The modern game of golf as we know it originated in Scotland
around the 15th century and since then it has changed
quite a bit. From all woods to steel clubs, lighter golf balls and
even spiked shoes, golf has certainly changed throughout the ages.
But what has remained the same is the inadvertent joy every golf
player gets when landing that perfect drive shot, the feeling of
being surrounded by nature in a beautiful golf course.
And now that golf season is here, there is nothing quite like
the magic of playing in the stunning courses in the Algarve. With
all year-round sunny weather, the golfing experience here takes to
a whole new level. There are many courses scattered around the
Algarve, with beautiful ocean views just over the beaches near Vale
do Lobo to stunning greens up near the hills up in Tôr. But with
over 31 golf courses here we would like to recommend you our
selection of golf courses that will make any golfer go around the
course again and again.
In case you are worried about the safety here, the Algarve is
one of the places in Europe least affected by COVID-19. On top of
that, Portugal has strict regulations in place that everyone
is following, so rest assured that golfing season is still on!
San Lorenzo Golf Course: Quinta do Lago
Considered by many the most beautiful golf course in the
Algarve, the San Lorenzo Championship Golf course was designed by
US architects Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore, who were the
designers of the first three golf courses at Walt Disney World!
For over 30 years and counting, the course has been voted one of
the best in Europe. It is located in Quinta do Lago and it was
designed perfectly designed around the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a
unique wildlife natural lake reserve created in 1988 and home to
some unique wildlife found only here, like the iconic Purple
Swamp-hen!
From saltwater marshes mixed with freshwater lagoons and even
the Atlantic Ocean as the background set, the San Lorenzo course
boasts 18 beautiful holes along a clubhouse, a golf pro shop and a
restaurant with a bar.
If you are interested in playing a round of golf in San Lorenzo
just let us know and we can book It for you. Alternatively, you can
book it here.
Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course: Vilamoura
Designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, the Dom Pedro
Victoria Golf Course is considered as one of the most challenging
golf courses in Europe. Victoria was home to the "World Cup
Championships" tournament in 2005 and has been welcoming the
Portugal Masters tournament every year since 2007.
With a par 72 championship layout, the course has total area of
90 hectares and is well known for its wavy fairways, sandy bunkers
and tricky lakes that act both water hazards for increased
difficulty and as a water reservoirs for the maintenance of the
course.
The natural setting of the course has been preserved with carob,
almond and olive trees that surround the course.
Victoria has a lovely clubhouse available for all golfers, along
with a golf shop, a driving range and a restaurant on-site.
Should you wish to book a round at Victoria you can do so here or just contact our Rental team for more
information.
Pinheiros Altos Golf Course: Golden
Triangle
Located just on the edge of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the
Pinheiros Altos Golf Course is a beautiful 27-hole course with a
view of Quinta do Lago's finest colonial-style villas and immense
green lush gardens.
With a quiet and tranquil feeling that allow you to really get
your head in the game and relax, the course features three 9-hole
groupings, each with a par 36 that are tailored to your level of
expertise. The three courses that make up Pinheiros Altos are named
The Pines, The Corks and The Olives after the trees found in Quinta
do Lago, one of the three locations that make up the Golden
Triangle region alongside Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura. These courses
were designed by famous golf architects Ronald Fream and Jorge
Santana da Silva who planned out their creations with a competitive
outlook of the course in mind. All rounds start and finish near the
clubhouse, so you can take a break in-between all three!
There is also a golf academy established in 1990 that has been
at the forefront of golf teaching in Southern Europe, featuring V1
and flightscope technology, a number of teaching bays right next to
a Titleist fitting centre and a fitness studio. There is also a
driving range with practice greens, bunkers and a chipping area.
This facility is run by leading British PGA golf professionals that
keep the course and its training facilities to the highest
standards.
If you want to book a round of golf at Pinheiros Altos, you can
do so here or just ask reception upon arrival.
Laranjal Course: Quinta do Lago
The word laranjal actually means orange grove in Portuguese, and
it comes as no surprise that this golf course used to be a big
orange grove in Quinta do Lago way back when.
The course opened In 2009 and just two years later was voted
"Best Golf Course" at the 2011 Portuguese Travel Awards!
Composed of five par 5s, eight par 4s and five par 3s, the field
totals a par 72 championship course. The course measures 6,480
meters in total length, and is located just east of Quinta do Lago,
in Ludo.
Some of the original orange trees have been kept and are part of
the environment, alongside cork-oaks, pine trees and five stunning
lakes scattered around the course.
The course also features classic sand banks near the lakes, just
for an extra touch of difficulty - we advise you to not take the
course lightly!
