The Torre Course, Terras da Comporta

• GF: From €200pp
• Stats: Par 72, 6,790 yards
• W: comporta.com/en

Just a mile in from the unspoilt beach at Comporta to the south-east of Lisbon, the Torre Course at Terras da Comporta is the region’s newest gem and a perfect complement and foil to David McLay-Kidd’s very highly-rated Dunas Course. Situated a short drive to its north, this is the first signature design of 2017 Masters Champion, Sergio García, and it opened for play just last Summer.

It is part of a real estate development that will include upwards of 200 high-end homes as well as two luxury hotels, and has already been selected as the ‘World’s Best New Course’ at the World Golf Awards 2025. The design covers a sprawling acreage of gently undulating and timeless dunesland, with the low number of regular bunkers dwarfed by vast swathes of sandscape lining most of the holes.

Tight fairways, small greens and the occasional blind drive pay homage to García’s love for his native Real Valderrama. According to the Spaniard, “We tried to make it challenging yet somewhere that pulls you back and want to play it more and see if you can play it differently.” The short holes are a particular highlight, especially the diminutive 5th, and there is great variety and beauty all the way.

This excellent new course is a fine addition to the magnificent array of golf on offer throughout Portugal, and looks set to soon become a household name.

The Algarve in Portugal is a popular spot for golf breaks and it isn’t difficult to understand why. Beautiful weather, gorgeous local cuisine and friendly locals who are delighted you are there.

Hidden in the valleys close to the most popular airport in the region is Viceroy at Ombria, a resort that offers far more than just an enjoyable golfing experience.

The resort is easily accessible, situated just 25 minutes from Faro airport and roughly a two hour driver from both Seville and Lisbon. As you arrive nearer the resort, the village appears atop the rolling Algarve hills, surrounded by the golf course on both sides.

The village itself is beautiful with its design complimenting the landscape it is built on. It’s a vibrant location with different amenities spread around the resort, encouraging you to explore.

The rooms offer some of the prettiest views you can ask for - my room gave me a stunning view of the front nine of the golf course, situated within the valley and had me yearning for my tee time the following morning.

The outdoor pool situated in the heart of the village also offers glorious views of the setting sun to the west whilst looking over the back nine, the perfect spot for an evening cocktail.

Viceroy at Ombria has a clear vision that this is a resort with a golf course, rather than a golf course with a resort. This is amplified by the number of top-tier dining options at your disposal, with five locally inspired restaurants and bars located on site for you to choose from.

The Ombria Kitchen provided some of the nicest local seafood I have eaten in a long time, whilst Solalua provided a fabulous wine-tasting experience as I sampled some of the best wines the Algarve has to offer - I’m still dreaming about the rosé in particular.

What the resort deserves credit for is how they see their golf course as part of the resort. There’s no hyperbolic statements or language about how this course will be one of the best you’ve ever played, but what they do promise is a word I heard a lot when I was in the resort - fun.

The 18-hole GEO Certified Par 71 signature course, designed by Jorge Santana da Silva, isn’t in the top 10 courses I’ve ever played, but it’s up there with some of the most enjoyable rounds I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.

The fun begins on the opening tee shot, an elevated drive to a wide fairway on a reachable par 5, if you’re brave enough to take it over the river that naturally winds through the valley in which the front nine is set.

A smile rarely left my face the opening three holes and it certainly wasn’t going to leave on the 4th tee box, a heartracing elevated tee shot on a short par 4 that requires serious thought for club selection - I wasn’t sure what to hit so like I normally do, hammered driver.

It was an exhilarating tee shot and is repeated on the par 3 6th hole for which choosing the right club to hit into a green which feels like it’s 300ft below you is a joyful puzzle.

It’s far from the longest golf course in the world, making it accessible for players of all abilities, but the more capable longer hitters often have choices of how aggressive they want to be off the tee and how much danger to take on, a feature I love on a golf course. The 9th hole signified this, with a large water hazard eating into the fairway the closer you get to the green.

The back nine is a change of pace from the front, situated on the opposite side of the valley and resort on west-facing sprawling hills, allowing you to soak up a beautiful evening Portuguese sunset.

It uses the natural landscape wonderfully, with holes embracing the undulating slopes rather than having the feeling of being built on top of them. More elevated tee shots afford you plenty of vistas of the Algarve hills and even a sunset depending on when you play.

The back nine ends with an exhilarating, dramatic down hill par 4 which is reachable for the big hitters and offers up a grandstand finish for any match play battles.

I dramatically lost my match on this hole, but took a trip to the spa in which the private outdoor heated pool, indoor thermal pool as well as Finnish sauna and salt steam room helped me recover, both physically and emotionally.

There’s plenty to do for non-golfers as well, be that cycling, hiking, trail walking or discovering the tucked away villages dotted around the valleys.

Whether you’re coming with a group of buddies for Ryder Cup-style showdown or bringing the family for some sun and fun, Viceroy at Ombria truly caters for everyone. Just don’t indulge too much in the local wine!

Having recently read about a number of sports teams staying at the Quinta do Lago resort in the Algarve, Portugal, I was excited to go and try it out for myself recently. For the unaware readers, this southern region of the country has a number of world class golf destinations and Quinta do Lago is unquestionably one of the best because it has everything you could want from a golf break. Situated within 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, the resort has three excellent courses to experience, as well as a whole host of other indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy. Not to mention high quality food of which I will get to later…

South

Travel to the resort is very easy with it being a quick transfer from Faro Airport in roughly 15-25 mins or so. It is on this drive you will see flashes of flowing fairways and greens which give you an inkling of what’s to come on the North and South courses.

We start with the latter which opened for play in 1974. The work of American architect William Mitchell, the course has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times with high profile winners like Colin Montgomerie. The front nine weaves through the parkland trees nicely before transitioning into a challenge-filled back-nine. The last four holes in particular will test your ability to keep your score going, starting with the stunning par-3 15th over a lake. All I will say here is, if in doubt, go long.

Moving to 16, this is one of the most picturesque holes I’ve played. You are faced with a deceptive tee shot before the hole bends to the left revealing a stunning and dramatic view out to the green, seemingly surrounded by water. If you get your drive in the fairway, find the dance floor with your second and take a par.

17 is a straight and reasonably long par-5 whilst 18 is a tricky dog-leg left par-4 to finish. Concluding on the South course, it does an excellent job at being playable for a variety of levels, whilst also having a Tour pedigree as well, which is not an easy thing to do from my experience.

North

Right next door to the South sits the North which I found to be an extremely enjoyable place to play. Right away I should say it is best suited for buggies or carts because if you are walking then there are some long treks between holes and you have to criss-cross the road several times. Redesigned in 2014 by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley, the investment brought precision and strategy to the fore, especially off the tee.

I found the importance of finding the fairway was vital because whilst it isn’t particularly long, the green surrounds and bunkering means you have to be hitting your approach from the fairway to avoid trouble and keep a score going. Speaking of bunkering, it is excellent with the bunkers on the par-3’s being of particular note because of their depth and size.

Notable holes to mention include the par-4 12th which wraps around a water hazard in a similar fashion to the 18th at TPC Sawgrass, 14 and 16 are two short and lovely par-3’s putting a premium on a clean strike and correct club selection. Finally I really like 18 being an attackable par-5 to finish, just be wary of going right off the tee as there is a huge modern house there! I know the South has the Tour proven pedigree, but I actually thought the North was more intricate and therefore harder for me, especially off the tee. The green complexes are tricky, especially if you get in the wrong spot or the pin is in a tough spot. I must say the latter was definitely the case when I played it!

Laranjal

Now completing the trio is the Laranjal. I unfortunately didn’t get to play this on my whistle stop trip, but several of my Golf Monthly colleagues have played it a lot and filled me in on what I was missing. I guess I will have to get back to Quinta as soon as possible to play it!

Located two kilometers from the resort, it is routed through orange groves and designed by Portuguese architect Jorge Santana da Silva. It opened in 2008 and has gone from strength to strength, with the greens in particular ranking as some of the best in the Algarve. The design itself winds around trees and water hazards throughout the round culminating in a double dogleg par-5 with ponds seemingly everywhere!

If you don’t feel like the courses have scratched your golf itch then you also have a cool mini golf course at the resort as well as the Quinta do Lago Performance Center in partnership with TaylorMade where you can get lessons and a custom fitting. I for example got a putting lesson and my technique was inconsistent to say the least! But I am committing to the new grip the instructor suggested.

Other Activities

The Campus

If golf isn’t for you but you live an active lifestyle, I recommend heading down to The Campus, a high-performance centre used by rugby teams like the British & Irish Lions, and football teams as well. There are tennis and padel courts, a high performance gym, swimming pools, as well as rehabilitation facilities like the hydrotherapy pool and recovery suite. I definitely needed these with my ailing back! There is also The Bike Shed which is for cyclists to enjoy, as well as large fields for football and rugby too.

