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QUINTA DE BOAVISTA
QUINTA DE RIA
AROEIRA GOLF
BELAS
QUINTA DA BELOURA
ESTORIL
OITAVOS GOLF
PENHA LONGA
PRAIA D’EL REY
QUINTA DE MARINHA
QUINTA DE PERU
TROIA
GOLDEN EAGLE
PARQUE DA FLORESTA
BOAVISTA GOLF
PALMARES
PENINA - CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE
PENINA - ACADEMY COURSE
MORGADO DO REGUENDO
ALTO GOLF
PESTANA - PINTA COURSE
PESTANA - GRAMACHO COURSE
VALE DO MILHO
SALGADOS
BALAIA
PINE CLIFFS
VILAMOURA - THE OLD COURSE
VILAMOURA - PINHAL GOLF COURSE
VILAMOURA - LAGUNA GOLF COURSE
VILAMOURA - MILLENNIUM GOLF COURSE
VILA SOL
VALE DO LOBO - ROYAL COURSE
VALE DO LOBO - OCEAN COURSE
QUINTA DO LAGO SOUTH
QUINTA DO LAGO NORTH - (EX-RIA FORMOSA)
SAN LORENZO
COLINA VERDE
BENAMOUR
QUINTA DA RIA
QUINTA DE CIMA
CASTRO MARIM
QUINTA DE BOAVISTA
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Length: 6053
Course architect: Howard Swan
Quinta da Boavista is a very welcome addition to the growing
variety of golf courses available in the Algarve to the
discerning golfing visitor.
Designer Howard Swan has successfully integrated his layout
into the existing natural terrain, using the very features
that make Boavista a delight to the eye.
In addition to the 18-hole championship golf course and
driving range, there is a teaching academy.
This is a golf course that has all the attributes to fulfill
the expectations of all golfers - irrespective of their
playing overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the historic
town of Lagos.
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QUINTA DE RIA
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6090
Course architect: Rocky Roquemore
A course designed by Rocky Roquemore to take advantage of
the beautiful natural setting in a Nature Reserve with the
blue sea as its southern boundary. A 475 meter par-5 hole
sets the tone of the course taking the player down a gentle
slope to the first of the several undulating green. The
par-3 fifth hole is a challenging dogleg to the left with
a lake to catch the short ball. The back nine takes the
player close to the beach and the panoramic sea views. The
interesting par-4 fourteenth of 333 meters which is another
dogleg to the left presents water to the right on the drive
and then again inviting water to your left to carry on the
approach shot to the green. The eighteenth par-5 of 475
meters has a generous width to the fairway but the green
is almost surrounded by guarding bunkers.
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AROEIRA GOLF
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6040
Course architect: Frank Pennick
Extras: Driving Range, Putting Green, Restaurant, Bar, Golf
Shop
Set beside the south bank of the Tejo river, scarcely twenty
minutes from Lisbon, Aroeira is a course that perfectly
reconciles the requirements of a championship course whilst
being set in beautiful landscape.
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BELAS
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6380
Course architect: William "Rocky" Roquemore
Designed by the renowned golf architect, William "Rocky"
Roquemore, author of several projects in Portugal, the Belas
course, situated between Belas and Queluz, is set in Carregueira
mountains. It has been perfectly integrated in Charles Franzman's
master-plan for the Country Club's residential development
of houses spread over the hills, with views over the golf
course and the valleys, and fairways sheltered from the
wind.
The course, a traditional Par 72, runs to 6,380 metres and
is divided into two very different sections: the first crosses
a naturally preserved landscape; the second runs by some
houses that are part of the development, and has been improved
by the planting of one thousand trees, mainly pine.
There are two holes notable for their beauty and their challenging
qualities: the second hole, a Par 5 called Augusta, was
built in homage to the 13th hole of the famous course where
the Masters tournament takes place; hole number 18, a memorable
Par 4 finisher, was christened "The Big Hole",
because of the second stroke players must make some 180
metres from the green, which is well protected by a lake.
