Golf Sir?
The Algarve has always been a popular destination for golfers, mainly because they know when they are on to a good thing. A coastline of long sandy beaches and picturesque coves stretches for 150km from the border with Spain on the eastern end to Sagres on the south western tip.
The Algarve's climate, giving an average of 3000 hours of sunshine a year, is near perfect for outdoor sports, and there are now over twenty golf courses to choose from including some of the best Europe has to offer.
Here's a brief overview of some of the courses on The Algarve:-
Alto
Golf Par 72/6125m
Another Sir Henry Cotton designed course, it opens unusually with a par 3, which
puts you under pressure to be accurate straightaway. It also has the "Henry
Cotton Challenge". At 604m this is reputed to be the longest hole in Europe, and
you can apply for an official attempt to score a birdie!
Benamor Par 72m
Between Faro & the Spanish
border, close to the delightful fishing village of
Tavira, Benamar winds through ancient olive groves with excellent views of the
sea and the mountains. The first 5 holes are fairly short, which lulls you into
a feeling of ease, but then some challenging par 3's and par 5's provide a true
test.
Boavista
Par 72/6053m
A quality and very challenging new course just outside Lagos and an excellent
addition to the Algarve's best. It has a great selection of different,
interesting and challenging holes with fantastic views. The aims of the owners are to maintain a high standard and
not to let the course become overcrowded.
Castro Marim Par 72m
A new course overlooking the river Guadiana on the Portuguese side of the border
with Spain, Castro Marim is set in rolling hills with wonderful mountain, river
and sea views and offers golfers of all handicaps a real challenge. Watch out
for tight greens and narrow fairways!
Gramacho Par 72/5919m
The second Carvoeiro course, Quinta do Gramacho is a full 18 holes. Like it's
sister course, Pinta, it is set in superb countryside and there are some testing
holes. In particular the 7th requires two long and accurate shots to reach the
green.
Morgado
Par 73/6399m
A new course set into the basin of a valley , not far from Portimao. The front
nine is flat and easy to walk but has water on five of the opening holes, and
the back nine climbs up a gentle slope. With many short but interesting holes,
this is a good course for all standards of player.
Palmares
Par 71/5961m
Half links and half woodland, Palmares is a very enjoyable course with superb
views over the western Algarve coast, in particular from the attractive par 5
17th hole. With two contrasting nines, including
two very tough par 4's on the back nine, the
course is interesting and challenging and well worth taking the time out to
visit it.
Parque Da
Floresta Par 72/5875m
Situated in the western Algarve and perhaps its toughest test of golf. If you
have enjoyed Torrequebrada you will love this. Spanish designer Pepe Gancedo's
signature is easily seen on both of them. The course provides an infinite
variety of challenges, from the stunning dog leg 1st through to the majestic
elevated green of the 18th.
Penina Par 72/6343m
Known as Henry Cottons' masterpiece, Penina's 18 hole championship course, host
in the past to the Portuguese Open, is magnificent. The resort also offers two 9
hole par three courses.
Pinheiros Altos Par 72/6057m
Founded in 1992 and adjoining the Rio Formosa nature reserve, this Ronald Fream
designed course provides two distinct halves. Pine groves feature on the front
nine whereas water comes into play on almost every hole on the back nine.
Accuracy is the key to success on this excellent course. Buggies and unlimited
practice balls on the range are included in the price.
Pinta Par 72/5861m
Part of the Carvoeiro golf complex, Pinta is set in a lovely rural area, with
ancient olive trees, figs and almond groves featuring wherever you look. Already
making a showing in Europe's top 50, the course is both attractive and demanding
as it winds through the Algarve countryside.
Quinta do Lago North Par
72/6205m
Formally the A & D loops of Quinta De Lago, the North course has 4 great par
fives requiring accuracy and power to play them well. An anti-clockwise course, it favours those who can draw the ball. The
finishing hole, a 190m carry over the lake from the championship tee, is a great
finish.
Quinta Do Lago South Par
72/6488m
Seven times host to the Portuguese Open, Quinta Do Lago's reputation as one of
the finest courses in Europe is well deserved. Gently undulating terrain, large
fast greens, a sprinkling of lakes and clever course design makes it a very
enjoyable experience for players of all standards.
Salgados
Par 72/6080m
5km west of Albufeira, Salgados is a true links course with most of the holes
featuring water hazards. Set in a wetland area and adjacent to a bird sanctuary,
the combination of lakes and sea breezes make it a real challenge, with accuracy
and club selection being all important.
VDL Royal & Ocean Par m
Now a full 36 holes, with the original 18 called the Ocean course and the newest
18 called the Royal course. Offering spectacular views where they run alongside
the cliffs and with tight fairways shielded by pines as they wind through the
estate, Vale do Lobo offers great variety and challenge on it's two courses.
Vila Sol Par 72/6189m
Since it's opening in 1991 Vila Sol has hosted the Portuguese Open and is ranked
in Europe's top 30 courses. One of the best maintained on the Algarve and now 27
holes, the front nine is the greater challenge with the par 5 sixth and the par
3 seventh over water being a superb test of golf.
Vilamoura Millenium Par
72/6143m
The latest addition to the existing Vilamoura courses, comprising the old Laguna
North nine and a new nine within a pine forest, with some of the tightest holes
on the Algarve. A great test of golf, in excellent playing condition and one not
to be missed.
Vilamoura Pinhal & Laguna
Par 72/6256 72/6115m
Vilamoura Pinhal is more open than the old course, but you need accurate
approach shots to the well protected greens. Water hazards are a predominant feature of Vilamoura Laguna, providing variety and challenge to players
of all abilities.
Vilamoura Old Par 72/6331m
Formerly the Vilamoura I and always a favourite with visiting golfers, Vilamoura
Old Course is a tight, challenging course of narrow fairways where accurate tee
shots pay dividends.