Golf in the Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is quite simply a golfers' paradise. With all-year-round
sunshine and many prime courses, laid out by the world's best designers all at
outstandingly beautiful locations throughout the region. The Algarve is a top
choice destination for golfers of all standards from top professionals to fledgling
beginners.
Each of the Algarve’s golf courses have a clubhouse with restaurant and
bar, equipment hire, a pro shop and putting green facilities.
Vale do Milho - Overlooked by the exclusive Clube
Golfemar Complex.
Located in the beautiful coastal resort of Carvoeiro, this par-3, 9 hole course
(unique in the Algarve) offers an excellent variety of holes designed to test
players' short game skills. An interesting feature in the clubhouse is the sophisticated
golf swing laboratory with computer analysis. Golfer’s can take away videos
of their swing action, with the pro’s advice recorded on them.
Holes range from 60 metres to 164 metres and the course comprises regular sized
greens with bunkers and water hazards as would be expected on a full size course.
Pinta - Set in undulating land close to the beautiful seaside village
of Carvoeiro.
With splendid views of the Monchique mountains, the Pinta course is considered
by some to be one of the most beautiful in the Algarve. Designed, by Ronald Fream,
to follow the natural contours of the land, the course is apt to be played by
golfers of all standards.
Gramacho - Within easy reach of Carvoeiro.
A unique concept of 18 tees and 18 fairways, but 27 greens. The positioning of
the tee boxes and pin positions varies the options on this unusual course.
Alto - Classic course near Alvor.
This course, designed by Sir Henry Cotton, has breathtaking views both over the
ocean and towards the mountains of Monchique. The sixteenth hole, measuring 604
m from the tiger tee is one of the longest par-5s in Europe. On the whole, however,
the course is not so terribly difficult and is suitable for golfers of all standards.
Salgados - One of the newest Golf courses in the Algarve.
A challenging course with the largest number of water hazards on any Algarvian
golf course. This coastal layout offers challenge and excitement along with panoramic
views.
The par-3 12th requires players to cross a lake by means of a long wooden bridge.
Penina - Championship Course
Since its opening in 1966, this course designed by Sir Henry Cotton, has played
host to the Portuguese Open some 8 times. The course lies on fairly level parkland
with tree lined fairways and various difficult water hazards.
Candidates for signature hole are the tricky 197m, par-3 thirteenth and the dog-leg
par-5 fifth played over a canal and a lake.
Penina - Resort Course
Designed by Sir Henry Cotton, this course is superb for developing and improving
the short game. The course requires accuracy and is a thoroughly enjoyable and
satisfying course, whatever your ability.
Penina - Academy Course
Small greens require accuracy on the tee and on the approach. The course comprises
six par 3s and three par 4s.
Pine Cliffs - Situated above Falesia, one of the Algarve’s loveliest
beaches.
The course is a good test of both concentration and ability; nowhere more so
than on the spectacular par 3 ninth.
Palmares - Host to the annual Almond Blossom tournament every February.
This course, designed by Frank Pennink, affords splendid views over the Lagos
Bay and the Alvor estuary.
Vilamoura - Old Course
The oldest of all the Vilamoura courses close to the magnificent beaches and
the Vilamoura Marina. Course designer Frank Pennink wanted to create a course
in the Algarve what would remind players of the beautiful and challenging British
parkland courses.
Vilamoura - Pinhal
Pinhal is built in the middle of a beautiful pine wood, with panoramic views
over the sea; the course requires highly precise approach shots. The final approach
shot is probably the most daunting of all, just when you thought you could relax!
Vilamoura - Laguna
Lying close to the spectacular Algarve coastline Laguna represents an enduring
challenge to the player, due to the constant presence of water. The course takes
full advantage of the wet, marshy ground near the sea and presents a rather different
layout from the other three Vilamoura courses.
Vilamoura - Millennium
Millennium was opened in May 2000 to further enhance the resorts already well-known
reputation as a popular golfing destination.
Vila Sol - Set in the heart of Vilamoura Resort.
Vila Sol has become a tour de force of Portuguese golf with the hosting of two
Portuguese Open Championships. The narrow fairways demand accurate driving, various
lake and bunker hazards are always in play, and the greens are fast. To card
a good round hinges on conquering the first four holes, considered the hardest
on the course.
Boavista - Superb layout close to Lagos.
This 6,053 long course, set on hilly uplands just to the west of Lagos affords
excellent views of the Algarvian coastline, to the south, and of the Monchique
mountain range, to the north.
Parque da Floresta - Within easy reach of Lagos.
This exceptionally long course offers a true challenge. Set on a series of small
hills that flow smoothly into one another.
Vale do Lobo - Royal Course
This is significantly more difficult than the Ocean Course. The terrain is even
more interrupted due to the increased number of water and sand hazards and the
course’s greater length. Although the original design is by Sir Henry Cotton,
the stamp of Rocky Roquemore is now visible along the course.
Vale do Lobo - Ocean Course
This is located near the sea and offers a very agreeable game. Originally the
course had 18 holes designed by Sir Henry Cotton, but in 1972 a further loop
of nine holes were added.
Morgado - One of Algarve's newest and longest courses.
Opened in February of 2003, this luxurious new course is situated about 15 Km
north of Portimão. Expansive fairways and spacious greens include 104
bunkers and several water hazards in the form of small lakes and dams.
One of the Algarve’s largest courses, designed in conjunction with the
PGA, who expect the course to soon be hosting major championship events.
|