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QUINTA DA BELOURA
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6430
Course architect: Rocky Roquemore
Being the most recent golf course on the Estoril coast and
covering 60 hectares (150 acres), it is situated half way
between Cascais and Sintra (25 kms from Lisbon). The project
was the work of American architect Rocky Roquemore.
Quinta da Beloura, offers a pleasant game without being
too exhausting. The eighteen holes, which give excellent
views over the Serra de Sintra mountain range, total a distance
of 5, 878mts. (6,430yds.) Par 72.
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ESTORIL
Holes: 18
Par: 69
Length: 5313
Course architect: McKenzie Ross
The Estoril Golf Course is located in one of Europe’s oldest
established tourist resorts. West of Lisbon and overlooking
the Atlantic, the Estoril Coast has a mild climate, so that
you can enjoy your favorite sport all year round.
Overlooking Estoril and the sea, the 5,262 meter-long course
is set amongst eucalyptus, pine and mimosa trees, giving
it a uniquely colorful touch.
A masterpiece of the famous golf course designer Mackenzie
Ross, this course demands excellent tactics. The visually
stunning par 3 holes, although they vary in length, all
pose particular challenges.
The Estoril Golf Club has been here since 1945. Two of the
most important tournaments in the Portuguese golfing calendar
have been held frequently on this course: the Portuguese
Open 20 times and the International Amateur Championship
62 times.
The long list of famous golfers who have played Estoril
includes José M. Canizares, Ramon Sota, S. Ballesteros,
Afonso Angelini, Neil Coles, Gene Sarazen, Mickey Wright,
Max Faulkner, Peter Allis and Bernard Gallacher.
The splendid clubhouse has a pro shop, a bar, changing rooms,
a swimming pool and a restaurant, with a long veranda and
a superb view, where a variety of tasty Portuguese dishes
is served.
The owners, Estoril Plage S.A., manage both the course and
the Estoril Palácio Hotel. Guests of the hotel are
offered special terms at the Golf Course.
The caddies at the Estoril Golf Course are among the most
experienced at any golf course, and are always available
to advise on the most difficult shots.
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OITAVOS GOLF
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6303
Course architect: Arthur Hills
Extras: Driving Range, 2 Putting Greens, Chipping e Bunker
practice area, Pro-Shop, Club House, Restaurant, Bar.
Oitavos Golf, set in Quinta da Marinha, lies within the
Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. It is set among pine woods
and reforested dunes, in an area of great natural beauty.
Being a seaside golf course, the ocean view is present all
the time, although some of the more fantastic scenery come
from the Sintra mountains and Cabo da Roca the Europe's
most western point in Europe, seen from the 9, 10, 11 and
14 holes. The layout has been carefully crafted by one of
the greatest golf architects of our times, ex-president
of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Arthur
Hills. Hills has maintained and preserved the unique characteristics
of the land, creating a 6.303 meters, par 71 golf course.
The sustainability of the resources is the prior objective,
and because of that the flora and fauna peculiar to the
region are strictly protected, being some areas closed to
people and machines.Quinta da Marinha Oitavos Golf is the
1st Golf Course in Europe and the 2nd in the World to be
recognized as a Certified Signature Sanctuary - Gold. It
is already set as one of the best golf courses in Europe,
where a non stress round of golf can be played all year
round.
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PENHA LONGA
Holes:18
Par:72
Length:6290
Course architect: Robert Trent Jones II
Extras: Hotel, 2 Driving Ranges, 2 Putting Greens, Chipping
and bunker practice area, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Restaurant, Bar,
Golf Shop
The Atlantico da Penha Longa is a fabulous eighteen hole
course situated in Sintra, only 20 minutes from Lisboa.
It forms part of the Protected Landscape Area of Sintra
and Cascais.
