Golf in Portugal

Algarve Golf in Portugal

Portugal is one of Europe´s top golfing destinations. Although a year-round sport on the Algarve, the main season is from October to May.

There are over 30 golf courses on the Algarve, many designed by the biggest names in the golfing world. Several of the courses are amongst the finest in Europe, all boasting luxury clubhouses, manicured greens and immaculate fairways. The top courses are to be found around Vilamoura and stretch west to Lagos. Green fees range from €50 to €200 for 18 holes. All courses are open to visitors; many require an official handicap certificate and all require proper dress.

World Golf Championships - Algarve World Cup in Portugal

A total of 24 nations, including the hosts, will participate in this prestigious event, which will be known as the World Golf Championships–Algarve World Cup in Portugal, at The Victoria Clube de Golfe Course from Nov. 15-20, 2005 with a minimum purse of U.S. $4 million.

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The Victoria Clube de Golfe Course is the most recent course to be opened to the public in the Algarve. Laid out on virtually flat terrain covering some 90 hectares it includes a series of constructed mounds specially landscaped to emulate the outline of inland hills on the horizon - a feature that enriches the course with a sense of movement and harmony. The series of beautiful lakes and waterfalls also helps to provide an attractive background whilst playing the course.

Dates: November 15-20, 2005
Site: Victoria Clube de Golfe-Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal
Format: 72-hole team competition consisting of two rounds of fourball stroke play and two rounds of foursome stroke play, no cut
Field: 24 two-man teams representing 24 countries
Wesite: www.worldgolfchampionships.com

Victoria Clube de Golfe is at present the longest 18 holes golf course in Portugal and promises to be a notable course in Europe. Each hole has a minimum of five tees from which to play thus making the course suitable for golfers of all handicap levels. Before playing it could be advisable to take advantage of the immense putting green of around 2,500 m2 to "feel the green" in that very important end game.

Golf Courses on the Algarve in Portugal

Salgados Golf Course: Salgados overlooks the lengthy Praia Grande ten minutes west of Albufeira, a short drive from the airport and central to the Algarve. The eighteen holes play across level ground for an agreeable walk, but the 6,080 metre par 72 layout is a true test of golf. It is above all a course of character and each hole presents a different challenge.
Parque de Floresta: 18 holes. A spectacular rolling hillside course offering excellent value.
Palmares:18 holes. A challenging course with an ocean panorama, plus high hills and deep valleys.
Penina: 36 holes. The longest and oldest course, designed by Sir Henry Cotton, with a distinguished championship history (site of the Portugal Open). Waterways and lakes are a predominant feature. Championship course, required handicap 28 men/32 women
The Old Course (Vilamoura I): 18 holes. Designed by Frank Pennink, this is a classic English course. Required handicap 24 men/28 women
Pinhal (Vilamoura II): 18 holes. Originally designed by Frank Pennink and renovated by Robert Trent Jones in 1985. First 9 holes are among the pines, second 9 have sea views.
Laguna (Vilamoura III): 18 holes. Designed by Joseph Lee, known for its water hazards.
Millennium (Vilamoura IV): 18 holes. Designed by Martin Hawtree, beautifully integrated into the environmental park at Vilamoura.
Vale do Lobo: 36 holes. A rugged terrain with fine views, culminating in the `most photographed hole in Europe´- a spectacular par-3 course stretching 210yds over two cliff ravines above the sea. Fairly narrow fairways.
Vila Sol: 18 holes. Considered to have among the best fairways in the Algarve. Required handicap 27 men/35 women
Quinta do Lago: 36 holes. One of Europe´s finest courses. American-designed with outstanding lush greens and roomy fairways - water is the biggest hazard.
San Lorenzo: 18 holes. Ranked by Golf World as the 5th best course in Europe. Required handicap 28 men/36 women
Sheraton Pine Cliffs: 9 holes. Although not the most challenging of the Algarve´s courses, it´s certainly one of the mnost picturesque, with a clifftop layout overlooking the sea.