Food

With all these activities to choose from, you will undoubtedly need to refuel and you have got plenty of options with 14 bars and restaurants to choose from. I got to experience two of these starting with Casa Velha which served up sublime local and international cuisines and the second establishment was Bovino. I admit, I’m not a huge steak guy but this steakhouse experience was incredible. The cuts were delicious as were the sides and just about everything else - a brilliant meal.

Accommodation

There are also several accommodation options to choose from as well. The Conrad Algarve is for those wanting five-star elegance, there are luxury rental villa options, and I finally got to stay at The Magnolia Hotel. It features a cool, Miami style with style and comfort throughout the different rooms, suites, and cottages. Location wise it is a short hop away from the resorts main attractions and there is plenty to do at the hotel as well a heated outdoor salt-water pool, tennis court, cocktail bar, spa and cinema.

Essentials

How to get there

Faro Airport is well served by flights across the UK, and is just a 20-minute drive from Quinta do Lago. The Magnolia Hotel offers guests transfer services.

Where to play

North course Course stats: par 72, 6,725 yards

South course Course stats: par 72, 7,040 yards

Laranjal Course stats: par 72, 7,083 yards W: quintadolago.com

Where to stay

The Magnolia Hotel W: themagnoliahotelqdl.com

The Algarve is one of the best areas for golf in the entire of Europe and I recently visited two of what are regarded to be its finest resorts.

I first arrived to Palmares Ocean Living and Golf, situated to the west of the Algarve, near the town of Lagos before taking the journey some 90 minutes east past Faro airport to the tranquil resort of Monte Rei Golf and Country Club.

I was excited to see why they were considered as the two best in the entire Algarve and two of the very best golf courses in Portugal, and having now spent time at both it's easy to see why they are rated as highly as they are.

I visited in mid-October, where temperatures between 22-28 degrees celsius - perfect golf weather. It was hot but not unbearable and the evenings were very warm, too.

This part of the country had experienced a drought with barely any rain for six months so conditions were dry but both courses were in fantastic condition with fast, true greens.

Here are my thoughts after staying and playing at both Palmares and Monte Rei...

Palmares Ocean Living and Golf

Palmares celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, and it's home to three contrasting and equally spectacular loops of nine.

It's a decent-sized resort with a range of modern apartments and a highly rated five-star boutique hotel as well as 27 holes of golf, a driving range, a Michelin-starred restaurant and an impressive clubhouse which was voted as Europe's Best Clubhouse at the World Golf Awards 2024.

It was designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architectural firm RCR Arquitectes, and having spent a good amount of time in and around it I can say it was a deserved winner of the award.

The Michelin-starred Al Sud restaurant is there for world-class gastronomy and the clubhouse food is of very high standard, too.

You certainly won't find many better views from a clubhouse, either, with the ocean in full view beyond the Praia (Beach) nine that sits below.

The three nines are all named very logically, with the Alvor loop facing the town of Alvor to the east, the Lagos nine playing more towards the namesake town to the west and the Praia (Beach) closer to the sea.

I'd recommend playing 54-holes, so perhaps three days to play each nine twice. You can base yourself at the resort for longer, too, to visit Lagos, Alvor and the Portimao to the east.

The Alvor, numbered 1-9, is the most parkland-style of the three, the Lagos (10-18) features water in play and is situated closer to the sea while still having parkland qualities, and the Praia (19-27) is almost exclusively set by the coast to play among the sand dunes.

There are too many spectacular holes to really call out a signature hole, with almost every tee box boasting views of the ocean.

The 4th hole on the Alvor is probably the favorite of many, myself included, with the downhill par-5 offering up a phenomenal vista from the tee.

The 17th is another beauty, with the downhill dogleg-right par 5 playing towards the Praia final nine and again being one where you simply need to get your camera out to take a snap.

There are some stunning par 3s on the property, like the 12th that plays over a lake and the long 14th which sees you tee off next to some impressive ruins.

The 13th and 15th are very strong par 5s, which again feature glorious views of the ocean.

The opening holes on the Lagos and Praia nines, both downhill dogleg-right par 4s, are beauties, too.

The Alvor's opening trio are possibly the least impressive holes on the property, but they'll quickly be forgotten once you get to the 4th and begin what is a rollercoaster of a golf course that is challenging, varied and very memorable.

The resort is currently undergoing a fair amount of construction, with multiple villas being built and plans for Portugal’s first JW Marriott hotel.

The golf course is also set for renovations, so it is clear that Palmares is set to remain as one of Portugal's greatest golf destinations for many years to come.

For some reason I don't think it's as famous as Vilamoura or Quinta do Lago but it is very easy to see why it's regarded as the Algarve's number two.

Onto number one...

Monte Rei Golf and Country Club

Monte Rei has been on my bucket list for years and I can genuinely say it exceeded expectations.

The resort is located around 45-minutes east of Faro airport and close to the Spanish border.

It's not on the sea but very close-by and a short drive to some lovely quaint towns including the vibrant Tavira, which is well worth a visit.

The resort is home to an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course that is regarded as the very best in the Algarve, while there are four restaurants and the classy, grand clubhouse is a beautiful spot to spend a few hours.

Monte Rei is also home to apartments and a pool to make it one of the best premium stay and play resorts in Europe. I stayed in a two-bed apartment that was modern, light and luxurious, and it was just a 5 minute walk from the clubhouse.

There is no ocean at Monte Rei, but it is so good that is doesn't need it.

Its setting next to the Serra do Caldeirão mountains is stunning and the entire resort feels incredibly tranquil and almost cut off from the outside world.

The first thing you'll notice is that the service is truly outstanding, too, with the helpful staff on-hand to meet your every need.

It certainly reminds me of somewhere like Finca Cortesin in Andalucia, where five-star service meets top class facilities on-and-off the course.

As I said, Monte Rei surpassed my expectations and the golf course really should be on everyone's bucket list. It is very easy to see why it's regarded as the number one in the Algarve.

Coupled with the breathtaking views and incredibly peaceful setting is a masterpiece carved into the hills and surroundings, with the course getting off to a strong start courtesy of the dogleg-right par 4 opener.

It's a brilliant scene setter and it simply never lets up with jaw-dropping, and very testing, holes coming thick and fast.

It's a demanding test of golf as you work your way up and down hills, over lakes and around testing bunkers.

There were many highlights for me, including the long and straight par 5 8th, which features a huge tree overhanging the front-right of the green as well as the brilliant par 3 9th that plays over a small canyon and is surrounded by multiple intimidating bunkers.

It's a hole I had seen photos of beforehand and was even more special in person.

I obviously found a bunker off the tee but chipped in for par after thinning my sand shot - so I have some very good memories!

The signature hole is either the 9th or the par 4 13th, which plays from a raised tee down a steep hill to a green raised above water with the hills beyond.

It's a jaw-dropping hole, but there are many others that ensure Monte Rei has huge strength in depth and makes for a very memorable round of golf.

And like Palmares, Monte Rei is only getting better.

A second Jack Nicklaus golf course is on the way, with the goal of creating "the premier golf destination in southern Europe."

Once completed, I am sure that goal will be met.

I’d been to Penha Longa in the Sintra region of Portugal before on a Wilson Golf press trip over 20 years ago, when I was equipment editor. But when I stepped through the entrance this time I remembered little.

I was really struck by its grandness, suggesting that it had either undergone a major renovation (almost certainly), that I had only played here and not stayed last time (quite possibly), and that my memory isn’t what it was (undoubtedly).

But after three nights there in July 2025 with my wife and daughter, I doubt I’ll forget it again for many reasons, not least my first ever (I think) Michelin-starred dining experience in the extraordinary LAB by Sergi Arola restaurant.

More of that later, but first the golf, and I had definitely played what is now the Atlantic Championship course - a Robert Trent Jones Jnr creation and one of the best golf courses in Portugal - before, with clear visual recall (incredible, I know) of the uphill 1^st and memorable closing trio.

But I’d not previously played the Monastery nine-holer, which was where I started on the first morning, driving down past some of the resort’s rich monastic heritage to the par-3 opener and surprising myself by finding the green with a 6-iron hire club in a three-club wind (very good Titleist irons that I liked so much I seriously considered buying a set).

There were several good and very varied holes, with the 2^nd a long, very tight dogleg left in a strong crosswind with a steep climb to the green. What could possibly go wrong? Not too much it transpired, thankfully. The par-3 8^th was then all carry over water with the wind into and off the right. I was delighted to successfully guess that 7-iron was the perfect club from 136 yards.

Next morning, I was almost first out on the Atlantic Championship course, which I loved. There’s a great video on YouTube of Robert Rock’s wide-right approach to the par-5 6^th - where there’s water left and an ancient aqueduct right – ricocheting off the aqueduct onto the green, from where he holed for eagle.

My ball sailed left into the lake from where, not surprisingly, it didn’t enjoy the same fortuitous rebound. But I did birdie the par-3 7^th the other side of the aqueduct, where water flanks the right side all the way.