Robert Trent Jones II, the architect of the course, designed
it to best take account of the steeply sloping terrain and
excellent views of the surrounding landscape, across the
mountains to the sea beyond. This means that the first three
holes and the final three are laid out in a valley wooded
with pines and studded with granite outcrops. The 6th to
the 13th holes, meanwhile, have been built on a hill offering
extensive views over the region.
Its championship characteristics, as well as its excellent
level of maintenance, contributed to its being selected
to host the Portuguese Open Championship in 1994 and 1995.
It was unanimously voted by golf professionals as one of
the best courses on the European Circuit
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PRAIA D’EL REY
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6467
Course architect: Cabell B. Robinson
Extras: Driving Range, Putting Green, Bunker and Chipping
practice area, Restaurant, Bar, Golf, Shop, Swimming Poll,
Beach
Designed by the American architect Cabell B. Robinson, the
Praia D'El Rey course has the characteristics of an authentic
"links". It unfurls itself mainly along a cliff
looking over the Atlantic Ocean, allowing for views of unique
beauty over the sea, dunes, lakes and the pine forest that
dominates the local landscape. It is located near the medieval
village of Óbidos and adjacent to the nature reserve
at Berlengas Island.
The course is a Par 72 (6,467 metres) and carefully respects
the natural terrain.
Especially over the last nine holes the player is able to
enjoy some of the most attractive landscapes and challenging
golfing situations.
The whole course, however, allows plenty of sporting variety.
Worth a mention is the view over Berlengas at hole 2, the
beautiful scenery at hole 11, the view over the Atlantic
Ocean all along hole 12 and at hole 14, the challenges presented
by wind variation. Hole 17's huge extension (570 metres)
makes it the second longest Par 5 in the country and one
of the longest of Europe
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QUINTA DE MARINHA
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Length: 6100
Course architect: Robert Trent Jones
Extras: Driving Range, Putting green, chipping and bunker
practice area, Restaurant, Bars, Tennis, 2 Swimming Pools,
Golf Shop, Hotel
Located on the famous Estoril coast, 25 kilometers from
Lisbon, the Quinta da Marinha course was designed by the
famous Robert Trent Jones and is set in a private estate
of 110 hectares, wooded with pine trees. The architect has
worked on the flat terrain, laying out the course over 6,100
metres for a Par 71.
The most spectacular hole on this course is hole number
13, a Par 4 of 339 metres sloping down towards the sea.
Once on the green, the golfer has the Atlantic Ocean as
background. The whole of Quinta da Marinha course is surrounded
by beautiful panoramic views. The following hole (a Par
3) requires a very precise shot for the ball to cross a
cliff and reach a wide but not very deep green.
For most of the course, however, the fairways face inland
with the beautiful outline of the Sintra mountain range
forming their background. Many bunkers and a number of lakes
make the player's task even more difficult. Hole number
10, for instance, has a green entirely surrounded by water.
In 1988 this course hosted the EMS-Quinta da Marinha Ladies
Masters, a test which forms part of the Women's Professional
European Circuit. It was won by the South African Laurette
Maritz-Atkins.
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QUINTA DE PERU
Holes: 187
Par: 72
Length: 6036
Course architect:
Extras: 2 Driving Ranges, 2 Putting Greens, Chipping and
bunker practice area, Restaurant, Bar, Golf Shop, Baby sitting
service.
With the Arrábida mountain range as its backdrop,
the Quinta do Peru Golf Course is the newest of the courses
situated in a region of castles to the south of the River
Tejo. Quinta do Peru is the newest golf course to be built
in the Azeitão region between the castles of Sesimbra
and Setúbal, which is well known for its palaces,
wines and cheeses. The American architect Rocky Roquemore
was responsible for the project and has designed a course
for amateur golfers, but nevertheless representing a challenge
for professional players.
