The Top Algarve Golf Courses

Should an individual hear someone speak of the Algarve, they will doubtless think of good weather, even better beaches, and great accommodation. But more people than ever are choosing to go to the Algarve, based on the fact that it is such an amazing place to play golf. With over 20 courses in the region, here are just 4 of them, with which to whet your appetite.

1.Vilamoura – The Old Course
A lot of people class this Frank Pennink designed course as one of their favourites. It is a course that is as beautiful as it is challenging. The luscious fairways run through the surrounding pine trees, and this is a real challenge. It is much fun to play here, but it has to be said that it is quite a toughie. It has a fantastic parkland layout, and goes by the name of the Grande Dame of Algarve courses. It is renowned the world over and the revered magazine Golf Digest class it among the top 100 in the world.

2. Quinta da Ria/ Quinta da Cima
If you want to look at a really excellent view whilst you are boxing, then you are likely to really enjoy this course. The Quinta da Rio complex is the home of two, yes two high standard, 18-hole golf courses. They are both beyond compare, and they were both designed by a fellow named William Roquemore. There is the 72 par Quinta da Ria, that is made up of two loops of nine holes. The greens are amazing, and pose a challenge for even the most proficient of putters. This course overall though, is more suitable for the beginner/intermediate player, than its sister course, the 72-par Quinta da Cima. This course was finished in 2002, and is a real challenge. It is recognised as the regions most popular championship. It is the slightly longer of the two courses, and is also the more challenging. It is awash with dogs legs, as well as having water hazards and sand traps pretty much everywhere. You will have to have your shooting boots on if you want to get around this course with a decent score, or you can kiss goodbye to that single figure handicap, mate! These two courses really do complement each other, by way of offering golf to a variety of different skill levels. They were given a shout out in the Peugeot golf guide of 2004-2005, and both scored really highly. According to the guide, Quinta da Cima is no.1 and Quinta da Ria is no.2.

3. Penina Championship Course
What a golf course. If you were to take the word astounding, hide around the corner, and then jump out on it, then you would still be half a club short of just how great this Sir Henry Cotton masterpiece is. It has been host to the Portuguese open on a lot of occasions, and it has more bunkers than you can shake a rake at! As well as sand it has lakes and trees in abundance. The greens are really big so it is not simply a case of getting on them, you could still be 50 yards away from the hole. It is a true championship course that will thrill all.

4. Alto Golf & Country Club
Not just a golf course, this particular venue is a top country club in the region that offers fantastic facilities. Another course that had the privilege of being designed by Sir Henry Cotton, it has the unusual feature of a splendid garden running right the way through it. Sir Cotton had this fantastic philosophy, whereby a golf course should try and offer something to all comers. This philosophy is highlighted by the elevated greens and the winding fairways that are featured on the course. This allows the people with low handicaps to enjoy the course by way of it being challenging enough, as well as providing an element of enjoyment for the beginner. The nine going out offer excellent views, incorporating the bay of Lagos. The nine coming in are home to the famous, (or infamous) Henry Cotton challenge, which is a vast 604 metre par 5. It is the longest par five in the whole of Europe. You will have to hit three shots that are long and accurate, in order to avoid the lake. It is only then that you may find yourself on the relatively small green. It is a course that is good for a variety of ability levels, so what are you waiting for?

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This article is written by Jonathan L Walker, on behalf the Algarve Golf Course Guide. Information for all things Algarve Golf

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