Beyond the final trio of holes already mentioned – a down-and-up par 4 that’s kind of a mirror image of the 2^nd on the Monastery course, a near-200-yard drop hole and a tantalisingly tempting closing par 5 that allows you to open the shoulders – I would just mention the 11^th, a sharp dogleg right where the green winks at you cheekily and temptingly over the right-hand trees and scrub. Resist her Siren-like call, and stick to the safe dogleg route.

Off-course delights

Away from the fairways, what can I say? Soak up as much as you can of the resort’s monastic history, which gives this place a special retreat kind of feel even amid five-star luxury.

With an extra day over many press trips and only 27 holes of golf on the schedule, I got to extensively experience every pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub and even plunge pool plus most of the resort’s historic sites and eclectic mix of seven excellent restaurants.

Penha Longa Mercatto, with its informal Italian vibe, provides a light and airy space with a kind of conservatory feel and an extensive menu. It also doubles as the breakfast room, serving what my wife and daughter described as the finest morning spread they’ve ever been given free rein to indulge in at will.

I think there may even have been one or two ‘eyes bigger than stomachs’ moments while I was away playing my early-morning rounds of golf.

As for Arola and LAB by Sergi Arola, this was dining on a different level for me and my family, especially LAB by Sergi Arola, which took you on a ride through regional Portuguese specialities upstairs before a five-dish delight downstairs in the main part of the restaurant. Truly different and exceptional.

Then there was the chocolate workshop – the resort has a reputation for fine chocolate – which turned out to be a truly fascinating and enlightening experience in which we helped make our own chocolates (well, piped the Nutella into the centres).

Sadly, they didn’t ‘set’ in time for us to take them away, but my daughter was delighted to find that they miraculously appeared in the fridge in her room while we were out at dinner later that day.

Add in an afternoon trip to beautiful Lisbon plus wonderful spa experiences (massages for my wife and me, plus an elaborate facial for my daughter), coupled with relaxation time in the spa’s outdoor area, complete with Jacuzzi and a lovely walk featuring stepping stones across ponds replete with turtles and tiny frogs, and I like to think that even I won’t forget Penha Longa this time round.

There’s a part of Portugal I’d never seen before, and it felt a world away from the bustling fairways of the Algarve. To get to the new Terras da Comporta resort and the much-anticipated Torre course, Sergio Garcia’s first major design project, you journey approximately an hour and a half south of Lisbon on Portugal's Alentejo coast.

Once you leave the motorway, you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, heading down a straight, flat road in the middle of the countryside. As you get closer, endless rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see. I had no idea Portugal was so famous for them, but it was a surprise that set the tone for this evolving golf destination.

We were part of a media group, and were among the first to play the new Torre course ahead of its official opening. Afterwards, we got to chat with designer Sergio Garcia via video link, sharing our thoughts with him and hearing his perspective on his first solo design.

It's no secret that Garcia’s favourite golf course is Valderrama, and he's taken some of its best elements into his design at Torre. While it doesn't have Valderrama’s famously dense trees, the course features small greens, challenging bunkering, dog-leg holes and blind tee shots that add to the variety of the layout.

The first hole is very reminiscent of Valderrama, a downhill par-4 featuring a couple of tall pine trees that you have to negotiate on the approach to the green. At this point, it’s worth mentioning that there are six tees to choose from, allowing you to make this course as much of a risk-and-reward challenge as you like.

There are plenty of natural undulations and sandy waste areas, but what really struck me was the sheer beauty and expanse of the land, which is just incredible. It's certainly not a boring course, thanks to the mix of holes. And the best part is that it's playable for all abilities, which is exactly what Garcia wanted to create. It’s a thoroughly fair and enjoyable test, so there's no fear of coming off the 18th feeling demoralised, you'll want to have another go!

The par-3s at Torre are a highlight, and I'd describe them as some of the most fun and varied holes on the course. It's a deliberate design choice by Garcia to force you to think strategically about your shot and club selection.

Take the 5th hole, for example. It's the shortest of the four par 3s, but its challenge is far from straightforward. The green features a deep swale running through the middle and protected by bunkers, demands a precise shot to avoid a tricky up-and-down.

In complete contrast, the downhill par-3 13th hole, which Garcia highlights as one of his favourite holes, features one of the largest greens on the course. But from the elevated tee, all I could see was a putting surface completely surrounded by bunkers. This leaves absolutely no room for error, and a slightly wayward shot will almost certainly result in you finding the sand, just like I did.

A buggy is a good idea on this course, especially for the climb between the 11th green and 12th tee. This stretch rewards you with a stunning view before you have to think your way around the 12th hole with its narrow fairway and small green with surrounding bunkers.

The round finishes on a high note, as the par-5 18th features a sweeping left-to-right fairway off an elevated tee. I had no option but to take the safer route, but more daring big hitters can take a chance over the sandy waste area to set up a potential eagle.

While a new clubhouse is in the works, a must-visit whether you play Torre or its sister course, Dunas, is the beachside setting of Comporta Cafe. The food and ambiance are fantastic, and it's the perfect way to cap off a great day of golf.

For our stay, we were based at Quinta da Comporta, one of the area’s luxurious boutique hotels. Located on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, it’s a perfect wellness retreat where a rustic aesthetic meets a refined lifestyle. This feeling is everywhere, from the simplistic yet luxuriously decorated bedrooms to the first-class high-beamed restaurant using fresh ingredients from the hotel’s garden.

There was not time to experience the Oryza Spa or the infinity pool, which looks out over the rice fields, but I particularly liked the look of these. It's the kind of place where you feel immediately relaxed and at ease. I'd say it's most suited for couples looking for a tranquil escape rather than large groups of golfers.

As Garcia said about his golf course, “Our goal was to make a golf course that was beautiful, challenging, but at the same time the kind of course that when you finish playing, you can’t wait to come back and play it again.” He’s achieved that and this fast growing destination is doing that too.

Nothing quite whets the appetite for a game of golf like a good course photograph, especially one taken from a drone that shows the layout and the surrounding terrain in all its glory. I’ve booked many a round of golf on the strength of a beautiful picture – lots of golfers do. 

I saw a cracker last summer – the only problem being that you couldn’t play it. Still a work in progress. This was the Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta, acclaimed golf architect, David McLay-Kidd’s first course design in continental Europe. Finally, however, after many years of stop-start, this wonderful course – located an hour’s drive to the south of Lisbon, close to the beautiful Alentejo coast – is open for business.

It’s been quite a journey for McLay-Kidd and co, who first visited Comporta way back in 2008. “Breath-taking” is how he describes this part of Portugal’s coastline – this coming from a man who has given us Bandon Dunes in Oregon, USA, and the Castle Course at St Andrews.

“If you look at any top 100 list, it is peppered with golf courses that are through pine, barren, scrubby vegetation and sand dunes, he says, “from the courses in Melbourne, Australia, to Long Island in the US, to those around the British and Irish coastlines. 

“So here we are in southern Europe in Portugal in exactly that terrain and yet no golf course has really capitalised on that. There was a massive opportunity for golf to build something.”

That opportunity was almost missed – several times. First came the financial crisis, and then, in 2020, you know what saw the whole world grind to a halt. Some years later than planned, and having partnered with Vanguard Properties – the largest real estate developer in Portugal – we’re all systems go.

I encounter my own setback immediately. Despite McLay-Kidd announcing on the tee “you’re always in the hole here,” I lose my very first shot to the left. Stiffness. The point he makes, though, is valid: it’s evident throughout the round that this course is very playable – not so punishing that you’ll lose lots and lots of balls.

Hole 16, a terrific driveable par-4, is a good example. McLay-Kidd points out the aggressive play. I take it on, but come up 30 yards short. I’m now facing an awkward but not impossible bunker shot. However, I’m still in play, and not swallowed up by a huge, man-made lake. 

And I could have taken the safer route down the right side of what is a generous fairway. The point is, you have options, and, if you’re a mid handicapper like myself, that should stop your shoulders from sagging. In short, it’s fun.

There are two aspects of your game that will need to be red hot if you are to score well here. Firstly, bunker play – more specifically, the 40-50-yard type. You might not lose so many balls, but if you stray too far off the fairways, the quality of your ball striking from the sand and waste areas will be tested.

Then there’s the putting. Nowhere is the saying that putting is a ‘game within a game’ more applicable. My playing partner, the jovial Director of Golf, Rodrigo Ulrich, tells me that the 18 greens tally up to 1.8 hectares. As a rough guide, the average tends to be around one.

As I reach the turn, Ulrich, who’s a pretty nifty player, turns and says with a grin, “This is where it really ramps up.” Given just how thrilling the front nine has been, I’m obviously excited to see what the second half has in store.

The designer himself struggles to name a favourite hole – and it’s easy to understand why, as there’s nothing ordinary about any of them. I have a particular liking for holes where you can see the pin in the distance with the challenge right there in front of you, and 10 and 11 are both superb.