The course, with its many trees and wild flowers, offers
a varied start, for the first three holes are a Par 5, then
a Par 4 over 386 metres, and Par 3 over 186 metres. Still
on the first half of the course, hole number 8, a 190 metres
Par 4 has a lake in front of its green. The next nine holes
are even more difficult. Take for example hole number 12,
a Par 4 that, despite not being very long, has a lake running
beside the fairway down to the green. Then comes, what is
probably the most difficult test on the course, hole 16,
a Par 3 over 200 metres, where one needs to get over a lake
to reach the green. After eighteen holes there are a number
of golf related activities available and also a clubhouse
providing excellent views over the surrounding landscape,
with the imposing and beautiful Arrábida mountain
range in the background.
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TROIA
Holes:18
Par: 72
Length: 6320
Course architect: Robert Trent Jones
Considered to be Portugal's most difficult golf course,
Troia is for that reason a major challenge to any golfer.
It is one of the links designed by the famous Robert Trent
Jones and opened in 1982. Its principal obstacle is sand
which borders the whole course, where pine trees and wild
plants are also found in abundance.
With breathtaking views over the ocean and a welcoming clubhouse
set among pine trees, Troia is surely a golfers' paradise.
The Trent Jones signature can be seen on the greens, which
are small, narrow, and always well protected - sometimes
by huge bunkers.
All this might give the idea of an almost impossible course.
Nonetheless, when at the tee, the fairways seem to be wide
and don't show many signs of danger. Only later does one
understands that the real challenge of this course is to
arrive at the greens in such a way that a respectable score
can be obtained. The famous architect said he would include
hole number 3, running along the beach, as one of the eighteen
holes of his 'ideal' golf course. Troia hosted the Portuguese
Open Championship in 1983, when victory smiled on the Scotsman
Sam Torrance who averaged just two shots below Par, and
was the only professional to achieve Par for the course
during four days of the competition.
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GOLDEN EAGLE
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6200
Course architect: Rocky Roquemore
Extras: Driving Range, Putting Green, Restaurant, Bar, Golf
Shop.
Situated near Rio Maior, some 60 kilometers from Lisboa,
the Golden Eagle Golf & Country Club is one of the newest
jewels of Portuguese golf. Formerly access was restricted
to members and their guests, but since August 1997 it is
open to visitors. Designed by the U.S. architect Rocky Roquemore,
the course covers 90 hectares, and is framed by a landscape
in which beautiful local flora and gentle pines, decorative
eucalyptuses and acacias all stand out. Its design is typical
of the modern U.S. school, which means target golf is the
most important point. The course totals 6,200 metres of
championship tees for a Par 72 (37+35). On the first round,
look out for hole 6, a Par 4 of 354 metres, in which the
golfer has to hit the second shot over trees strategically
placed in front of the fairway. On the second round, pay
attention at hole number 10 (354 metres). Here, in order
to get a Par 4, the player has to make a second shot over
the water onto a not very deep green.
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PARQUE DA FLORESTA
Holes:18
Par: 72
Length: 5673
Course architect:
Extras: PGA Golf Academy
A challenging layout and built on mainly hilly terrain with
both coastal and inland views. The course has a variety
of interesting and unusual holes, starting with a long sloping
par-4 requiring an approach shot where a large hollow on
the left comes into play. On the short fifth, only 88 metres
from the yellow tees, played from an exposed hill-top to
the green on the crown of a hillock, club selection can
vary widely in the fickle winds. The memorable par-3 fifteenth
is played over a valley with a small lake. Another lake
comes into play on the par-3 11th and par-4 16th and 17th
holes.
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BOAVISTA GOLF
Holes:18
Par:72
Length:6053
Course architect: Howard Swan
Extras: Driving range
Set within a 260-acre area, much of this spectacular new
6,053-m long course is surrounded by land being left in
its natural undeveloped state. Designed by Howard Swan,
it is built on naturally rolling terrain with hundreds of
indigenous trees and palms. The course affords golfers spectacular
views over nearby Lagos and the western coastline, as well
as inland towards the Monchique hills. Strong candidates
for the signature hole are the par-3 sixth played over a
deep ravine, the par-four 7th and the scenic 14th measuring
194m off the yellow tees where a lake comes into play.
