Golf Courses of the Western Algarve, Portugal


Alamos

A new course which opened on the same estate as the excellent Morgado (see below) in 2005. Set in attractive open countryside with some great views, it is refreshingly free from development and very peacefull, with a back-to-nature feel.

Our verdict: an excellent course to get away from it all.

5,641 metres
Par 71
Challenge rating (out of 10) 5
Course type: undulating open countryside


Alto Club

The course sweeps between many elevated tees and greens and around many doglegs. It is a tight, tree-lined layout, with many blind shots, which makes it a tricky course for the visiting golfer who doesn't know the layout.

Our verdict: best to play with someone who knows the way around.

Architect : Sir Henry Cotton
6,125 Metres
Par 72
Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36
Challenge rating (out of 10) 7
Course Type: Undulating parkland


Boavista

The front nine takes you gently uphill, and from the fifth hole onwards the views of the bay of Lagos are wonderful. On the back nine, as you decend back towards the club house, it gets even better as attractive water hazards start to come into play.

Our verdict: Great views. An enjoyable course with tees for every standard of golfer.

6,053 metres
Par 71
Handicap: Men 27, Women 34
Challenge rating (out of 10) 5
Course Type: Undulating open countryside

Gramacho

A highly-manicured course with hardly any rough, set among an attractive villa development. It is the sister course of the more famous Pinta (see below) and Gramacho is the more forgiving of the two. But if you like one, you'll like the other. The David Leadbetter academy is a couple of minutes drive away.

Our verdict: A pretty course, well-suited to mid and high handicap players.

Architect : Ronald Fream, Rick Elliot, Nick Price.
5,919 metres
Par 72
Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36
Challenge rating (out of 10) 4
Course Type: Undulating residential parkland


Morgado

The location is a very attractive, secluded valley below the mountains, away from main roads and free of development, just a pure golfing experience. The course is open countryside, characterised by fast-running fairways and linksy-looking bunkers. It's mostly easy walking, apart from the start of the back nine, which is a little hilly.

Our verdict: A wonderful location and a very enjoyable course to play. We recommend it.

6,399 metres
Par 73
Recognised handicap certificate required
Challenge rating (out of 10) 6
Course Type: Open countryside, undulating back nine

Palmares

An absolute beauty, Palmares is in a fantastic setting above the bay of Lagos, and a fine test of golf also. The first hole, a downhill par 4, faces out into the ocean (see picture above right) and takes you down to play several links holes along the beach. The course then turns inland, taking you high above the Atlantic. Always in fine condition with great greens. Consider a buggy for the slightly hilly back nine

Our verdict: One of the best. If you're coming to the western Algarve, it's a must.

Architect: Frank Pennink
5,961 meters
Par 72
Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36
Challenge rating (out of 10) 5
Course Type: Seaside links & undulating parkland


Parque da Floresta

Just fifteen minutes beyond the historic town of Lagos, the course is crafted through valleys with hills to the north and the Atlantic to the south. Spectacular in places, but the terrain requires a buggy for most people.

Our verdict: many people really like it's dramatic features, but it will not be appreciated by golfers who like to play off a flat track.

Architect : Pepe Gancedo
5,670 metres
Par 72
Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36
Challenge rating (out of 10) 7
Course Type: Hilly parkland

Penina

Sir Henry Cotton started the golfing revolution at Penina, the first course to be built in the Portugal, creating a beautiful tree-lined course. It has hosted the Portuguese Open many times, and is a "must play" for many visitors. Easy walking.

Our verdict: A very attractive and famous course.

Architect : Sir Henry Cotton
6,343 metres (Resort course 2,987 metres. Academy course 2,035 metres)
Par 73 (Resort : 35, Academy : 30)
Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36
Challenge rating (out of 10) 8
Course Type: Lightly undulating parkland


Pinta

One of Golf World's "Top 100 Courses in Europe", Pinta is a pretty and well-presented course that is full of interest. Off the yellow tees, it gives a relaxed but memorable day of golf for average handicappers. But there are white and also black (championship) tees for those who demand more of a challenge. A David Leabetter academy is just across the road from the first tee for your warm-up.

Our verdict: a great favourite with many Algarve regulars

Architect : Ronald Fream
6,152 metres
Par 71
Handicap ; Men 27 Women 37
Challenge rating (out of 10) 5
Course Type: Undulating parkland

Salgados

Situated between a long stretch of dune-backed beach and a nature reserve, Salgados is at sea level and there are numerous salt-water lagoons throughout that give the course its unique character and provide much of its challenge. But the short rough and level fairways on this mainly flat course make this a balanced challenge.

Our verdict: we think both links and parkland golfers will find much to enjoy. Take a few spare balls if you're inconsistent.

Architects : Pedro de Vasconcellos & Robert Muir-Graves
6,080 metres
Par 72
Handicap ; Men N/A Women N/A
Challenge rating (out of 10) 6
Course Type: Flat seaside links


Silves

A new course due to open in 2006 close to the ancient town of Silves. It's owned by the Pestana Group, who also created the highly-rated Pinta and Gramacho courses in nearby Carvoeiro, so we can expect good quality. We'll post a review when it's ready to play.