Golf in the Algarve
For most people the Algarve needs no introduction but for many it is still an undiscovered universe, being the southernmost region of Portugal it is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Blessed with a superb coastline and some of the country’s most charming beaches, the province enjoys hot, dry summers and short, mild winters. Warm sea temperatures and mild winds contribute to its charm.
With its 300 days of sunshine and beautiful natural landscape, the Algarve is considered a golfers paradise. In fact, the region has been voted the Best Golf Destination in 2020 and said to be the “ultimate golfing destination” by Golf Monthly and Portugal won the World Golf Award in 2018 with many of the most respected courses being located in the central Algarve.
Central Algarve
The popular and more developed central region of the Algarve offers lively coastal resorts, first-rate tourist amenities, and some of Portugal’s best golf courses. The blueprints of the Quinta do Lago courses like the North by Paul McGinley and Beau Welling, the South by William Mitchell or Laranjal by Jorge Santana da Silva; together with the fantastic design of Joseph Lee’s San Lorenzo Golf Club.
The Sir Henry Cotton’s plans for the Vale do Lobo Royal and Ocean are complemented by Vilamoura courses such as the Frank Pennink’s Vilamoura Old Course or the Victoria Course by Arnold Palmer. All these hosted many large professional and amateur championships and are considered by many a “must play” courses while visiting the area.
Outside of the central Algarve, there are a myriad of additional course options.
Eastern Algarve
In the eastern Algarve, Monte Rei Golf Club is a globally acclaimed golfing paradise, with its award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, Castro Marim Golf & Country Club a Terry Murray’s drawing is located close to the historic town of Castro Marim, in a very special setting in the peaceful atmosphere of the eastern Algarve with fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean, the River Guadiana and the nearby nature reserve and neighboring Spain.
On the outskirts of Castro Marim lays Quinta do Vale is home to a Seve Ballesteros game plan. The Rocky Roquemore’s design at Quinta da Ria takes advantage of the natural setting in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve with the blue sea on its southern boundary and is the sister golf course to Quinta de Cima.
Western Algarve
In the west, some options include courses designed by Nick Faldo and Christy O’Connor at the exquisite Amendoeira resort, as well as superb courses like Penina Golf Course designed by Sir Henry Cotton. Ronald Fream’s Vale da Pinta and Gramacho are part of the portfolio that the Pestana Golf Resorts has to offer you.
Near Lagos Palmares Golf with its original layout by Frank Pennink and reinvented recently by Robert Trent Jones II, Boavista Golf was cleverly thought by Howard Swan to preserve and integrate harmoniously the area’s natural terrain while Espiche Golf was meticulously planned by Peter Sauerman into a gently undulating golf course.
And these are just a handful of golf courses that the Algarve has at your disposal, many more await your visit; have a good game!