Ulrich’s favourite spot is standing on the 14th tee, not just because it’s a wonderful par-3, but this, I’m told, is the best place to watch the sunset. By this point my phone is telling me that I’m running out of storage space.

Pushed to select a favorite, McLay-Kidd calls 18 a “pretty cool postcard hole”. He’s not wrong. The previous hole is another beauty, too, a short par-3 all the way over scrubby vegetation. You simply cannot, as I did, come up short. 

There are big plans for Comporta – a hotel, more restaurants and activities for visitors. It seems Portugal’s “best kept secret”, as it’s often called, might not remain so for much longer, although this is not the Algarve – nor is this anyone’s vision for Comporta. 

That’s not to say there’s nowhere to enjoy a bite to eat or a relaxing evening out right now. In fact, there are two established restaurants here that are quite delightful, especially if you like your seafood.

At Comporta Flavours, a short walk from AlmaLusa Comporta, an effortlessly stylish boutique hotel that boasts 53 rooms, we are served giant bowls of fresh fish. It’s not my cup of tea (call me boring, but I’m more your meat and two veg guy). However, I can tell from the clean plates around me that this is Portuguese cuisine at its best.

The following evening, after a day on the links – and for McLay-Kidd, Comporta is “true links golf” – it’s time for some refreshments in the most sought-after spot of AlmaLusa Comporta, The RoofTop Bar, where you can also enjoy cocktails and tapas, whilst enjoying the wonderful views of the rice fields.

Then we head out on mass – 30-odd hungry golfers – to Comporta Café, located on the beach (the cleanest I’ve even seen) at Praia da Comporta, Troia Peninsula. My advice would be to follow comportacafe_beachclub on Instagram before you head on your golf trip. I’d also advise booking a table. What a place.

A lobster gives me the eye from his/her tank as I walk through the entrance, and I know what’s in store. Tiger prawns, clams, mussels, lobster… it keeps on coming. Just when I fear that I might have to get stuck into some cod, the manager takes pity on me and brings me a plate of steak and chips.

It’s a good job there’s no second round for me the following day – I’d be too stuffed. I hope to return soon, though, perhaps when course number two opens. Yes, there are plans for another 18. Torre will be a collaboration between Spanish golf legends José María Olazábal and Sergio Garcia.

Terras da Comporta is destined to become one of Europe’s finest golf courses – there can be little doubt about that, and it surely won't be long before it becomes widely-regarded as one of the best golf courses in Portugal.

I’d love to take a look into a crystal ball and see just how the second course will sit alongside it, and what Comporta itself will look like in another five years’ time or so. My advice… don’t feel like you have to wait that long – go book that trip. 

Madeira could quite possibly be the place to go for a golfing weekend away with your family or friends. Friday to Monday, it has just enough to make sure your weekend is packed full of golf, excursions, golf, food and more golf.  

The Island sits southwest of Portugal and is home to two golf courses with a third an eight minute flight away on Porto Santo Island, Porto Santo Golf. Palheiro Golf and Santo da Serra Club de golf are the two courses on Madeira mainland, so I was keen to see if they compared with some of the best golf courses in Portugal.

I was fortunate enough to spend a weekend over in Madeira and play in the Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic - a great one day tournament for your everyday golfer or seasoned professional.

Palheiro Golf

Palheiro Golf provides challenging tee shots and slippery greens so I would highly recommend a practice round before letting it fly in the competition or you’re likely to do what I did and top it off the first tee! 

The course sits high up on Madeira Island so not only are you exposed to the elements you are also faced with some incredible views. The design takes you across the mountain top with some 200-yard par 3 holes playing just an eight or nine iron due to the drop in elevation, so each shot definitely requires some thought, especially if it is your first time playing the course. If that is the case, be conservative off the tee.

There are some particularly tricky holes which do ask for pin-point accuracy off of the tee because if you’re slightly off-line your ball could be rolling towards some trouble.

The course is quite spectacular with ocean views on every hole, I have never known anything like it. Luckily the ocean doesn’t come into play but there is plenty of trouble around the course so making sure you have plenty of balls is essential.

If you haven’t got enough, you can always pick some up in the pro shop just inside the clubhouse. 

What a clubhouse it is, looking over the city of Funchal the views from here are absolutely breath taking, whether you’re there during the day watching boats ferry in and out of the harbour or whether you’re there for an evening meal watching this small city light up the darkness, it is quite special.

My first experience of the clubhouse was the Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic cocktail evening, which they have the night before the big tournament, a great way to meet the locals and calm any nerves you may have been feeling. I am sure there were a few sore heads the following day.

The golf club currently have ongoing work to upgrade their driving range to a state-of-the-art training facility that will be ocean facing. I will definitely be heading back to give that a whirl and the occasional club twirl. 

There is more to do than just golf on this island…

Whether you go to Madeira to play golf and relax for the weekend or to have a fun filled few days the island has you covered. At Palheiro Gardens Estate they have an onsite hotel for you to stay at which is a minute's drive from the golf course.

They also house an excellent restaurant which overlooks the city of Funchal. Located fifteen seconds from your bedroom door is an outdoor swimming pool, indoor heated pool, spa, sauna and a couple of tennis courts. If your plan is to go and relax, then you are sorted. 

However, there is more on the island to do than simply relax. We spent a morning out on the open water whale and dolphin watching where we caught a glimpse of a pod of dolphins. I have never done anything like that before, but I will definitely be doing it again.

Depending on the situation of the dolphins, you can even get in and have a swim with them but as our pod had a baby this was a no go. If sea legs are not for you, not to worry, Madeira has plenty of Levada walks, which are specific to the Portuguese island itself. On my last day I was able to squeeze in a little walk and the views from the final destination were breathtaking. 

Of course, everyone gets hungry on holiday whether you are just relaxing or are out and about. Palheiro Nature Estate is in a great spot as it sits overlooking the city of Funchal and it’s just a short drive away, definitely worth visiting the city where you can experience some great local food.

The seafood here is incredible, locally sourced and super fresh. 

I was fortunate enough to be in Madeira the weekend of the flower festival. For someone with hay fever, like myself, you might think that’s not the place to be however, it was an incredible display of music and dance as hundreds of well-trained performers, of all ages, paraded through the streets of Funchal.

The costumes were brightly coloured and people lined the streets, some even climbing up lampposts, to get a glimpse of the parade. A beautiful bit of culture to experience.

Madeira is a gorgeous island and with golf courses to match it is the ideal weekend getaway if you fancy golfing in the sun.

One of Europe’s premier golf destinations is Portugal’s Algarve and Vilamoura’s Dom Pedro Victoria is one of the best courses in the country.

The course is an Arnold Palmer creation, who designed it with tournaments in mind. He achieved his aim, and the course has hosted the Portugal Masters since three years after it opened in 2004. In fact, it even hosted a high-profile tournament before that, the WGC-World Cup in 2005, as it became established.

But what makes the course so appropriate for tournaments? It’s partly to do with its punitive water and sand found throughout. Meanwhile, the greens are generally fast, vast and undulating. Overall, the course is fairly flat, particularly on the back nine. However, if you thought your round would become easier as it goes on, the increased frequency of water will make you think otherwise, while strategically placed bunkers are also a regular consideration.

Players have to wait until the penultimate hole to experience the course's signature hole. It is also the longest on the course at 588 yards. Huge expanses of water, including several waterfalls, sit on the right-hand side. If you negotiate the fairway, the green is also surrounded by water, making it one of the more difficult holes on the course.

In fact, the course is challenging to the end. The par-4 18th has water down the left-hand side with bunkers on the right, while the green is again dominated by water around it. Before that, the 168-yard par-3 eighth is the course's shortest hole. However, tee shots falling short of it will almost certainly find the enormous bunker in front of it. Further on, possibly the most picturesque hole is the 14th with two fairways separated by a waterline and waterfalls leading to an elevated green.

The course is open to the public and you can book a round online with green fees from approximately €130. There are also additional costs to hire items including electric trolleys and golf clubs. There are packages available to stay at one of the three Dom Pedro hotels in Vilamoura and play at five courses, including the Dom Pedro Victoria, with prices from €148 per night.

Best Golf Courses In Portugal

Portugal welcomes millions of tourists every year with many simply looking to enjoy the lovely climate, the beaches, the seafood and the culture.

However more and more people are looking at Portugal as a golfing destination too because of the superb selection of golf courses and resorts that have emerged over the last 40 years. It is home to some stunning golf resorts along the Algarve as well as scenic courses further north around Lisbon and beyond.

Here we have taken a look at 20 of the best golf courses in Portugal, featuring the likes of Monte Rei, West Cliffs, Quinta do Lago, a couple of Vilamoura beauties and many more...