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PALMARES
Holes:18
Par:71
Length:5961
Course architect:
Extras: Driving range
Palmares course is famous for its annual Almond Blossom
tournament week in early February. The breathtaking scenery
can be appreciated from most of the course, with views over
the Alvor river estuary, beaches and the bay of Lagos. On
the outward nine, there are five authentic links holes amongst
the dunes close to the ocean exposed to the prevailing winds.
The most demanding hole is the long par-5 fifth running
roughly parallel to the shore. The other holes extend throughout
hillsides and valleys with almond and fig trees, palms and
pines. The par-3 tenth, requiring a long iron or a fairway
wood is over a valley which is all carry from tee to green.
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PENINA - CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE
Holes: 18
Par: 73
Length: 6343
Course architect:
Extras: Golf Academy
Golf in the Algarve teed off here in 1966 with this masterpiece
layout by Sir Henry Cotton. It has hosted the Portuguese
Open 8 times, including 1998 / 2000. The imposing Le Meridien
Penina overlooks the course, built on flattish parkland
terrain with fairways lined by countless trees, and containing
several tricky water hazards. It includes several long par-3
and par-4 holes, requiring both length and accuracy. Two
of the memorable holes are the scenic dogleg 5th par-5 with
a canal, lake and contoured green, and the daunting 197m
long par-3 thirteenth with water on the right all the way
to the putting surface. The par-38 back nine starts and
ends with two par-5 holes, a true test of skill.
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PENINA - ACADEMY COURSE
Holes: 9
Par: 30
Length:2035
Course architect:
Extras: Golf Academy
This short 9-holer is laid out in amongst the Championship
fairways and comprises six par-3's and three par-4's. The
greens are relatively small and therefore demand precise
tee or approach shots, but the course is nevertheless ideal
for all-year-round holiday golf and to perfect one's short
game
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MORGADO DO REGUENDO
Holes:18
Par:73
Length:6339
Course architect:
Extras: Driving range and chipping area
This exciting new course opened in February 2003 within
a 980-hectare estate a few miles inland from Portimão.
With views of the nearby Monchique hills, the complex will
eventually house two 5-star hotels, very few villa plots
and another 18-hole course. Designed under PGA European
Tour supervision it is one of the Algarve's longest layouts,
with three par-5's on the back nine. It features large greens
and a total of 104 bunkers - an excellent test of putting
and precision golf in general. Many of the holes wind through
valleys dotted with native olive, fig and carob trees. Six
lakes or dams serve as hazards and refuges for aquatic birds,
as well as catering for irrigation needs
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ALTO GOLF
Holes:18
Par:72
Length:6125
Course architect:
Extras: Driving range and chipping green
Opened in 1991, Alto was the last work of Sir Henry Cotton
and boasts a majestic site overlooking the ocean, and with
views inland towards the Monchique hills. Some 10,000 trees
were planted on the course and have attracted a large variety
of birds. Unusually the course starts with a straightforward
par-3.
The impressive 16th hole measuring 604 metres from the tiger
tee is one of the longest par-5’s in Europe. Apart from
this formidable hole and perhaps the tricky par-4 tenth,
the course is not overly difficult and can be enjoyed by
golfers of all standards. A modern clubhouse overlooks the
amphitheatre 18th green, the culmination of an excellent
par-5 finishing hole.
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PESTANA - PINTA COURSE
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Length: 6151
Course architect:
Extras: David Leadbetter Academy® with Chipping green
The Monchique Hills form the spectacular backdrop to this
excellently designed course. Most of the natural contours
of the terrain were retained as was the majority of the
centuries-old olive trees, one of which has been estimated
to be over 1,200 years of age. Large, sometimes deep bunkers
and fine, fast undulating greens are strong features of
the course. The par-3 seventh is one of the signature holes,
played over a valley to a well-bunkered wide, but not deep,
green demanding a high, soft-landing shot.
