GOLF IN PORTUGAL

As you will be aware there are many great golf course in Portugal particularly in the Algarve in the South of the Country.                                                                                         Many Golfers prefer this area to that of Spain

The Algarve is one of the ultimate golf destinations.

The early morning sunshine sparkles on the lakes and water hazards and a long billed wading bird picks its way around the shallows, whilst overhead the wide branches of the aptly named umbrella pines bring welcome shade to the four ball making their way up the lush green fairways towards a manicured green. This could be a scene from any of the 30 top class golf courses which are dotted along the map of The Algarve Portugal 150 miles of sunny coastline which stretches from Sagres in the west and touches the Spanish border in the east.

Generations of golf enthusiasts have made the Algarve their first choice for a golf holiday and its magic never fades. This unbeatable combination of stunning coastline, year round sunshine, superb courses and a friendly laid back atmosphere has proved a winner for half century. The qualities of Algarve golf which first attracted Sir Henry Cotton in the 1960s

The Algarve has great golf in abundance and all the other ingredients vital to a great golf continue to attract the world’s greatest professionals today as the 2005 World Cup, the 2007 Portugal Masters and numerous tournaments testify.

Also where giants tread so does the amateur of all ages, both sexes and handicap levels keen to step out on one of the Algarve’s immaculately kept fairways surrounded by towering hills or bounded by the sparkling Atlantic or tranquil nature reserves.

The Algarve has great golf in abundance and all the other ingredients vital to a great golf continue to attract the world’s greatest holiday... sunshine, welcoming clubhouses, serving good food and a wonderful choice.

Some of the ALGARVE’S BEST Golf courses are listed below

PARQUE DA FLORESTA. Vale do Poco 8650-060 Budens Tel: +351 282 690 054

PARQUE DA FLOESTA GOLF AND LEISURE RESORT is set in the stunning Western Algarve, amongst the  rolling hills, golden beaches and timeless unspoilt fishing villages. The luxurious villas and charming village houses surround the centre piece of this Resort.  Promoted as one of Europe’s most picturesque courses this 18 hole Par 71 has varying holes which run along valleys flanked by olive, palm and pine trees. The course has superb playing conditions and provides a challange for all golfers.

BOAVISTA. Morada, Apartado 62, 8603-901 Lagos  Tel: +351 282 000 151

BOAVISTA GOLF has been operational for seven years. It is an impressive 18 hole Championship course, designed by Howard Swan MSc, his philosophy was to make a course look if it had always been there. The signature hole on the outward nine is the stunning Par 4, 7th hole which is set against the glorious back drop of the Atlantic ocean with exhilerating panorama views extending from Priara da Luz round to the hills of Monchique

PALMARES GOLF. Apartado 74, Meia Praia 8601-901 Lagos

PALMARES GOLF has a wonderful location on the Western Algarve near the historic town of Lagos. The course commands some magnificant views of Lagos Bay and the distant Monchique hills. The course was deisned by Frank Pennick wh has made an outstanding use of a unique situation and was able to include in his five links holes on the dunes close to the Atlantic beach of Meia Praia.

PENINA. PO Box 146 Penina, 8501-952 Porimao

PENINA This was the first course to be built on the Algarve and was completed in 1966. it was designed by yhe late Sir Henry Cotton.  Unquestionably this is were golf started on this southern corner of the Iberian peninsular. Ther have been many prestigious events staged here. Penina also offers an excellent Golf academy.

ALTO GOLF. Quinta doAlto do Poco Apartado 100 Alvor, 851-906 Alvor

ALTO GOLF was the last golf course to be designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton. The winding faiways and elevated greens reflect the philosophy of Sir Henry Cotton in that they provide low handicap players with a testing game while still affording plenty of enjoyment for players at the average club level together with inspiration for beginners.  The back nine includes what was Europe’s longest Par 5 at 604 meters.

OCEANICO FALDO. Amendoeira Golf Resort, Morgado da Lameria 8365-023 Alcantariha

OCEANICO FALDO As the name suggests was designed by Nick Faldo. It is designed 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.  The course opens with a testing uphill Par 4.

OCEANIC O’CONNER Amendoeria Golf Resort, Morgado da Lameria 8365-023 Alcantariha

OCEANIC O’CONNER This course complements the above FALDO golf course while taking advantage of the rich valley soil in contrast to the arid hillside. This course is no less challenging and also requires accurate play. Coming up to the front of the club house the final hole will require players to drive with pinpoint accuracy to set up the approach shot to a two tier green benched into the hill side.

GOLFE DO MORGADO Morada 8503-912 Portimao

MORGADO is one of the longest courses in the Region. this 18 hole course is in an area that has been moderately landscaped so it fits perfectly into the surrounding countryside. In addition to its length this course has impressive average green size. The features of this course combine to make it a true championship golf course

ALAMOS Morada 8501-912 Portimao

ALAMOS is located on the northern part of Morgado do Reguengo and is quite different from the Morgado course in that this 18 hole course has great views over the water reservoir and vineyards. Taken together these two courses, the Morgado and Alamos offer a complete challenge to your golf skills.