Monte Rei

The magnificent Monte Rei is pure golf luxury and the course’s reputation is founded on the solid gold that is the Jack Nicklaus Signature name. The course, the facilities, the customer service are all first class. It is said that each hole lies in its own valley which emphasises the individuality of holes and the vast area that the course covers. This is ‘big’ golf with enormous bunkering, broad bouncing fairways and greens that look like works of art. Add in the colourful framing to fairways and around greens and it is picture-perfect stuff. There are beautiful lakes and ponds and the course drips peacefulness and quality at every turn. 

West Cliffs

One of the best golf courses in Portugal, and one of its youngest too, West Cliffs was designed by Cynthia Dye – Pete Dye’s niece – and it bolsters the allure of the Centro region, which already included Praia d’El Rei and Royal Obidos. Opened in 2017, this is a remarkable piece of golf design, employing rolling sand dunes, natural vegetation and pine groves, with silken fairways gliding in between. Greens are bold in size, shape and spirit. The sensational back-9 take you out to the sea and ramp up the drama as you are led ever higher to the most towering drive of the day on the final hole. A big, big driving course.

Troia

Located south of Lisbon, on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sado Estuary, Troia was designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, in 1980. Regarded as one of the toughest and most scenic courses in Portugal, the 18 holes race through established pine trees and native flora with ocean views never far away. The glorious sandy terrain is emphasised by the narrow fairways that fade immediately into the long scars of sand dunes. It makes accuracy absolutely essential as you seek out the heavily bunkered, small and often elevated greens…so choosing the correct tee will make or break your day. A serious test but an enchanting one nonetheless. 

Quinta Do Lago (South)

It may not be the oldest course in the Algarve (that title belongs to Penina, 1966) but the South course is the ‘grand dame’ of the region…and it has been revitalised by a recent multi-million renovation, completed in 2021. And yet it still retains that classic feel, coasting over hilly terrain and through countless corridors of umbrella pines. Doglegs abound, placing a premium on accuracy, and while water is a rare hazard it plays a big part on the signature 177-yard par-3 15th. It is all carry across the lake. That same lake fronts the tee box on the par-5 17th which weaves its way slowly uphill between the pine trees.

- Full Quinta do Lago South Course review

San Lorenzo

There is a grand scale to San Lorenzo, which blends so seamlessly with its charming location alongside the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. A sea lagoon even divides part of the course and it is well employed on the closing two holes. Four holes in all bring water in to play while a further three lie on the coastline, with the par-3 5th providing the big reveal. Elsewhere, fairways meander between the pine-drenched slopes of gently undulating terrain. San Lorenzo opened in 1988, to considerable acclaim, but it has been surpassed in recent years as more modern courses/upgrades shine brighter. It is still a fine test of golf and very popular, too.

Vilamoura Dom Pedro Old Course 

The beauty of Vilamoura Old (1969) is evident from the moment you step past the clubhouse. The umbrella pines are utterly enchanting companions and you can walk along the nearby paths to glimpse some of the holes. Those pines follow you everywhere and they help provide a sweet, sleek rhythm which makes this such a popular venue. Accuracy is essential to avoid the trees and to find the best angles into greens, and the par-3s are particularly impressive (the 6th and 10th are along those clubhouse pathways). That said, this is a strong course from start to finish and an embracing round of golf that teases you constantly with the movements of the land. 

Oitavos Dunes

Laid out over a calm, lilting dunescape, Oitavos Dunes is a different experience to anything else in Portugal. Opened in 2001, it rapidly acquired an impressive reputation thanks to the design of American, Arthur Hills. Its strong links flavour shines through and even the woodland flourishes at the start and end boast that sandy terrain. This is a stern test of golf and the shapely greens are things of joy. The views are no less dramatic but what will capture your imagination most is that raw links feel, not to mention the achingly pretty pair of par-3s on 14 and 15, at the top of the course. Oitavos Dunes was the first course in Europe to win the Audubon Gold Signature environmental award. 

Quinta do Lago (North)

The upgraded North course (2014) has been turning heads in recent years. The changes and improvements in quality have significantly ramped up its reputation and, alongside the South and Laranjal courses, Quinta do Lago is Portugal’s premier golfing venue. The North is a fast starter with a downhill opening drive between umbrella pines hovering above. The course does weave between houses and there are several road crossings but it just makes each section stand apart. As good as the front-9 is it is the back-9 that takes the plaudits with a furious final run of rippling holes through the pines… as well as the short but daunting par-4 12th which doglegs tightly around a lake.

Praia D'El Rey

Praia D'El Rey and West Cliffs are part of the same golf resort and with two courses so highly ranked – not to mention the neighbouring Royal Obidos – the Central region on the Silver Coast has become a highly alluring destination with three of the best golf courses in Portugal. The routing of Praia D'El Rey takes you out to the ocean’s edge on the back-9 for three glorious holes (13 to 15), while also giving you a taste for it on the front-9. It is an idyllic setting, mostly in duneland, and the course is meticulously maintained as it rambles over the dunes and cliffs, and through pine forest for the more inland holes. 

Palmares 

Tucked away on the Algarve’s more western fringes are 27 holes of superb variety and intrigue. In 2010, Robert Trent Jones Jr redesigned Frank Pennink’s original work at Palmares and added a third nine to create three engaging 18-hole options. The course sits on a hillside that drops quickly to more level sandy terrain near the shore. The railway line slices through the Praia nine, highlighting the four links holes that reside closest to the sea – two par-5s and two par-3s. Constant views of the Atlantic accompany your round especially on the two more shapely nines with an inland horizon filled by the Monchique Mountains. The vast new clubhouse sets the scene perfectly.

Amendoeira (Faldo)

No doubt the Nick Faldo name will prove highly appealing for many golfers and, at Amendoeira, they won’t be disappointed. He has created an intriguing and high quality golf course as part of this 36-hole resort. The inland location sets it apart from many Algarve courses and here you will find rocky outcrops, ancient olive trees and desert scrub bunkers. Throw in some cacti and it all gives the Faldo design a different feel especially with a hilly back nine tossing you all over the place and offering up so many attractive shots…all showing off the countryside views.

Penha Longa (Atlantic)

Located in the Sintra Natural Park, this is a gorgeous course encircled by mountains of trees and mist. The surroundings are peaceful and enchanting but this is a sterling test of golf. The Atlantic was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr (1992) and it carves its way through valleys and across the foothills of the Sintra mountains. Expect some steep slopes and elevated terrain to add extra drama to what’s already a dramatic course. This is a 27-hole 5-star resort and you tee off in front of a 14th century palace and monastery. 

Estela

The genuine links terrain of Estela clings closely to two miles of coastline north of Porto. There are two loops of nine, both routed out and back to the clubhouse, both offering holes that fully employ the dunes and hillocks over which the course roams. Estela opened in 1989, and it is the stellar course in a region that possesses some rollercoaster inland courses. It is also one of only three or four courses in Portugal that can boast pure links terrain. Expect wind to influence your play as you seek out smallish green sites. The start along the coastline gets you off to a flyer.

Quinta do Lago (Laranjal)

The youngest (2009) of the Quinta do Lago courses and one that famously plays through orange groves. Laranjal is a modern course full of fluidity and it effortlessly embraces the water features as well as the umbrella pines, holm oaks and orange trees. There’s no question that the undulating greens are a highlight for their beauty, their quality and their challenges. You will need a very confident stroke to avoid three putting. Fairways are generous and greens are big, but missing the putting surfaces will cause problems, not least because of the bunkers which have tentacles stretching right around greens. A different experience to its two stablemates.

Quinta de Cima

On the eastern fringes of the Algarve, and not far from Monte Rei, Quinta de Cima is part of a 36-hole complex. Both courses are within the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, and while the Quinta da Ria course pushes right out to the sea, Quinta de Cima is the bigger, more rhythmic and fluid championship course. Its strength is a languid consistency that lasts for 18 holes, with strong bunkering, wide fairways flowing between the olive trees, and undulating greens. There are no houses here, which only adds to the peacefulness. You’ll also play two holes through an orange grove. Designed by Rocky Roquemore.

Royal Obidos

This Seve Ballesteros course (one of three in Portugal) is a rollercoaster of wide graceful fairways and hypnotic greens, carved over shapely rolling terrain. Opened in 2012, it was Seve’s final design. It is smartly presented and with a barrage of five par-3s and five par-5s you know there will be all kinds of opportunities for shot-making. Some early holes (2 to 7) are slightly separate to the main body of the course, but water is just as prevalent and is a serious threat on eight holes. With its slightly exposed appearance you will be able to see numerous flags from the clubhouse and it gives an excellent taste of the course. 

Porto Santo

This lone golf course on the island of Porto Santo, off Madeira, was designed by Seve Ballesteros (2004). The ferry ride to reach it is part of the experience of playing a course possessing only a few palm trees, several water features and a cavorting volcanic landscape that takes you out to frighteningly high cliff tops. Two par-3s and a par-4 dogleg cling to these cliffs perched above the Atlantic. It’s a splash of drama and turns the back-9 into an adrenaline rush especially with the tricky greens. There is always plenty to see from the tee, thanks to the course’s open nature and generous fairways. Seve used a 6-6-6 combination of par-3s, par-4s and par-5s.