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PESTANA - GRAMACHO COURSE
Holes:18
Par:71
Length:+/- 6100
Course architect:
Extras: David Leadbetter Academy® with Chipping green
This was an unusual "double-nine" course but nine
new conventional holes were opened for play in September,
2002. Inserted after the original 4th double hole, the new
loop was designed by Nick Price and Rick Elliott, head architect
to Ronald Fream. Apart from areas near the lateral boundaries,
the new holes are fairly wide open, with little or no rough,
so golfers can keep up a steady pace of play. The scenic
10th is a downhill par 3 with lakeside green guarded by
bunkers and palm-trees. After the 13th hole, players return
to the original five closing holes with their familiar optional
sets of tees and large optional greens, affording a pleasant
mix of old and new on natural, contoured terrain.
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VALE DO MILHO
Holes:9
Par:27
Length:926
Course architect:
Extras: chipping & putting green
This compact par-3 9-hole course in Carvoeiro is one of
only two in the Algarve. It offers an interesting variety
of holes to test golfers’ short game abilities. Features
include regular sized greens, water hazards and bunkers
similar to those on a full course. With holes ranging in
length from 60 to 164 metres, the layout is located in a
park area within a quality residential complex. Good amenities
and service ensure a friendly club atmosphere for residents
and visitors alike. Ideal for holiday-makers who wish to
combine a little golf with visits to neighbouring beaches
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SALGADOS
Holes:18
Par:72
Length:6080
Course architect:
Extras: Driving range
This coast line course features several links holes by the
beach but with a difference: Salgados has by far the largest
number of water hazards to be found on any course in the
Algarve - fourteen in all. Accuracy of shot-making is therefore
of extreme importance. This is specially the case with the
par-5 sixth where there is a large lake on the right and
rough to the left of the narrow fairway. The 12th is a short
par-3 to a two-tiered green just beyond a lake and guarded
by bunkers on each side. Sea and land breezes across the
low lying terrain affect the playing conditions, making
this a challenging course that demands concentration.
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BALAIA
Holes: 9
Par: 27
Length: 983
Course architect:
Extras: Driving range and golf school
This executive par-3 nine-hole course opened in April 2001
at Balaia Golf Village just east of Albufeira. Built on
pleasant, undulating terrain with umbrella pines, cork oaks
and carob trees. The course has holes measuring between
73 and 160 metres in length (58 to 147 metres for ladies),
demanding a wide range of club selection for tee-shots.
Excellent for holiday golf and sharpening one’s short game.
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PINE CLIFFS
Holes: 9
Par: 33
Length: 2324
Course architect:
Extras: Golf academy
The spectacular Pine Cliffs clifftop nine-hole layout is
set against a glorious backdrop of the Atlantic. Only 2,324
metres long and with one par-5 hole, it is a pleasant holiday
course set amongst umbrella pines, although narrow, undulating
fairways demand accurate placing of shots.
The pièce de résistance is the last hole,
a par-3 aptly named ‘Devil’s Parlour’, where a long shot
from the clifftop tee must carry a deep chasm in the reddish
cliffs in order to the reach the green located close to
the hotel grounds. Another memorable hole is the short par-4
second where one is tempted to thread the drive between
two tall pinetrees not far short of the well-guarded green.
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VILAMOURA - THE OLD COURSE
Holes: 18
Par: 73
Length: 6254
Course architect:
Extras: Driving range and putting green
A mature course of classic English layout formerly called
Vilamoura I, with mainly narrow pinetree-lined fairways,
this was opened in 1969. It was closed for nine months in
1996/7 for major renovation work to the irrigation system,
re-seeding and general upgrading, and a completely new clubhouse
has been built. This is one of the favourite Algarve courses
of both visiting and resident golfers. The one and only
lake is on the attractive par-3 fourth where the tee-shot
must clear not only the water but also a pine and a bunker
fronting the green. The back nine has three par-5’s with
the long 16th requiring three precise shots to avoid the
menacing pines and to reach the green safely.
