For many avid European golfers seeking the ideal golf holidays Portugal would be in the top 3 desirable destinations for year round golfing. This article delves into Portugal’s principal golfing region, the Algarve, and picks out some exceptional courses that could form a memorable high point of any trip.
For any Portuguese golf holiday Algarve has become the main golfing hub due to its huge range of courses. Vilamoura is perhaps the center point for many visitors thanks to the dozens of golf resorts and courses within a short drive.
The Oceanico group have over a dozen resorts and while not all resort courses are created equal it is fair to say that the standout courses would be the Victoria and the Old Course. Both have excellent course architecture mixing great par 4s and par 5s with water obstacles and well placed bunkers.
The nearby Vale Do Lobo Ocean and Royal courses could also be played back to back. Both have manicured fairways and greens and spectacular views. The Ocean course, being more open to sea breezes, can play more difficult when the breeze is up (something that is well appreciated though on hot summer days).
Other notable course include the Pinheiros Altos and Vila Sol which are as well known for their great landscaping as for their enjoyable course design.
Heading to the western Algarve the Atlantic sea breeze plays a bigger factor on how courses play. Many golfers enjoy the challenge of the Penina Championship Course – a long course with narrow fairways and fast greens. Thankfully, from the front tees it can be more forgiving for amateurs.
And if you don’t mind above/below feet shots then it is certainly worth playing Boavista or Parque Da Floresta. Both are located on hillsides with magnificent vistas. The elevation makes them cooler to play on hot days and both feature panoramic views for the majority of their holes.
When it comes having sunny golf holidays Portugal certainly has the climate to make playing there a joy. And thankfully the past 30 years of extensive course development means the range of top-notch clubs to play allows for massive choice on a golf break.
