Portugal Golf Courses
Quinta do Lago
Designed by the late American golf course architect, William Mitchell, it consists of four nine-hole loops set in picturesque terrain of pine trees and artificial lakes. The course has been widely acclaimed for its design and high standards of maintenance and the tees and greens are said to be among the best in Europe.
Vilamoura 1 Course
This course has been the venue for a number of major championships, including the World Ladies Amateur, the Portuguese Open and the Portuguese Ladies Open. Designed along the lines of the classic English course, the layout is set among gentle pine-covered slopes with the sea providing a spectacular backdrop. The relatively narrow fairways which cut through the pine woods create a stiff test for all golfers and every hole presents a new problem.
Vila Sol
This challenging championship course was opened in 1991 and the layout and condition of the fairways and greens quickly earned the praise of the European tour staff and competitors. Golf course architect Donald Steele has made excellent use of the pencross greens. The opening nine holes wind through a valley of pine, fig and cork trees and the golfer has to negotiate water hazards and undulations before turning back towards the clubhouse. The second nine-hole loop is spread over a valley of umbrella pine trees which provide superb scenic views.
Vale do Lobo
This enjoyable course was designed by the late Sir Henry Cotton and is the focal point of the resort. Recent works have given it further new dimensions, another 18 holes. (The Ocean Course and the Royal Course). The layout incorporates the most photographed hole in Europe, a long par three 7th, which stretches from the tee over two gaping ravines to the green 210 yards away. Vale do Lobo is a well undulated course with tight fairways ensuring penalties for the player whose concentration strays. Many of the holes afford spectacular sea views.
San Lorenzo
This course is situated in the 2000-acre Quinta do Lago estate which is renowned for its pine-woods, lakes and abundant wildlife. The course has an ever changing face. A classic hole is the par 4 6th, which offers spectacular views of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Only a perfect drive will achieve par here, with water lapping the edge of the fairway all the way to the green.
Penina Golf Club
Situated in the heart of the Algarve, the Penina championship course is considered the most brilliant project of Sir Henry Cotton, triple champion of the British Open. This was also the first golf course to be built in the Algarve, back in 1966. The Penina course has numerous bunkers, 360 trees, plenty of water and wide greens.
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