Fancy a round at a modern golf course? Then Laranjal is the
right course for you. Give it a booking here or just contact Quinta Rentals and we can
sort out your booking in no time!
Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course: Penina,
Portimão
Venturing out to Western Algarve you can find the Portugal's
first ever golf course, the world renown Sir Henry Cotton
Championship Course. C
Considered by many the kickstarter for the Algarve golfing
industry, Sir Henry's course is located just outside Portimão. The
course has been voted Portugal's Leading Golf Resort by the World
Travel Awards. The crown jewel of Penina, this course was designed
by Sir Henry Cotton himself, and has hosted the Portuguese Open on
ten different occasions.
Considered one of the most challenging golf courses in the
world, this challenge is not for the faint of heart. Flanked by
water streams and ditches, alongside elevated greens and dangerous
sand banks, it seems there is a hazard at every corner.
There is also the Resort Course, which is a lovely, easy-going
green that provides a good practice run for the main course. With a
par of 71, the Resort Course is a solid option for players of any
skill level.
And if you are in the mood to practice your short game, the
Academy Couse is the ideal 9-hole gem for any golfer. With six par
3s and three par 4s, the Academy Course maintains the perfect
balance between challenge and enjoyment.
There are also driving ranges, two chipping greens and two
putting greens, a practice bunker and a golf clinic. The course
provides classes with two PGA professional golfers for the best
advice on how to get your game on!
You have to try the Sir Henry Cotton Course during your stay. It
is an absolute must! You can get your booking done here or alternatively contact your Rental
Manager for a booking.
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club: Tavira
Let us take you to Eastern Algarve. Just outside Tavira and next
to the Spanish border you will find the Monte Rei Golf &
Country Club nestled between the unique mountain foothills of Serra
do Caldeirão and with a golf course designed by none other than
Jack Nicklaus himself.
Monte rei is a well-known golfing paradise in Europe. After
retiring from professional golfing in 2005, Jack Nicklaus has been
working with Monte Rei in order to provide its golfers one of the
best golfing experiences the Algarve has to offer.
During your game some holes may get a bit steep, so do not be
afraid to grab a golf buggy at the club house. The course was
designed to provide a fun, yet challenging experience for everyone,
from professional golfers to high handicapped players. It is also a
friendly course for beginners, allowing young players to practice
their short game between the sand traps and lake hazards. The
course boasts a par of 72 and consists of 7182 yards with the
stunning Serra do Caldeirão as the background for an incredible
late afternoon golfing game.
Fancy a round at Monte Rei? Just contact us directly at Quinta
Rentals or book it straight here.
Dom Pedro Old Course: Vilamoura
If Sir Henry's course is the oldest course in the Algarve, then
the Dom Pedro Old Course is the runner-up. Designed by the great
Frank Pennick, the Old Course is located in the centre of
Vilamoura, only a 20-minute drive from Faro Airport.
Surrounded by pine trees and and nature, this 73-par course has
6254 meteres in length and is one of the big names in the golfing
industry in the Algarve.
The course is known for its lush greens and beautiful, straight
fairways where you can just let it all out. Dom Pedro prides
themselves with the high quality service offered to their golfers,
with a valet service available between all holes, a fantastic
clubhouse for resting up and socializing with fellow golfers, a
buggy bar that comes down to your rescue for a cool break
in-between those blazing hot afternoon rounds and even a restaurant
should you wish to spend a full day at the course.
If you happen to be in the mood for some golfing in Vilamoura,
then give it a go and book a few rounds here. Otherwise, we would be happy to assist
in your booking.
Salgados Golf Course: Albufeira
The Salgados Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole golf course
right next to Salgados Beach in Albufeira. Its almost as if you are
chipping balls right in the sand!
The golf course opened in 1994 and was designed by Pedro
Vasconcelos, who wanted to design an enjoyable, strategic
experience for all golfers. The course has countless lakes and
marshes that act as water hazards providing for a challenging
experience regardless of your experience. On top of that, It can
get a bit windy at times so be prepared for some curved shots!
The course is a par-72 that will literally provide a walk in the
park as the course is also the home for many different bird species
such as the Cattle Egret and the Gull-billed Tern. Unlike other
golf courses on this list, the Salgados Golf Course is very flat
and provides a unique feeling of relaxation during the game.
At Salgados you will find a golf academy for any on-the-spot
lessons, alongside practice greens, a wonderful clubhouse with a
restaurant should you wish to spend the full day at the course and
a professional golf store.
Up for a game? Give it a go and book yourself a game
here or alternatively give us a call and we can arrange some
rounds on your behalf.
