maintenance of the course, and its design, which makes it a challenge to golfers of all standards. The Pinta Course was 8 consecutive times host to the Seniors Tour.
Two ornamental lakes influence play at four different holes around the course. The rolling terrain is dotted with carob, fig, almond and olive trees. A very special feature of this course is one olive tree that dates back more than 1200 years.
Victoria Golf Course - Anantara Golf Resort
At the time of creation, the Victoria Golf Course was hailed as the most ambitious golf project Portugal had ever witnessed. Designed by true golfing legend, Arnold Palmer, there is absolutely no doubt that it has lived up to that lofty billing.
Covering some 90 hectares, the venue encompasses one of the most complete golf complexes in Europe, and features an exceptional driving range and a putting green of some 2,500 m2. All of this has made it the obvious venue of choice for many of the top international tournaments to visit Portugal in recent times. Indeed, it has served as the host venue to the Portugal Masters on every occasion since 2007, while the World Cup Championship was staged there in 2005.
The Par-72 Championship layout, measuring 6.651 meters (7,273 yards) from the Palmer tees, incorporates and has ensured the preservation of natural wetlands on-site, as well as the typical vegetation of carob, olive and almond trees. A significant proportion of Victoria’s acreage is occupied by lakes, forming hazards to be avoided but which also have a strategic purpose in providing reservoirs for irrigation.
A number of teeing options on each hole (often as many as six are offered), accompanied by wide but undulating fairways, provide a fair test of golf, although water and cleverly-positioned bunkers pose a constant threat.
The Victoria course quickly became one of the best golf courses in Portugal, with a layout that presents a challenge even for the most seasoned players.
Available facilities: Free Shuttle from / to Vilamoura hotels
Unfortunately no accommodations were found.
Culture and history info
There’s no shortage of high quality beaches either. Sandy stretches as far as the eye can see, framed by golden cliffs, virtually deserted islands marking the boundary between Ria Formosa and the sea, and small coves sheltered by the rocks. The ocean, in every shade of blue and mostly calm and warm, invites you for long swims and to indulge in water sports.
Culinary Specialities:
At the table you will be delighted with the fresh fish and seafood, either grilled or in a casserole. These are divine flavours which you can enjoy on a simple beach terrace or in the most refined Michelin-starred restaurants, where chefs turn out new versions of traditional cuisine.
Unfortunately no tours were found.
Golf in the Algrave