Algarve The Algarve calls itself mainland
Europe’s golf capital – and it is hard to argue
against that.
From Tavira near the Spanish border to well
past Lagos on the Atlantic coastline, there
is a series of superbly tended golf courses
– offering a variety of challenges from the
mildly challenging to the very difficult.
A resort like Vilamoura has five excellent
courses of its own with another dozen within
a 40-minute drive.
Penina Golf Course – Penina was the
first golf course to be built in the Algarve
in 1966. Designed by Henry Cotton, the
Championship Course has flat fairways, well
placed water hazards and around 400,000
trees. 18 holes. The Academy Course or
North Course has 9 Holes. www.lemeridien.com
Victoria Golf Course – Vilamoura’s newest,
and most expensive. The venue of the World
Cup a couple of years ago. Beautifully
groomed and laid out. The back nine – with
water featuring prominently – is a fantastic
test of golf. 18 holes. www.algarvegolf.net
Pineiros Altos – means ‘high pines.’ This
course in the Quinta Da Lago complex
lives up to its name. The course winds its
way through the trees and features some
dangerous water hazards. Look out for
the 17th – an exact replica of the renowned
17th island green at world famous Sawgrass. www.pinheirosaltos.pt
Vila Sol – on the outskirts of Vilamoura.
Recently extended to a 27-hole complex where
parties playing two of the three nine-hole
sections. Try if possible to play the first nine,
the best of the three by a long way. www.algarvegolf.net
Vilamoura Old – Victoria may have made
the recent headlines in Vilamoura but the
Old Course has lost none of its elegance.
A beautifully laid out test of golf which
meanders through the avenues of umbrella
pines. A great experience for any golfer. www.vilamoura.net