Golf in the Algarve

[Jack_Marr]

Does anyone have any recommendations for golf in the Algarve. The nearest course to where we're staying is Vale de Lobo, which was designed by Henry Cotton. However, I think there's several courses nearby.

[Adrian_Stiff]

Jack- Vale do Lobo is quite nice, its 36 holes. Quinta da lago is very nice, through pines thats 36 too (a must play). San Lorenzo is another must play, it has a few spectacular holes around a lagoon. The old Villamoura is a nice old fashioned type of course looks a bit like sunningdale in places, and the new 'victoria' course at Vllamoura I am told is good. There are some other new ones that Im not familiar with that are pretty good too. All the ones I mentioned are with taxi distance, in general you are staying right in the golf capital there.

[Jon Earl]

Jack

My ranking of those that I have played:

1. Vilamoura Old - a must play but make sure you take your handicap certificate or you won't get on. Very old-fashioned and understated. Tree-lined but plenty of room. Great variety of holes e.g. par 4s range from 290 to 450 yards in length. Marshalls also do a great job in ensuring a good pace of play.
2. Vilasol - a Donald Steel design. Has 27 holes but make sure you get to play 1-18 as 19-27 not that great. Very tough opening hole. The stretch through 4-7 (par3, short par 4, par 5, par 3 over water) is excellent.
3. Quinta Do Lago North/South. The South course is slightly better. Wouldn't normally recommend getting a cart but courses is quite hilly and some long walks between tees (between 8 and 9 on the North for example). Both very enjoyable.
4. Pinhal (Vilamoura) - front 9 better than back but a solid course. Not really a 'must play'.
5. Millennium/Laguna. Course on same site and share a clubhouse. Cheaper that the rest. I like Millennium but hate Laguna - too much water and not normally in great condition.

Never played San Lorenzo but hope to play it next time I go. Heard it is probably the best but with a price to match.

Victoria is, again, meant to be good but expensive.

I have heard mixed reviews of the Vale do Lobo 36 most of which are that they are not worth the money they charge. Plus, if you tee-off before a certain time they make you hire a buggy.

There are plenty of booking agents that offer green fess that are less than those advertised by the clubs (e.g. http://linksgolfportugal.com/linksgolfportugal/golfprices.asp).

[Padraig Dooley]

Jack

Of the ones I've played I'd recommend San Lorenzo, Vila Sol and the Vilamoura courses, all which are close to Vale do Lobo.

Slightly further afield are Quinta da Ria, 36 holes, both very good. They are near Tavira, about a 30-40 minute drive east.

Driving west towards Lagos are Morgado and Palmares again about 30-40 minutes. Both are quite nice, Palmares is on the seaside with some spectacular views. Morgado is further inland but was in great shape when I played there.

Of others I haven't played but have heard good reports are Penina and Quinta do Lago.

[Sean Walsh]

Jack,

Give Craig Bellamy a call.  I'm sure he can help you out.  

I can hear the starter now

"Can the following threesome please head to the first hole.  Messrs Bellamy, Marr and Riise."

Be careful out there Jack.

[Mark Pearce]

Presumably, though, Riise would have to ride in a cart, what with his sore shins.......

[Mark Bourgeois]

san lorenzo is really good and a deserving entry in the world atlas of golf. To me it is an index case against stereotyping architects, as it was designed by joe lee and does not conform to his Florida rep.

If you do play it, could you bring a camera and post photos, in particular of 5-8, 10-13, and 18?

Don't you have to stay at the Meridian Dona Flor to play it?

[Jack_Marr]

Thanks a million for your advice. Where do you get a handicap certificate? I suppose I could get a letter from my golf club?

I'm going in early April, so hopefully they'll have cleaned up after Bellamy before then.

[Tommy Williamsen]

If you stay at the Dona Felipe (sp?) you get a great break on San Lorenzo.  I seem to remember that they are owned by the same group.

[Jack_Marr]

Thanks Tommy

I'm staying at a place called the Lake Resort. Maybe they have some kind of deal going with a course.

[Jon Earl]

Jack

Your club secretary or pro should be able to sort you out with a HC  certificate.

I forgot my camera on the last trip and only managed to take 1 rather fuzzy picture on my crappy camera phone. It is of the par 3 15th on Quinta do Lago South

[Eddie Adams]

Penina, is a good track.
I am not sure if this 100% true but when Sir Henry first opened it the course measured 7400 yards?, you can still see some of the original teeing grounds although overgrown now.

Eddie

[ForkaB]

I'll be there in July.  Is any of those courses worth playing to the detriment of marital and familial relationships.  As a reference, I would reluctantly piss off my wife and sprogs to play Pebble Beach or maybe Cypress, but not Spyglass, Spanish Bay or any other course on the Peninsula.  Is there any track on the Algarve which meets that standard?

[Jon Earl]

Rich

Using your stringent criteria I think you can safely leave your clubs at home.

[ForkaB]

Thanks, John.

I never planned to bring them--was just wondering if any place was worth a flutter (hiring clubs, of course).

How about, the dog track at Sheraton/Pine Cliffs, where I'll be staying?  Worth 2 hours/9-holes/40 Euros vs. building sand castles/drinking mohitos on the beach?

Thanks in advance.

Rich

[Jon Earl]

You lucky fellow. I was all set to book there before my wife decided that we should go to the Isle of Wight instead.

Can't comment on the course but surely it is your duty to help Mr Pioppi out with his 9 hole quest.

[Marty Bonnar]

Thanks, John.

I never planned to bring them--was just wondering if any place was worth a flutter (hiring clubs, of course).

How about, the dog track at Sheraton/Pine Cliffs, where I'll be staying?  Worth 2 hours/9-holes/40 Euros vs. building sand castles/drinking mohitos on the beach?

Thanks in advance.

Rich

FORKAB (GUEST!)
take your shoes, a few tees and a couple of your dimpled spheroids of choice.
Algarvian golf is nearly, but not quite, as bad as Floridian golf.
Worth maybe 9 holes at Pine Roberts or a quick trip to Penina. The rest is Pants, pretty much.
I've seen TOO MANY of them to recommend much.

Chill wi' the gals and have a proper 'vacation'

best,
Fat.

[Marc Haring]

Funnily enough, I think that Pine Cliffs 9 holer may be worth a shout especially if you can sneak on for about 1/2 price. I stayed at a hotel next door a while back and it looks quite a nice little course. Their signiture hole looks like it could teach you to keep your balance on the follow through.

Otherwise they're dogs. And overwatered dogs at that.

[Aidan Bradley]

Monte Rei Golf Club, in Vila Nova de Cacela, a small place located 2 km inland between Tavira and the border town of Vila Real de Santo António in the eastern Algarve will open in June. It is a Jack Nicklaus design and well worth a visit. A second course will follow.