Golf Courses in: Vilamoura | Almancil | Tavira | Lagos | Castro Marim | Carvoeiro | Albufeira | Fuzeta

Vilamoura Golf Courses

Victoria

The previous owners invested 18 million euros in Oceanico's Victoria Golf Club, designed by Arnold Palmer, one of the greatest legends of the sport. This was the most ambitious golf project in Portugal, and was aimed at being one of the best golf complexes in the whole of Europe. The Victoria Clube de Golfe will be the fifth at Vilamoura and the most exclusive one at the resort, making it ideal to became the Algarve's and Portugal's major venue for top international tournaments. Palmer, whose design company has planned some 500 layouts worldwide, compiled the Victoria course project, and Southern Golf, Europe's largest golf course builder, was awarded the construction contract. Oceanico's Victoria Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 championship layout, measuring 6.560 meters (7,105 yards) from the back tees. Several man-made lakes provide hazards for the players and also serve as water reservoirs for irrigation.

Old Course

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.

Millennium Course

This conventional Par-72 course opened in the year 2000, although the completely refurbished back nine holes - formerly part of the 27-hole Laguna Course - had been completed in their original configuration a decade before. The refurbishment and the totally new outward half were both designed by renowned golf architects, Hawtree

Laguna 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 27-hole Vilamoura III course. It has been subject to continual improvements over the years. Measuring 6,111 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. Vilamoura's master developers, Lusotur, have also established an environmental nature park not far from the course. Apart from the lakes and an impressive total of 79 bunkers, another hazard is the wind that frequently blows over this somewhat exposed location. Laguna shares a large, welcoming clubhouse with the neighbouring Millennium Course.

Pinhal 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.

Vila Sol

At Vila Sol Golf you will find a fabulous 27-hole golf course designed by the famous architect Donald Steel, which stretches along a wide valley, naturally sculpted by Mother Nature and divided into three loops with three different levels of difficulty: Prime, Challenge and Prestige. Vila Sol Golf has twice played host to the Portuguese Open, in 1992 and 1993. It was honoured by the Green Globe organisation in 1996 with the Green Flag award, certification of meeting their environmental requirements. In 2001 it won the prize for Best Golf Development, preented by British MP Sir Eric Pickles. Against this backdrop, full of trees and wildlife, carefully looked after and protected by specialist staff, golfers can discover an environment par excellence which will envelop them throughout the day. From the 1st tee to the Clubhouse, a large team of professionals are at work, and remain at your disposal to make this paradise a unique, unforgettable experience. The Clubhouse, with its central location, is the starting and finishing point for each of the three 9-hole loops: the first heads to the East, the second to the West and the third to the South. You can also practise your game at the excellent driving range or practise course, of around 300 metres, alongside the Clubhouse. TOP

Almancil Golf Courses

Vale de Lobo - Ocean Course

The Ocean Golf Course features undulating fairways which run alongside nature reserve, before leading gently down to the shores of the Atlantic. Its emblematic holes are two challenging and spectacular Par 4s, the 11th and the 14th - which treat golfers to some of the most spectacular views in the Algarve - and the Par 3 15th, which runs alongside the beach. The Ocean Course is composed of two of the original 9-hole golf courses designed by Sir Henry Cotton, which were opened in 1968 and 1972. His plans for the merged course became reality in 1995, after his death.

Vale de Lobo - Royal Course

The Royal Golf Course has rolling fairways set amidst pine trees and beautiful lakes surrounded by wild flowers. Its features include the almost island green of the 9th and the famous 16th, with cliff-top carryover - one of the most celebrated golfing images in the world, which has become the veritable symbol of golf in the Algarve. The Royal Golf Course was designed by top American golf architect Rocky Roquemore, based on original drawings made by Sir Henry Cotton. It was inaugurated in 1997.