SALGADOS GOLF

SALGADOS This courses has dazzling scenery. It has many water hazards with a degree of challenging difficulty which is a true test even for the experienced golfer, the course requires great skill and accurate driving to score well.

SIVIES GOLF COURSE

SIVIES GOLF COURSE is a serene spot but the course is but the proverbial walk in the park. The severity of the bunkers is enough to take on the even very good golfers. this course also offers spectacular mountain and valley views.

CARVOEIRO VALE DA PINTA

CARVVEIRO VALE DA PINTA is one of the best designed golf courses in Europe. It is a championship course designed by the American golf course architect Ronald Fream. The Pinta course washost to the European Seniors Tour Qualifying Final seven years year in a row.

CARVOERO GRAMACHO

CARVOERO GRAMACHO The famous former no 1 Golfer teamed up with the American course architect Ronald Fream to create this unique 18 hole course. In 2005 the Gramacho course hosted the Portuguese Ladies Open.

PINE CLIFFS GOLF COURSE

PINE CLIFFS GOLF COURSE is a fabulous golf venue and is arguably one of the finest 9 hole courses in Europe. The spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and tree lined fairways are sure to give you a a exceptional day of golf.

BALAIA GOLF VILLAGE

BALAIA GOLF course has holes ranging from 58 meters to 160 meters son the ability to hit crisp approach and to pitch and put well are the secrets on this very attractive and manicured course.

OCEANICO MILLENIUM

OCEANICO MILLENIUM Golf Course was designed by architect Martin Hawtree and opened in May 2000. A great deal of forethought went into the planning of the Millennium Golf Course and is destined to become one of the most attractive courses built in Portugal to date. It is set in beautiful a pine wood setting and natural countryside The layout offers a variety and interest for the golfer

OCEANICO LAGUNA

OCEANICO LAGUNA Golf Course has holes of widely varied playing conditions. The architect was the American designer Joseph Lee. Unlike other Vilamoura courses, Laguna is located on relatively flat and open terrain and has strategic water hazards and bunkers which demand accuracy of play.

OCEANIC VICTORIA

OCEANIC VICTORIA Clube de Golfe is a Championship Course of 18 holes Par 72. The total distance is 6,530 meters and every care has been taken to ensure the preservation of the existing wetlands. Around the several lakes the typical vegetation is olive and almond trees with five or six trees per hole. Victoria will reward ambitious shots that avoid the well positioned bunkers.

OCEANICO OLD COURSE

OCEANICO OLD COURSE was designed by architect Frank Pennink. Opened in 1969 it was completely over hauled in 1996 when several improvements were introduced and a new club house built. The course is renowned for the way in which the the designer skillfully utilized the natural contours of the land.

OCANICO PINHAL

OCEANICO PINHAL Golf Course was inaugurated in 1976 having been originally designed by Frank Pennink the architect of the above and nearby Old Course. Several improvements have been made over the years, the most significant one by Robert Trent Jones in 1985. The course is a rolling parkland terrain covered with numerous pines which line many of the fairways.

VALE DO LOBO ROYAL

VALE DO LOBO ROYAL was based on the original concepts of the legendary Sir Henry Cotton an redeveloped by the respected American Golf architect Rcky Roquemore. The Royal and Ocean test a golfers game like few golf courses can. The Royal Golf Course is a Par 72 and is set amongst lakes and lush vegetation, it also has one of the most magnificent cliff top holes, it is one of the most celebrated golfing images and a well known symbol of the Algarve.

VALE DO LOBO OCEAN

VALE DO LOBO OCEAN is highly regarded for its breathtaking scenic beauty, it is a veritable golfers paradise. It is flanked by luxurious pine and eucalyptus trees with gently undulating fairways which run down to the edge of the coastline, this allows golfers to tee off alongside some of the most incredible ocean views in the Algarve.

QUINTA DO LAGO NORTH

QUINTA DO LAGO NORTH has two 18 hole courses to offer, each of these present different challenges. The terrain is similar on both courses and is based on sandy Algarvean soil covered with pine trees, heather, broom and many wild flowers. The landscape is gently undulating and several lakes feature in the play of each course and provide a test for players at all levels.

QUINTA DO LAGO SOUTH

QUINTA DO LAGO SOUTH the second of the two courses at Quint do Lago is similar to the above course and also presents golfers with a challenge.

SAN LORENZO

SAN LORENZO was designed by the American golf course architect, Joseph Lee and opened in 1988. San Lorenzo occupies a location in the exclusive and prestigious Quint do Lago Resort and is rated among the top ten in Europe.

PINHEIROS ALTOS

PINHEIROS ALTOS is an unusual course in that the first nine holes are laid out in higher undulating terrain which is partially covered in pine trees and a few artificial lakes, where as the the remaining nine are are in lower lying wetlands with more water hazards.

BENAMOR GOLF

BENAMOR GOLF is in a location just a few kilometers east of the ancient city of Tavira. Benamor was completed in 2000. In the surrounding foot hills of Barrocal you can enjoy some of the best mountain and sea views in the Algarve. The Benamor golf course was designed by Sir Henry Cotton.

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