Vilamoura Dom Pedro Victoria 

The Portugal Masters has been played on the Arnold Palmer-designed Victoria course for 15 years and it possesses and the large-scale championship elements that you’d expect. With heaving green complexes, slick fairways, threatening bunkers and greens with some alarming swings, Victoria is never less than an adventure. The back-9 is flatter than the elegantly rolling front-9 but possesses more frequent and threatening water features, on the delicious par-3 13th most notably. Accuracy into greens will avoid the penal bunkering but with those swinging greens there’s still lots of work to do. There are plenty of olive trees around but Victoria still feels open and accessible.

Espiche

The wild and peaceful setting of Espiche makes this cavorting young course (2012) float across the landscape. Views stretch towards the Monchique Mountains, and the lack of residential development only adds to the romantic setting. Perched high above the course is a heavily glassed and stunning wooden clubhouse. From here you can see how much Espiche tumbles up and down, a rollercoaster that never stops until you walk off the 18th. The narrow fairways are flanked by deep rough so accuracy is key. It is not long for a par 72 (5,862 metres, back tees) and this well laid out course is very much connected to the nature around it.

Vidago Palace

Vidago Palace, east of Porto, is a luxury hotel (built for royalty) that also happens to have one of the best golf courses in Portugal attached. Entirely renovated in 2010, by Cameron & Powell, the majority of the opening holes glide through a wide valley, elegantly paced with big greens and a stream slipping across some fairways. The main event, however, comes on the back-9 as the holes edge higher up the hillside and into deep woods. Here lie the enthralling holes with some hero shots, swinging doglegs and a final four holes that rank among the best closing stretches anywhere. 

The South course at Quinta do Lago has reopened following a £7 million renovation.

This upgrade was only possible because golf was suspended during the pandemic. 

This is the most popular of Quinta do Lago’s three courses, which hosted the Portugal Masters – won recently by Thomas Pieters – eight times between 1976 and 2001. The first of Colin Montgomerie’s 31 European Tour wins came here, in 1989, by 11 strokes. 

One of the major changes has been to soften the dogleg on the much-criticised par-4 8th. 

But the most striking change is around the 16th green, which has been extended back left with the undergrowth to its rear cleared to present a dramatic view of the lake when you crest the hill on the fairway of this par 4.

The par-3 15th is played over another part of this lake. The green has also had undergrowth cleared behind it, so now a safety-first tactic is offered: if you are in doubt, it is best to ‘over club’.

Much of the work on the South was to increase its sustainability – water usage has been reduced by 10-15 per cent as a result of the changes and investment, according to the course superintendent.

The adjoining North course has some interesting green complexes set in undulating landscape. Here, the holes seem less encroached upon by housing than on the South.

While you can walk the South, the North is designed for buggies as it has some long treks between holes and you also criss-cross the roads of the resort several times.

The resort’s third course, Laranjal, is on a separate site a short drive east. After a pretty opener, you come to the 2nd hole with its water – which is not really in play – and lots of bunkering. Both of these are to be recurring features of the round.

The two nines on Laranjal have been reversed from when the course first opened for play in 2009. This means the most distinctive hole is now the 18th – an ‘S-shaped’ par 5 with water in both crooks of the ‘S’.

There is a lot of water on the site, but rarely should it impinge on your strategy for playing the hole.

An exception, other than 18, is the stroke-index-one 7th, where a lake flanks the right of the drive and then has to be crossed en route to the green. A frogman was going in to retrieve balls as we played.

There is also an exceptional mini golf course on site which is well worth a visit.

ESSENTIALS

How to get there

Faro airport is about 25 minutes away, with direct flights from many UK airports.

Where to play

W: www.quintadolago.com

Quinta do Lago South

Stats: par 72, 7,016 yards

Quinta do Lago North

Stats: par 72, 6,698 yards

Quinta do Lago Laranjal

Stats: par 72, 7,042 yards

Where to stay

The Magnolia

W: www.themagnoliahotelqdl.com

What it costs

Rounds of golf can be booked on any of the courses from €160pp. Magnolia Hotel offers three nights B&B in a standard double room with two rounds of golf or a €75 spa voucher from €681; five nights B&B with three rounds of golf or a €175 spa voucher from €1,040. 

Mini golf at Quinta do Lago is probably not the course that immediately springs to mind at this resort on the Portuguese Algarve. Not when the resort has the recently renovated South as well as the North and Laranjal courses.

Indeed it may not spring to mind at all. Hence this article – consider it as a helpful public service announcement if you like. (Incidentally, have you remembered to turn off the gas?) Indeed, I only became aware of the delights of mini golf at Quinta do Lago by accident. Or rather, by airline schedules and a puzzled press trip organiser.

Mini golf does not feature on many golf press-trip itineraries. Indeed, it only appeared on mine as the organiser’s solution as to what to do with two golf journalists whose flights were arriving well before the rest of the party. The solution was to send us to play the resort’s mini golf course.

To appeal to all ages, and not just primarily children, the mini golf at Quinta do Lago is based on famous holes around the world. The result is rather fun, beautifully landscaped and cleverly done.

The opening hole is based on the 10th at the Belfry, the water in front of the green represented by a blue-painted ditch. This hole is the only par 4 on what is otherwise a par-3 layout, bar one other exception.

This other exception is the par-5 7th, based on the 13th at Augusta National. The 6th is its take on Augusta National’s 12th. For many these will the be the nearest they will get to playing Augusta – although there are ways to get a game at Augusta National.

The layout climaxes with TPC Sawgrass’ island green 17th, the tee shot played to a small ramp. By this stage, you would also have played a version of Troon’s Postage Stamp 8th and Pebble Beach’s iconic 7th, among others.

The whole experience was captivating. So much so that I suggested to the organiser, when he flew in, that the other journalists might like to play, or at least see, the mini golf. Perhaps we could even have a mini golf tournament among ourselves?

He looked at me in a semi-pitting manner: “No point: no-one from this trip will be writing about the mini golf here, will they.”

Fancy the Algarve? Quinta do Lago’s the sweetspot, says Michael Weston

Quinta do Lago Golf Resort Review

The number of top-class golf destinations clustered in and around Portugal’s southern region can cause a headache. Let’s make it easier for you. Quinta do Lago has everything you could want in a golf break and more. Surrounded by 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park, this luxurious resort offers guests access to its three beautiful and highly regarded courses, as well as a wide range of indoor and outdoor leisure activities.

Once you touch down at Faro Airport and hop on board your hotel transport, you’ll be cruising past lush fairways and perfectly manicured greens in under 15 minutes. Alluring as those flashes of green are, keep your eye out for a few restaurants along the way to visit later.

Related: Golf Monthly Travel Homepage

Tremendous Trio

First up, the South course opened for play in 1974 and remains the crown jewel of Quinta do Lago. It’s the work of American architect William Mitchell whose American standard tees and bunkers gained the venue instant recognition.

The Portuguese Open has been played here on eight occasions, Colin Montgomerie tasting victory on the South in 1989. Despite its championship pedigree, the course isn’t designed to exclude amateur golfers.

The challenge lies in finding the fairways. Going out, the holes weave through parkland before a testing back nine that loops around a lake, where you’re treated to some beautiful views out across the water.

The North course was redesigned in 2014 by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley, whose state-of-the-art Academy is also on site, as is the TaylorMade Performance Centre.

The multi-million pound investment has strengthened the layout, with the emphasis firmly on precision and strategy. As superb as the bunkering is, you’ll need your course management to be spot on to avoid spending the day playing recovery shots from the sand.

Completing this fine trio, Laranjal is located two kilometres to the east of the resort. You may need to negotiate a couple of narrow lanes to find it, but it’s an absolute gem.

Routed through orange groves, Laranjal was designed by Portuguese architect Jorge Santana da Silva and opened for play in 2009. The course has since gone from strength to strength, and its putting surfaces rank with the best in the Algarve.

There are no hidden surprises down the 1st, and long hitters may even be tempted to give the green a go at the par-4 2nd. On to the 4th and the first par 5 is a cracker. Be careful not to leak your drive too far right as water is lurking, while some huge bunkers will gather tee shots pulled to the left.

The view from the elevated tee at the par-4 5th is stunning, but your driving accuracy will be tested to the limit, especially if you’re playing into the sun.

Onto the par-5 6th – and tall pines flank the long fairway to the left and right as well as a series of large bunkers.

When water comes into play at Laranjal, it’s more obvious than some of the bunkers, which are often far larger than they appear from the tee. A lake looms large on the par-3 15th, before more water at the par-5 16th, all of which makes this course a tough test to the very last shot.

Miami Style

The Magnolia Hotel, which pays homage to Miami’s iconic motels, is the place to stay. With a heated outdoor salt-water pool, tennis court, cocktail bar, spa and cinema, it’s the perfect place to relax when you’re not golfing.

