Golf course recommendations Portugal

Parque da Floresta: In recent years there has been a considerable investment made in the course, including the addition of a Golf Academy and the redesign of several holes. From the opening par 4, to the majestic par 4 eighteenth set in a natural amphitheatre, this course has already become famous for having some classic golf holes. Water comes into play on several holes and most of the tee have spectacular views.

Palmares: The Frank Pennink designed course enjoys a beautiful location, near to the historic city of Lagos, commanding magnificent views of the bay of Lagos and the distant Monchique hills. During springtime, the fairways and hills are covered with the flowering shrubs, acacia...The Blossom from the Almond trees giving the impression of snow covered trees, lining the vivid green fairways beneath a warm springtime sun.

Morgado: One of the longest in Algarve. It has five PAR 5 holes, nine PAR 4's and four PAR 3's. This course is quite new and was open in 2003. Situated North of Portimao it is the nearest to Casa Abilheira. It is situated on a vast 980 hectare estate through undulating small valleys. The large open spaces will demand good putting skills. Also there are deep bunkers so the player must be accurate.

Pinhal Vilamoura: 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.

Laguna Vilamoura: 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.

Salgados Golf: Its proximity to the sea and various lakes make it an interesting test of golfing skills. A good drive is essential to obtaining good results, making it an especially enjoyable course for players with good technical skills. Moreover, its eighteen holes are especially balanced, each half of the course having two par 5 holes with a length of some 500 metres and two par 3 holes with over 170 metres.

Millennium Vilamoura: There is a very attractive and challenging tree-lined section that contains a couple of the best holes in the Algarve. But there are also many holes with open fairways that invite you to get the driver out. And there is some water to spice things up. Destined to become one of Portugal's most attractive and interesting layouts, it is a test that offers variety and interest for the golfer.

Gramacho Golf: 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 to the final green, you must adopt the best strategy to achieve optimum results.

Pinta The Pinta: Course is one of the best-designed courses in Europe. The dogleg trajectory for all the par 4 and 5 holes emphasizes the need for skilful driving. The size of the greens is specifically matched to the length of the approach shot. It is certain to be appreciated by experienced golfers, for whom a round on this course will provide genuine excitement and a memorable and enjoyable days play.

Silves: A serene spot, but the course is anything but the proverbial walk in the park. Target golf reigns supreme. A drive at the opening hole has to flirt with two water hazards on both flanks. A heroic and straight shot will reward the player with an easy uphill approach shot. Silves encourages and rewards attacking play. It has a natural beauty and an elegant design. The excellent condition, all year round, is ideal for low scoring.

The Victoria Golf course: 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. Famed course architect, Arnold 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.

The Old Course: 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 pine trees - the principal hazard - over gently undulating natural terrain. Although it opened in 1969, the course was completely renovated and modernized 27 years later.

Benamor Golf: The course winds through gently undulating Algarvean Landscape, with some spectacular view's of Mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Whilst this course is relatively short, it does have some hidden surprise's in store if you find the wrong part of the fairway. The course is set against a mountain backdrop with tree lined fairways and good sized greens.

Castro Marim: Opened in June 2001, Castro Marim has breathtaking mountain, sea and river views. Course designer Terry Murrey has used the natural layout of the surrounding terrain to good use at Castro Marim. Lakes and bunkers along with trees situated in the center of some of the fairways keep you thinking. Most of the holes on Castro Marim are very deceptive and need thinking about, the eleventh is one to bear in mind.

Quinta da Ria: The course runs down to the Ria Formosa with stunning views of the sea and mountains from anywhere along the course. Quinta da Ria is a par 72, comprising two loops of 9, each with two par 5s, five par 4s and two par 3s. Five lakes were strategically built along the course, which prove difficult hazards, as well as providing irrigation for the course. There are more than 300 trees including olive and carob trees on the course which were transplanted to maintain a border.

Alto Golf: The last course designed by Sir Henry Cotton, a challenging course for all levels of player, but most suited to the mid to low handicapper. This long course has gently rolling fairways with scenic views of the Monchique mountains and the Algarve countryside with occasional sea glimpses of Lagos Bay. The fairways are in good condition, and the greens are excellent, most well guarded by strategically placed bunkers.

Quinta da Cima: Winding itself across rolling parkland, the central feature is a river which passes right across the course setting up several strategic balancing lakes as it goes. The water comes into play on many holes and is skilfully blended with an enormous number of trees. There are views of the sea and mountains everywhere along the course. Many of the holes are dog-legs and greens are protected by bunkers and lakes.

Vale do Lobo Golf: Offers 2 exceptional courses. The Royal, set amongst lakes and lush vegetation, takes players through pine and fig tree bordered fairways, then surprises with exhilarating sea views. The Ocean, highly regarded for its breathtaking scenic beauty, is a veritable golfers' feast. Flanked by luxurious pine and eucalyptus trees, the course's gently undulating fairways run down to the shores of the Atlantic. A combination of links and inland golf provides an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all standards.

Boavista: Opened on 1st January 2002, the impressive 18 Hole Championship golf course has been designed by Howard Swan MSc, past president of The European Institute of Golf Course Architects. His philosophy - to create a course as if it has always been there - has been sensitively applied at Boavista, preserving, integrating and harmonizing with the area's natural terrain.

Aroeira Golf: Two 18 hole championship courses . Considered to be one of the best courses in Europe, Aroeira I was designed by Frank Pennink and has hosted the Portuguese Open in 1996 and 1997 as well as the Ladies Open and the Qualifying School for the Ladies European Tour. Aroeira II was opened in 2000. Its architect, Donald Steel, wanted to design a course that would meet the recommendations of the European Tour that could be used for future Portuguese Opens. The course has 18 long greens, 5 large lakes, and 5 tees on each hole so that it can be played by all levels of golfers.

Ribagolfe I: This golf course has been created as a potential tournament venue. The fairly narrow fairway corridors through the cork oaks place the emphasis on accurate shot-making rather than length while large bunkers increase the challenge, particularly around the greens. Ribagolf II is considered to be a sensational golf course, in which the natural element becomes an important part of the game and provides fresh challenges for even the most demanding of golfers. Both Ribagolf courses are set within a forest of cork oak trees. You can be sure that you will be surrounding by nothing but nature around you.

Quinta do Peru: This golf course has established a reputation as one of the best golf courses in Portugal. It has already been chosen to host a major ladies professional event, and there are plans afoot to develop the venue further to host the most prestigious championships. The fairways and greens are crisply manicured, and are beautifully off-set by the crystal white sand of the expansive bunkers. The stunning beauty of the resort style layout will ensure that every single golfing visitor will leave satisfied.

These are just out recommendations for the Algarve and Lisbon areas of Portugal, we can also provide genuine discounts at many other Golf courses in Portugal. Why not contact us with your requirements and let us provide a low cost package quote for you.