Quinta do Lago - North

The course has two architects. The American WILLIAM MITCHELL designed holes 1 to 5 and 15 to 18 in 1974. These holes (as with the other course) share a unique character. The terrain is superb and typical of the area, sandy and littered with umbrella pines trees. This course has great par 5 holes requiring power and accuracy to play them well, also providing superb views. All par 4, except 10 and 13 are doglegs, demanding precise tee shots, to set up the chance of a low score. The course is an anti-clockwise loop and favours who can draw the ball. These holes have more cross falls on the fairways than the other layouts and all the Par 4 and 5 holes are doglegs, demanding precise tee shots, to set up straightforward approaches. Like the "Quinta do Lago South" course, it is a favours the players who can draw the ball. Holes 6 to 14 were designed by JOSEPH LEE with the collaboration of ROCKY ROQUEMORE, both from the USA, and opened in 1989. All the famous male and female players who have experienced this course, including "Ryder Cup" and "Curtis Cup" team members, have been euphoric in their praise for this course, which will soon take its place among the great European layouts.

Quinta do Lago - South

Designed by WILLIAM MITCHELL from the USA and opened in 1974, the Quinta do Lago South course was used eight times for the "Portuguese Open Championship" in 1976, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 2001. It has also hosted many large professional and amateur championships. This course favours the long hitter, but requires the player to pick a particular route to score well. Although both anti-clockwise loops, the first nine favours a draw, while the second favours a fade from the tee. Holes 3, 15 and 17 features lakes, which must be negotiated. Holes 8, 10, 15 and 18 are the most testing for the scratch player while holes 2, 3, 5, 12, 13 and 17 offer the best possibilities of birdies. An enjoyable experience for players of all standards.

San Lorenzo

The superb and well frequented San Lorenzo Golf Course, designed by Joseph Lee and owned by Le Meridien Dona Filipa, was recently considered one of the best golf courses in Europe and, in 1993, was voted Continental Europe's third best golf course by the magazine Golf World. The course features large fast greens and undulating fairways which meander through avenues of pine trees. There are some spectacular holes overlooking the sea, which border lakes abundant with wildlife. Situated in the Quinta do Lago development and forming part of the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, a round on this course begins with an enticing but almost unachievable Par 5, before continuing to the three following holes along rolling, pine tree-fringed fairways. It is from hole number 5, however, that the most extraordinary part begins, offering wonderful views over the Atlantic Ocean. At hole number eight the course turns back inland and faces the largest of the lakes. For the next four holes the course again turns seawards and ends with the daunting 18th, with a semi-island green, to quote a cliche, is one of the best finishing holes in golf. San Lorenzo is beautifully maintained and set in an unspoilt area of natural beauty. A handicap limit of 28 for men and 36 for ladies applies.

Pinheiros Altos

Pinheiros Altos is a highly original course with two sets of nine holes that have completely opposing characteristics. The spacious practice area is frequently used by a number of professional golfers in the period before the tournament season begins. Bordering the 18,300 hectares of Natural Park of Ria Formosa which provides a habitat for many species of birds and has much interesting vegetation, Pinheiros Altos was designed by Ronald Fream of the USA. Later, the course was redeveloped by Peter McEvoy and Howard Swan. This is a highly original and distinctive course, with two sets of nine holes that possess completely opposing characteristics. While the first nine holes are over rolling sandy undergrowth with gentle pine trees, the shorter second half runs through hills dotted with lakes that present the main obstacle for the golfers on this course. Since its inauguration in June 1992, the course has gained a reputation as the favourite pre-season practice ground for several of today's top professional golfers. They are drawn to the large practice ground which includes three putting greens, areas for bunker, chip shots and several greens. There are also comprehensive programmes of tuition for golfers of all levels. Weekly programmes with individual lessons include video analysis of golfers' swings. TOP

Tavira Golf Courses

Benamor

This course is endorsing its growing reputation for its player enjoyment and with the recent improvement of the access from the "Via de Infante" to Tavira this makes the whole area much quicker to reach. The course is laid out on mainly undulating land the course offers pleasant views both to the Atlantic Ocean and the hills of the Serra do Caldeirao. Players accuracy is particularly called upon by the architects retention of as many of the old trees as feasible. These natural obstacles coupled with strategic placed bunkers and occasional water hazards make the course a worthwhile challenge.