Why not head down to The Campus? It’s a new high-performance centre created for elite athletes. Fancy something more leisurely? There’s cycling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

You’ll leave Quinta do Lago feeling fit and refreshed, perhaps even with a couple of extra goals besides lowering your handicap, especially if you visit The Campus. Before you do so, be sure to refuel at Bovino, the most exclusive steakhouse experience in the Algarve.

Elsewhere, the Michelin-recommended Casa Velha restaurant serves authentic and classic cuisine, and on the lake’s edge, seafood lovers should book a table at Casa do Lago.

Don’t want to miss the evening’s live action? Head to Dano’s, the resort’s first sports gastropub, where you can enjoy delicious food and craft beer.

Essentials

How to get there

Faro Airport is well served by flights across the UK, and is just a 15-minute drive from Quinta do Lago. The Magnolia Hotel offers guests transfer services.

Where to play

•  North course Course stats: par 72, 6,725 yards
• South course Course stats: par 72, 7,040 yards
• Laranjal Course stats: par 72, 7,083 yards W: quintadolago.com

Where to stay

• The Magnolia Hotel W: themagnoliahotelqdl.com

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Jeremy Ellwood savours the delights of several cracking courses in and around Portugal's beautiful and historic capital

Golf In Lisbon - Belas, Troia & Quinta do Peru

As I set out at 5am for Heathrow hoping to beat the M25 rush, it dawned on me that although I’d flown to Lisbon several times, this trip, taking in some of the highlights of Lisbon’s Golf Coast, would be the first time I’d actually stayed in the city.

I was travelling without clubs, too, so first thing on arrival I had to pick up my hire set courtesy of MyCaddyMaster.com, the brainchild company of enterprising Frenchman Ghislain de la Chaise.

Quinta do Peru

By early afternoon, my Callaway XR clubs were being put to the test on the 1st at Quinta do Peru – a fittingly generous par-5 after the morning’s travels, though I still made a hash of it.

The 2nd is then a tighter hole with a well-framed drive, before an attractive mid-length downhill par 3 where the travel stiffness finally eased.

Both these holes boasted what would prove a common feature – rear bunkers that sit towards you like front bunkers, making for great visuals, but pretty testing lies!

The back-nine finish from 15 onwards is superb, featuring a risk-reward par 4, a long par 3 that’s nearly all carry over water, a sharp dogleg left with OOB both sides and a green where straying above the hole spells an almost certain three-putt.

I came away thinking Quinta do Peru was the kind of course I could quite happily play every day.

Later that afternoon, we enjoyed a wine-tasting and tour around the fascinatingly diverse museum at the Bacalhoa vineyard, culminating in some very fine Moscatels as we became perhaps just a touch over-acquainted with the local produce!

Troia

From here, it was a short drive to the Hotel do Sado in Setubal, where our top-floor restaurant looked out over the river estuary we would be traversing by ferry the following morning en route to Troia Golf Resort.

This superb course, the handiwork of Robert Trent Jones Snr, is laid out over a slender, sandy peninsula and is one of the jewels in the Lisbon’s Golf Coast crown.

Pines, bunkers and sandy waste areas abound, and I absolutely loved it, perhaps partly because I made a ridiculous birdie on the par-5 opener after hitting it about 70 yards right off the tee. Some things never change.

The magnificent, well-bunkered par-3 2nd plays straight towards the water the other side of the peninsula, from where you climb to the 3rd tee to savour the views and the first of many doglegs.

There are countless fine holes, among them the 9th, which starts narrow and gets narrower, and the extraordinary double-dogleg 14th, where position is everything.

The back nine ‘feels’ a little more open visually, but I’m not sure it is really.

After Troia, we headed into the city for the first of two nights at the Pestana CR7 Hotel quite close to the river.

We ate at the Museu de Cerveja close by, and it’s hard to imagine having a bad experience at any restaurant bearing such a name.

Afterwards I learned that two scoops of ice cream in Portugal is twice the size of two scoops in the UK, but still battled all the way through my tangerine/Ferrero Rocher combo.

Belas

The next day, we headed to Belas, a Rocky Roquemore creation from the late 1990s that is very much a buggy course, particularly over a front nine that circles a vast area of vegetation early on.

Director of Golf, Paul Saunders, told us that the opening quintet was particularly strong, with the 3rd perhaps the best par 4 in Portugal, and one we simply had to play from the tips.

I tended to agree when I split the fairway, but went off the idea after sending a wayward 5-iron into the scrub well wide of the green.

It was still a great hole, though, thanks to its exciting downhill approach and the water hazard snaking in from the left close to the green.

Lisbon Sports Club

On the par-5 6th you need to be aware of the cross-hazard off the tee in firm conditions, but could just bring the green into range downwind if you were feeling particularly brave or confident.

The slightest misjudgement or mishit, though, and you’ll be in the water short of the green.

Only perfection will suffice.

That afternoon, we enjoyed a quite different golfing experience at the long-established Lisbon Sports Club, which hails itself ‘Lisbon’s Home of Golf’.

Everything is on a more condensed scale here, with the odd criss-cross hole, most notably the 5th, an excellent par 5 along the valley playing back over the 1st green from an elevated tee.

I really liked the 7th, an uphill par 4 to a green perched on top, and the delightful short par-3 11th over a pond, where you simply can’t afford to miss right.

The 18th was another of those narrow holes that just keeps getting narrower, and this lower part of the course reminded me very much of the front nine at Bovey Castle in Devon.

It provided a fitting contrast to the more expansive creations we had enjoyed elsewhere, and the terrace of its old colonial clubhouse proved the perfect spot to enjoy yet more Moscatel and one or two of the local pastries.

We ate at Pap ’Acorda that night, where the legendary chocolate mousse took ‘rich’ to a whole new level, then spent the next morning wandering the city’s elegant streets and square.

A spot of riverside sightseeing – including the stunning Belem Tower – followed ahead of a superb fish meal at the 5 Oceanos Restaurant, which lies almost beneath the 25th April Bridge.

This impressive structure is a dead-ringer for the Golden Gate Bridge, and gets its name from the date of the Portuguese revolution, which brought freedom from four decades of dictatorship in 1974.

On the flight home I vowed to come back, not only to take in more of the courses on Lisbon’s Golf Coast, but also to explore more of this beautiful and historic city.

TAP Portugal is one of few airlines to still provide complimentary food and drink on its short-haul flights, and as the trolley came round, I couldn’t help but notice that the white wine was from the Bacalhoa winery.

Well, it would have been rude not to, wouldn’t it?

The perfect way to toast a very fine trip to Portugal’s very fine capital.

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Lisbon

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Lisbon and Algarve

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When West Cliffs opened last year it was heralded as one of Europe’s best newcomers for decades. David Taylor says it lives up to the hype...

Destined For Greatness - West Cliffs

The eagerly anticipated opening of West Cliffs close to Lisbon last year brought with it predictions that it would take European golf by storm. As soon as you enter the front gates, it’s easy to understand why.

The par-72 course, which was 14 years in the making, has been laid out over 200 hectares of dramatic clifftop terrain with ocean views on every hole.

It is located on Portugal’s Silver Coast, about 60 miles north of the capital – an area which had a reputation for great golf even before last year’s new addition.

Fine courses at Praia D’El Rey, Royal Obidos and Bom Sucesso have all opened in the last 20 years, meaning visitor numbers have been steadily growing, but West Cliffs seems to have taken the area to the next level.

Designed by Cynthia Dye – Pete Dye’s niece – this links layout is managed by the Praia D’El Rey resort and lies just ten minutes north of its sister course.

I was lucky enough to visit before its grand opening and it was clear then that it was set to make headlines.

Those have been coming thick and fast in recent months, culminating in West Cliffs being named the World’s Best New Golf Course at the 2017 World Golf Awards.

A Testing Layout

There’s no doubt the course is a tough test, as competitors at the 2018 Portuguese Women’s Amateur Golf Championship found out in January.

It will inevitably play host to many more prestigious tournaments in the years to come but it has been built primarily as a resort course with the travelling golfer in mind.

It offers five teeing options, so it is playable for all – but be sure to choose wisely or you could be in for a long day.

Highlights on the front nine include the 189-yard par-3 5th located on top of a massive dune and played directly towards the ocean.

The Redan-style green and prevailing wind make club choice tricky here, and the large bunkers on the left are to be avoided.

Back-to-back par 5s then follow, the second of which features a large sandy waste area that bisects the fairway and is obscured from view off the tee.

Big hitters beware!

The back nine starts with a run of lovely holes taking you closest to the eponymous cliffs, before a superb finishing stretch from 16 to 18.

The par-3 16th occupies the highest point on the course and offers spectacular panoramic views, while the 17th doglegs around yet another huge dune on the right.

The 18th plays downhill from an elevated tee, presenting you with one final dramatic view.

You can either take on another dune on the left to leave a straightforward second, or go right and face a trickier approach over water.

A fitting finale to an exhilarating ride.