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VILAMOURA - PINHAL GOLF COURSE
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6353
Course architect:
Extras: Driving range
The course opened in 1976 as Vilamoura II. Several holes
were re-constructed in 1985 to improve its playability and
appeal to all levels of golfers. Pinetrees are also a strong
feature, and combined with the comparatively small greens,
mean that accurate shots are required on most holes. The
par-4 fourth is an interesting hole where one needs to play
for position from the tee as a lake comes into play on the
approach shot. Careful play is also required on the par-3
twelfth with its contoured green guarded by bunkers. The
excellent closing hole is a par-4 with a downhill approach
shot to a well-defended sloping green.
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VILAMOURA - LAGUNA GOLF COURSE
Holes:18
Par: 72
Length: 6111
Course architect:
Extras: Driving range
This parkland course built on low-lying coastal land has
many heavily bunkered greens and several water hazards to
take advantage of the high water table.
More exposed than the other courses at this large resort,
Laguna is often influenced by the sea breezes.
The 9th is a tricky par-4 with an old well in the middle
of the fairway and a lake on the right, all the way to the
green. Played from a raised tee, the par-3 17th has a threatening
lake on the left
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VILAMOURA - MILLENNIUM GOLF COURSE
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6157
Course architect:
Extras: Driving range
Opened in May 2000. This is an extremely attractive, quality
course. It is situated adjacent to the Laguna layout with
which it shares a spacious, modern clubhouse. The first
nine holes are completely new and were built mainly in amongst
typical Algarvean pinewoods.
The par-3 6th with its lakeside green is destined to be
one of the signature holes. The back nine holes, part of
the former 27-hole Laguna course, are located on flattish
undulating terrain and have been refurbished and partially
modified.
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VILA SOL
Holes:27
Par: 72
Length: Prime Prestige 6,320metres, 10-27 — Challenge+Prestige
– 6,173metres — Prime + Challenge – 6,335 metres
The course is laid out on ideal undulating terrain in amongst
natural woods, mainly pines, carob and fig trees, and little
artificial landscaping was required during construction.
Several water hazards were, however, introduced. The original
18-hole course, opened in 1991, was the venue of the Portuguese
Open in 1992/3. In 2000, a third 9-hole loop was opened,
named the Prestige, and the others are now the Prime and
Challenge loops. With its large, contoured and often speedy
greens, together with several long, testing par-4 holes,
the course is an excellent challenge for golfers of all
handicap levels.
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VALE DO LOBO - ROYAL COURSE
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6050
Course architect: Rocky Roquemore
Combines nine original Henry Cotton designed holes with
nine conceived by Rocky Roquemore and opened in 1996. It
incorporates the world-famous par-3, the 16th, with an extensive
carry over the russet cliffs, and which is the photographers’
favourite. One of the signature holes is the par-3 ninth
over a lake to a spectacular semi-island green. Another
fine hole is the challenging par-4 twelfth with sharply
contoured fairway and a large green bunkered on all sides
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VALE DO LOBO - OCEAN COURSE
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 5644
Course architect:
Based on the former Orange and Green 9-hole loops, this
course is being gradually upgraded and a large artificial
lake added. Although 3 new holes are being built to replace
numbers 2, 5 and 8, a full 18-hole round will always be
playable during the modifications. Built mainly on undulating
coastal land, it has natural links features that will be
enhanced by the extensive refurbishment work. The picturesque
par-3 hole next to the beach, which typifies this course,
is naturally being retained.
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QUINTA DO LAGO SOUTH
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6488
Course architect:
Extras: driving range
The championship course within the 800-hectare estate
of the same name, has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times.