Quinta da Ria

This course is endorsing its growing reputation for its player enjoyment and with the recent improvement of the access from the "Via de Infante" to Tavira this makes the whole area much quicker to reach. The course is laid out on mainly undulating land the course offers pleasant views both to the Atlantic Ocean and the hills of the Serra do Caldeirao. Players accuracy is particularly called upon by the architects retention of as many of the old trees as feasible. These natural obstacles coupled with strategic placed bunkers and occasional water hazards make the course a worthwhile challenge.

Quinta da Cima

Eighteen holes skilfully scattered by an area of 620.000 m2, the Cima Course show themselves very competitive with dog-legs to the right and to the left and greens well protected by sand hazards and lakes. A stream with dams and permanent flowing water crosses holes 4, 5, 6 and 13. The course is bordered to the north by the National Road 125 and spreads to the south, where its limits are a municipal road that leads to the Ria Course. The greens have been seeded with Bent Crenshaw. Tees and fairways are covered with Zoysia. In one of the Driving Ranges, with generous dimensions and built in the south/north direction, when hitting from the northern tees, one may appreciate a magnificent view of the mountains as well as of the Ocean. But from any part of the course, both the sea and the Algarvean mountains are a delight to anyone's eyes. Since there will be no real estate construction on the site, the Cima Course is indeed a paradise to those golfers who love to be always in contact with nature. TOP

Carvoeiro Golf Courses

Gramacho

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. The design technique has positioned the greens and protective bunkers so that an 18 hole round is a genuine challenge. The positioning of the tee markers helps to increase this variety still further. As in the case of the Pinta Course, this course is maintained at tournament standard all the year round. In the Nick Price style, the wonderful 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 artfully positioned lakes and bunkers. These hazards, combined with the design of the greens and fairways, result in a challenging but attractive course. From the first stroke off the tee to the final green, the player must not just play the ball well but also adopt the best strategy to achieve an optimum result. At the end of the round, experienced golfers will be able to confirm that they have played a good course, with a challenging 72 par over a more than sufficient length of 6,107 meters.

Vale do Milho

Vale do Milho is a beautiful 9 hole par-3 course, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, close to the village of Carvoeiro, in the Algarve. The course is a scaled-down version of a full sized course. I t is a high quality course designed by Dave Thomas, who played in the Ryder Cup 4 times and, besides "The Belfry", has designed over 40 golf courses. Vale do Milho has the abience of a full sized course and is maintained to high standards all year round. With its large contoured greens, tall trees, alkes and sand traps it provides a real challenge whatever standard of golf you play. As well as being an ideal course for family golf and beginners, scratch and low handicap players use the course to sharpen up their iron play and short game. If you are a beginner there is no place better to learn to play golf than in the relaxed atmosphere of Vale do Milho Golf Club.

Vale de Pinta

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Albufeira Golf Courses

Salgados

Don't let the landscape remove your concentration. After all, despite the dazzling scene Herdade dos Salgados Golf is much more than a pleasant sight. Result of the many water hazards it is a golf course with a (challenging) rank of difficulty constituting therefore an enormous challenge even for experienced golfers. The course, a 6080 meters links with many water hazards requires much skill in the approach to the greens, the drive is also essential to achieve good results, making the course pleasant especially for skilled golfers.

Fuzeta Golf Courses

Colina Verde Golf

This executive 9-hole course is hidden away in the country between Olhao and Tavira and with some very comfortable holiday apartments. The course offers the opportunity to improve the short game or develop more confidence for a recent starter. There is only one Par 4 which is 243 metres. Both the 5th and the 9th are designed to demand accuracy in the stroke.

Castro Marim Golf Courses

Castro Marim Golf

The Castro Marim 18-hole Atlantic Course golf opened in 2000. It comes with breathtaking mountain, river and sea views. Located near the village of Castro Marim (complete with mediaeval castle) near the Spanish border, the Castro Marim Atlantic Golf Course is a challenging course and course architect Terry Murray has made strategic use of lakes and sandtraps, as well as the natural contours of the foothills. The first hole, a par 4, 375 metres downhill features narrow fairways lined with umbrella pines. Placement is key. Water comes into play on the par 5 4th, a dogleg left, on the par 4 11th hole water protects the green and on the par 3 17th, where the green has bunkers in front and a lake behind. An enjoyable test of golf for all levels of golfer. TOP