Vila Sol Golf Course in Vilamoura, Algarve - Portugal
The architect of the course has been careful to maintain the original topographical nature of this spacious undulating terrain. Any changes that originally made were kept to the minimum when necessary in order to preserve the natural environmental state of the land. The first nine holes are quite demanding for the golfer. Starting with a par-4 of 381 metres, then followed be an even longer par-4 hole, only to be followed by another par-4 of 385 metres. Not content with this challenge there is now the sixth and eighth holes, both par-5s with each a little under 500 metres. The homeward nine seems slightly easier with two par-3 holes that are very attractively designed. The golfer should beware of the par-5 on the fourteenth as it is particularly difficult to achieve par with a tricky green awaiting the player.
Royal Golf Course - Vale do Lobo, Almancil, Algarve - Portugal
The original course of Vale do Lobo was divided into the Ocean and the Royal Courses. In order to make the necessary 36 holes several new holes were constructed - most of which are integrated into the Royal Course. The architect of this course has skilfully made a layout that takes the golfer through some interesting play then leads into to a grand finally on the 18th. The most famous hole (Nº 7 in the old days), remains the par-3 and now is the spectacular 16th. The very demanding eighteenth is a challenging hole on which to finish demanding accuracy and very good putting.
Founded 1997
Architect Sir H. Cotton/R. Roquemore
Holes 18
Length White 6.059m
Length Yellow 5.655m
Length Blue 5.655m
Length Red 4.935m
Par 72
Ocean Golf Course - Vale do Lobo, Almancil, Algarve - Portugal
This course is named the "Ocean Course" due to the many splendid ocean views enjoyed by players during their round. Many of its holes were part of the original Vale do Lobo Course which was one of the group of original courses that placed the Algarve on the map for golfers. The fairways tend to be narrow demanding an accurate shot when driving from the tee. The course wanders through pine trees with attractive views of the sea between the mature homes on the sides of the fairways.
Laguna Golf Course in Vilamoura, Algarve - Portugal
Located in Vilamoura this golf course is a very comfortable course for the average player providing 18 holes that take the player over virtually level ground and with the involvement of a lake and some water hazards. As there are very few trees and shrubs the main problem for the player can be the occasional strong wind that can play the ball off course. It is a course that can be likened to some degree to the challenges that are provided by a Links course. However, there are a many water hazards with strategically placed bunkers in open terrain. These factors combined with the occasional strong wind make for an interesting round.
Penina Golf Course in Portimão, Algarve - Portugal
Penina golf in one of the oldest courses in the Algarve and a permanent living symbol to its architect and active promoter, Sir Henry Cotton. Originally paddy fields for rice growing rice have been converted into a flat challenging course and especially designed for the stronger player. Something short of half a million shrubs and trees were planted in the conversion. As the fairways are so flat Henry Cotton introduced strategically placed water hazards and bunkers to catch the unwary long hitter. It has many times been the home of the annual Portuguese Open.
San Lorenzo Golf Course in Quinta do Lago - Almancil, Algarve - Portugal
The San Lorenzo Course is situated in the heart of Quinta do Lago which is one of the most exclusive resorts in Europe, has a very high reputation for the condition in which it is maintained and the very attractive views. This course has been ranked in the past as the second best course in Europe. The first five holes are through the typical pine tree forest of this region and also overlooking the fabulous ria formosa and it's nature. The architect has introduced a good layout that places hazards to challenge the choice of club and quality of play. The last hole is a demanding par-4 involving a lake that is begging for that wayward ball! Visitors should take note that guests of the Hotel Le Meridian Dona Filipa have preference on tee times.
Millennium Golf Course in Vilamoura, Algarve - Portugal
The original course architect Martin Hawtree has extended his original plan of the original 27 holes of the old Laguna Course by adding a further 9. Though this addition he has successfully created two distinctly different 18 hole courses. All the new additional holes are to be found on the Millennium Course and wander amongst a forest of pine trees common to many parts of the Algarve. This course has some subtle and interesting variations to confront even the experienced golfer.
Pinheiros Altos Golf Course in Quinta do Lago - Almancil, Algarve - Portugal
Pinheiros Altos course is considered one of the best courses along the Algarve and is located within the well-known Quinta do Lago resort. For most experienced golfers this course is known for its challenging strategically placed hazards. The fairways are generous and the outward nine-holes are played through attractive a pine forest. The back nine holes is when the play is more demanding and brings many water hazards into the game. A very attractive hole is the 17th with its peaceful inviting green which sits on an island surrounded by a lake.
Pinhal Golf Course in Vilamoura, Algarve - Portugal
This popular course in Vilamoura runs through a pine tree forest typical of the area. The first holes wander past the mature holiday villas that line both sides of the fairways. Carefully placed bunkers makes the course very enjoyable to the average player. The course is a good test to the choice of individual clubs and the player's accuracy. The fourth hole which is a par-4 is a demanding to achieve with water hazards waiting for the wayward shot. The par-3 eighth hole which is only 149 metres in length may prove to be more tricky than it appears at first sight. The last nine holes home have generally have a more generous fairways. The fifteenth par-4 often proves more of a problem to reach par then to actually play.
