Central Algarve
Whilst rival destination the Costa Del Sol launched a building boom in the 1960’s Portugal was in the depths of communism and the locals were concentrating on growing food to sustain themselves rather than seeding golf courses. The late Sir Henry Cotton changed all that in 1966 by building Penina on rice paddy fields and since then the Algarve has never looked back.
Today Sir Henry is regarded fondly as a legend but planning laws are just as awkward as there were way back then. Large swathes of the countryside are protected and building isn’t allowed directly along the coast. The property developers may be cursing but the Algarve has retained its natural beauty.
San Lorenzo is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque courses in Europe. Some of the holes run along the salt marshes which are abundant with wildlife, especially in the winter when the wetlands provide a home for migratory birds. The famous 18th with its green surrounded by water and options off the tee makes for an unforgettable finish.
Head further west to enjoy the salt marshes of Salgados golf club. Open, wild, and very flat there are no trees nor houses. Just a bracing sea breeze and lots and lots of water. Water comes into play on 14 holes.
Vilamoura is popular with golfers attracted by the six courses. The Victoria, designed by Arnold Palmer, opened in 2004 and is the newest addition. American in style Palmer has designed the course to reward players who take on the numerous lakes and strategically placed bunkers. The fairways are largely level with specially constructed mounds and waterfalls integrated to create interest on what would be otherwise an average parcel of land.
Notable holes stretch from the 11th to the 13th, named Victoria corner where the water encroaching on all three fairways can wreck your day. The 14th has two fairways. Play it safe and send the ball straight down the middle or take on the water to make birdie. And if you haven’t run out of balls by the 18th the grand finale could wipe you out of ammunition - the closing hole has more water than fairway.
To the north about a five minute drive from Vilamoura is Vila Sol which is the longest and toughest in the region – well worth playing if you want to be challenged.
Nearby Vale do Lobo is one of the most established resorts offering a swish new spa, selection of restaurants, tennis academy and two courses. Accomodation is available in townhouses, villa and apartments. The Royal course runs along the top of cliffs making it one of the most scenic and most photographed courses in the world, particularly the par 3 16th which demands a shot over a ravine. The Ocean offers a similar hole but without the ravine but it seems everyone wants to play the forced drive. The beach here is particularly beautiful which is why the resort of favoured by families.
Neighbouring Quinta do Lago has a spacious, leafy upmarket ambience. The properties are largely detached and there are three layouts weaving through substantially sized villas. The newest addition is Laranjal, carved from a former orange grove it offers narrow fairways lined with umbrella pines.
Thanks to the new motorway which extends from the west to the eastern tip towards Spain the Algarve is easy to navigate. Golf courses are well signposted from the motorway and it’s hard to get lost.
After hours head to the marina at Vilamoura, sit outside a café and watch the world go by. Here you’ll be spoilt for choice and if the local Portuguese seafood and fish doesn’t tempt you there’s an excellent Chinese restaurant close to the five star hotel at the head of the marina.
This is the land of golf, and you’ll meet many fellow golfers in the hotels, bars and restaurants and you’ll feel so at home that you’ll want to return again - most people do.
Getting There
The only airport in the Algarve is Faro.
TAP www.fly-tap.com
British Airways www.britishairways.com
Easy Jet www.easyjet.com
Where to Stay
Dom Pedro Golf
Situated in the heart of Vilamoura Dom Pedro Golf is known as the golfers hotel and feels like an extension of the 19th. You’ll overhear snippets of information about the best places to buy equipment as well as golf exploits being retold in the bar. There’s a complimentary shuttle bus that runs to all the courses in Vilamoura.
Vila Sol
One of the most luxurious resorts in the Algarve offering spa and outdoor pool.
Vilamoura
If you stay on the resort guests receive discounts off green fees. There’s a hotel on site too – the five star Dona Filipa which also owns San Lorenzo.
Where to Play
Vilamoura
Salgados
Quinta do Lago
Vila Sol
San Lorenzo
More Information
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