The layout favors the long hitter but correct placement
of shots are needed to score well. Strategic bunkering,
occasional water hazards and large, contoured greens are
the main challenges. The signature hole is the beautiful
par-3 15th with a long carry over a large lake to the green
set in amongst pine trees. The 8th, 10th and 18th are excellent
testing par-4’s for low-handicap players on this scenic
course which is an enjoyable experience for players of all
standards
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QUINTA DO LAGO NORTH - (EX-RIA FORMOSA) - (Ex-Ria
Formosa)
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6205
Course architect:
Extras: Driving range, permanent bar by 9th tee
Named after the adjacent nature reserve. In basically the
same style as Quinta do Lago course, Ria Formosa is notable
for its four fine par-5 holes and many dog-legs where accuracy
off the tee is a must. The tricky downhill par-3 fourteenth
with its green well defended by bunkers on either side is
an outstanding challenge. A majestic 480-m par-5 finishing
hole demands a drive over a lake and between fair-way bunkers
to set up the ideal second shot, with the approach up a
steep rise to the green
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SAN LORENZO
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6238
Course architect: Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore
Extras: driving range
This magnificent Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore 18-hole
layout opened in 1989, and is currently considered the fifth
best course in continental Europe by Golf World magazine.
It comprises several scenic and testing holes culminating
in the memorable 18th with an exhilarating approach to the
well defended green across a lake. The 6th, 7th and 8th
are tight, challenging holes skirting water hazards along
the right hand side. The immaculately maintained course,
which is owned by the well-established Le Meridien Dona
Filipa Hotel nearby, is open to visitors although priority
is given to hotel guests who pay nominal green-fees. Course
privileges are also granted to Le Meridien Penina Hotel
guests.
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COLINA VERDE
Holes: 9
Par: 28
Length: 1117
Course architect:
Extras: chipping / bunker practice area
This new executive course is integrated into the rural
Golf-Domizil Colina Verde Aparthotel complex near Moncarapacho,
east of Faro. Basically it is a par-3 course but the 2nd
hole is a 243-metre par-4. It features challenging full-size
greens with subtle contours, and a water hazard that comes
into play on three holes, particularly the 160-metre 5th.
Ideal for beginners, holiday golfers and those seeking short
game practice.
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BENAMOUR
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Length: 5497
Course architect:
Extras: driving range / chipping green
A course with striking mountain and ocean views, modified
somewhat during construction. The rolling terrain was wisely
used by the designers to produce widely varying holes. With
three short par-4 and a par-3, the start is relatively uncomplicated.
However, precision on many tee and approach shots is a must.
The inward nine features several memorable holes, e.g. the
tricky par-3 tenth over water and unplayable rough left
of the green, and the two par-5's, the 15th and 18th, the
latter having out of bounds areas on either side close to
the green.
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QUINTA DA RIA
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 5785
Course architect:
Extras: driving range and academy
Opened at the end of 2001, this impressive 18-hole course
just east of Tavira borders on the Ria Formosa nature reserve.
Although affording spectacular ocean views, it is built
on gently undulating terrain and includes five man-made
lakes, one of which - alongside the scenic par-3 17th -
has an island and is already the habitat of many species
of birdlife. Hundreds of old olive and carob trees were
transplanted on to the course, and since the vineyard and
orange orchard surroundings will be devoid of housing development,
the natural atmosphere will be retained. This Roquemore
designed course has four par-3’s, four par-5’s and the rest
par-4’s, divided equally into each 9-hole loop. The bent-grass
greens are slightly undulating and well guarded with bunkers.
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QUINTA DE CIMA
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length : 6256
Course architect:
Extras: driving range and academy
Stretching southwards from the EN125 road on a 62-hectare
area, this layout belongs to the same complex as Quinta
da Ria. It is also a Roquemore design and provides an interesting
challenge to golfers of all standards, with well-guarded
greens, several close to hazards of both the water and sand
variety.
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CASTRO MARIM
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Length: 5466
Course architect:
This completely new 18-hole layout, the Atlantic Course,
is part of a 170-hectare property development near the historical
town of Castro Marim, close to the Spanish border and the
River Guadiana.
It is built on attractive rolling terrain with pines and
a variety of other tree species, and affords scenic views
of the river, Atlantic Ocean and a backdrop of hills.
course details provided by Essential Algarve
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