Considered by many to be the best golfing holiday destination in Europe, if not the world; the Algarve boasts a multitude of golf courses, with enough variety to cater to all levels of skill, while also providing ample alternative attractions for family or friends who do not share your passion for all things golf. So, coming to the Algarve to indulge in a golfing holiday is a no brainer; but which courses do you utilise while you are there?
Have no fear, we’ve tried out the many of the courses in the region, and below are 5 of the best.
All follow the same requirements that you would expect from any golf course in the Algarve; you’ll be expected to produce a handicap certificate before being allowed to tee off, and Soft Spikes are mandatory on all 5 courses; with the exception in both cases of the Vale do Mihlo. In the same way, all courses but the Vale do Mihlo offer buggy and electric trolley hire, at competitive prices; making your time on the fairway even more relaxing.
Vale do Milho
As you would be correct in surmising from its more lax regulations in terms of both handicap and footwear; the Vale do Mihlo golf course was designed to be the ideal golf course for the whole family. Due to its simpler, more forgiving design, this course is also ideal for beginners to the sport, offering the optimum conditions for practising your swing, or perfecting your putt. At only 9 holes, and with a par of 3, this course is far from the longest you’ll ever play on, but is the perfect size for repeated training circuits; so you can be sure that you’re up to scratch before hitting the larger, more prestigious courses in the area.
Faldo Course
Designed by its namesake Nick Faldo, this challenging, strategy demanding course features an attractive modern and regional edge to its design, with attractive limestone bunkers, and surrounding borders of wild herbs and native cacti. The challenge of the course is offset by the luxury of this course’s clubhouse, which features well equipped changing rooms, a superb bar and restaurant, as well as a comprehensively stocked pro-shop. For lighter refreshments during a golfing day, the Greenside bar and café should more than do the job.
Featuring the professional standard of 18 holes, with a par of 72, this course offers practised golfers a rewarding 6598m of drive and putting.
O'Connor Jnr. Course
Often viewed as the ideal complementary course to the Faldo course detailed above, the O’Connor Jnr. Course was designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr.; and features a large variety of water features, which give the courses a particularly relaxing vibe in humidity of the Algarve. To ensure that your journey around the course is a pleasant, fulfilling one, this course also features an array of practice putting greens, as well as long and short game practice areas; all rounded off with a driving range.
With such a large number of training options in place, and such a soothing environment in which to play, there are no excuses for underperformance on this course!
Alto Golf
Located between the towns of Portimão and Alvor, Alto Golf Course was opened in 1991; with Portugal’s then president Soares making the opening drive. The final course designed by Sir Thomas Henry Cotton; a three time British Open champion, the Alto course features a particularly notorious 16th hole, which has earned the moniker ‘The Giant’. So large is the challenge posed by this hole, that if you are able to score a birdie, you will be awarded a certificate, and your name will be inscribed on a special plaque within the club house.
As well as the steep level of difficulty out on the course, the Alto course offers a fully equipped clubhouse, including a bar and restaurant with a particularly well located view of the fairway.
Onyria Palmares Golf Course
The Onyria Palmares Golf Course is arguably one of the most beautiful golf courses that the Algarve; situated on hill that gently slopes down towards the ocean, placing some holes extraordinarily close to the water’s edge, with a smattering of fig and almond groves planted around the area. Many recommendations for this course draw attention to the beauty of these trees when autumn comes around; with the blossoms creating a particularly beautiful back drop to ongoing games of golf.
If the stunning surrounding environment is not enough to tickle your fancy, the Palmares course also offers the welcome extras of a putting green, driving range, restaurant and bar, and well stocked Pro Shop.
Article written and supplied by Rocha Brava Village Resort – for special rates and discounts on golfing tee-times, get in touch!
W: http://rochabrava.com/
T: (+351) 282 350 370/5