Strength In Depth

As already mentioned, the beauty of a trip to the Silver Coast is the sheer number of quality courses within easy reach, none more so than Praia D’El Rey.

This par-73 7,100-yard Cabell B Robinson layout is blessed with great variety.

You’ll find some fantastic inland treats on the front nine, but the back nine is where the course really comes alive.

The stretch from the 12th to the 15th is the most exposed to the ocean and all that it throws at you, making it truly memorable.

The resort comprises 177 rooms and offers four restaurants serving a variety of traditional and international dishes.

There are also apartments and villas, all with direct access to the beach.

If you feel like a break from the golf, Lisbon has much to offer and can be explored en route to the airport.

The town of Obidos, just ten kilometres away, justifies at least a day trip too.

It is one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its medieval walls, charming cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses and lively shops and restaurants.

Europe is blessed with some fabulous and well-established golf destinations that cover all bases, whether that be superb courses, great food, reliable weather or cultural delights.

With the opening of West Cliffs, Portugal’s Silver Coast has confirmed its place at the top table of golf on the continent.

Related: Check out what else Portugal has to offer golfers

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The Algarve on the southern coast of Portugal has a lot going for it as a golfing destination, including sun, sand and superb course. Roderick Easdale finds out more

Golf In The Algarve - The Golden Coast

The Algarve has been a firm favourite for decades with golfers who have been enticed by the ever-increasing numbers of excellent courses, 125miles of golden beaches, an average annual temperature of 17.5°C and the 3,065 hours of sunshine a year.

Gramacho

Originally Gramacho had an unusual '18-hole' layout - there were only nine fairways but many more greens.

Rounds were played as two loops of the terrain and second time around you played from a different tee box and often to a different green but over the same fairway area.

The course has since been extended and redesigned, but it still retains a version of those quirky features.

Now there are 18 fairways but 27 greens.

On half of the holes the club has a choice of which green to set up to play to.

This provides potential variety to each round for the holidaying golfer based here and playing the courses frequently, making it an intriguing blend of the familiar and unfamiliar.

Palmares

Palmares has also undergone a major redesign from its original construction.

There was a well-regarded 18-hole course here but this has been torn up and replaced by three cracking nine-hole layouts.

These have been designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr who enthused that he only got land as good as this to work with once in every ten years.

The land tumbles away gloriously down a hillside towards the sea.

Or rather towards a railway line.

On the other side of this line is a small tract of flat linksland which provides four links holes, two par 5s, two par 4s and two par 3s, which come at 2-5 on the Praia nine.

But much of the remainder of this nine has been designed to have the ambience of a links - each of the nines has been designed and conditioned to appear subtly different from the others.

The Alvor nine is a hilly parkland course, with fiendishly contoured greens, and the Lagos nine mixes parkland with dunesland, and has the only two water hazards at Palmares.

Pine Cliffs

The nine-hole Pine Cliffs has also undergone some rejigs to its running order over the years. Its famous hole is the Devil's Parlour, a par 3 played across a chasm of ochre-coloured cliffs which now slots in at number 6, having had a spell at 9.

This is a truly great holiday course - challenging enough that no golfer feels insulted and not so overpowering that the occasional golfers in the party feel out of their depth and humiliated.

This is a surprisingly tough trick to pull off.

Had the 6th at Pine Cliffs eaten its spinach when younger it might have grown up to look like the 16th on Vale do Lobo's Royal Course.

This dramatic par 3 is played over two chasms between the ochre-coloured cliffs.

Vale do Lobo

The Royal is one of two 18-hole courses here and is played more along the cliff tops, whereas the shorter Ocean course sweeps down towards the beach.

The ocean bit of the Ocean course at Vale do Lobo comes for a few holes on the back nine.

After the downhill par-5 10th, played over a water hazard which runs across the width of the fairway, you tee up for a blind shot on the 11th.

Then crest the hill and a glorious seascapes meets the eyes.

This is one of three greens set beside the sea.

The others are the 14th and the 15th. The latter is played off 213 yards from the backs, and 196 yards from the yellows, and runs alongside the beach with plenty of sand in play.

It is a good hole which the setting transforms into a wonderful one.

Alto

Alto's 623-yard 16th was once the longest hole in Europe.

It pays to go right on this hole - off the tee so as avoid the lake on the left, and then later on as well to set up the best line in to the green.

This hole has been nicknamed both The Giant and the Sir Henry's Challenge.

The later is because the course was designed by Sir Henry Cotton.

Indeed, it was his final course design, although he did not live to see it realised.

His conception was for "a course for those who like challenge in their game.

"The undulating terrain makes each hole a new challenge, from mastering the double-dogleg to softly putting the tiered greens."

Penina

Sir Henry had brought golf to the Algarve in 1966, when he designed a course at Penina on a former paddy field and scrubland just outside the tourist hotspot of Albufeira.

The drainage ditches in the paddies were made into water hazards and a quarter of a million trees were planted.

He played here regularly with his caddy Pacificio, a donkey.

Dom Pedro Vilamoura

Dom Pedro Vilamoura Old Course opened in 1969, making it the second oldest course in the Algarve.

Designed by Frank Pennink, it is one of the most beautiful in the region; also one of the tightest, with its narrow fairways fringed by umbrella pine trees, and with only small greens to aim at.

Vale da Pinta

Talking of longevity, Vale da Pinta has become the established host of the European Seniors Tour Qualifying final, where a 72-man field compete for six tour cards.

Perhaps this is because it is a course that values age - there are olive trees on it which are well over a thousand years old.

This layout requires careful placement of the ball due to tight fairways and preponderance of doglegs.

A strength of the course is in the par-3 designs.

Silves

Silves gives an early indication of what it's about - the opening drive has to be threaded between two water hazards.

This course has been described "a relentless test of precision".

Laid out at the foot of the Monchique mountains, most holes offer mountain views. Palm trees and olive groves, and the surrounding cork and citrus farms provide a Portuguese flavour to the round.

Vila Sol

Vila Sol also has a reputation as one of the toughest courses in the Algarve, and it hosted the Portuguese Open in the 1990s.

It has three loops of nine holes which fan out from the central clubhouse, ranked in order of difficulty - Prime, Challenge and Prestige.

The last of these might appeal to those who only want to experience sand beneath their feet when relaxing on those 125 miles of beaches as it only has five bunkers.

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Michael Weston takes you on a whistle-stop tour of Orizonte’s fine golf courses close to the Portuguese capital

Golf in Lisbon - Orizonte

Lisbon boasts a fantastic selection of courses and its appeal as a golfing destination is only enhanced by the charms of this historic capital city.

In this part of Portugal, the Orizonte group operates a collection of seven fine courses to rival some of the best layouts in the country, offering golfers super variety, as well as outstanding value.

Framed by the Arrábida Natural Park, Quinta do Peru Golf and Country Club, which opened in 1994, presents a stern test as it meanders through the pines.

The par-5 opener may look generous on the scorecard but there’s no future in going off line.

The fairways do become more generous, but you’ll need to find your putting stroke quickly as the greens can be slick.

The tee shot on the par-3 8th represents one of the toughest front-nine tests with its long carry over a lake. Later, on the par-3 16th, the challenge is a similar one.

Aroeira Aroeira, which has two must-play courses, lies close to the coastal town of Costa da Caparica.

There’s a ‘Wentworth’ feel here with the tall pines that frame the holes placing a premium on finding fairways.

Designed by Frank Pennink, Aroeira I opened in 1973 and hosted the Portuguese Open in 1996 and 1997, with Wayne Riley claiming the second of his two European Tour titles in that first staging.

Despite comparisons with Wentworth, there’s an understated feel here, which only adds to its charm.

Nearly 30 years later, the Donald Steel-designed Aroeira II arrived.

Water hazards are never far away and its big, undulating greens pose a different challenge altogether.

It’s quite a tall order staying dry with water in play on half the holes, even more so off the back tees, which stretch the course to over 7,000 yards.

Aroeira I may reign above its younger sibling, but don’t let that stop you playing all 36 holes, though you may wish to spread it over two days, especially if you’re visiting in the summer when temperatures regularly exceed 35˚C.

Ribagolfe

Less than an hour away to the east of Lisbon, the two courses at Ribagolfe take full advantage of their wonderful natural setting among the carob and oak trees.

It’s not easy to plot your way around Ribagolfe I, with often just a sliver of fairway visible from the tee.

It’s a test many European Tour hopefuls have had to overcome through the years, with Q-School regularly visiting this Peter Townsend and European Golf Design layout, once described as the ‘Valderrama of Portugal’.

There is no shortage of standout holes, although the par-5 12th is an exhilarating test, especially if you’re taking it on in two, as there’s water and a deep bunker to the left of the green.

Ribagolfe II

Ribagolfe II, designed by former Ryder Cup player Michael King in collaboration with European Golf Design, plays over the same undulating terrain, although visually it’s less intimidating.

It was designed as a members’ course, but despite being shorter, offers a beautifully balanced set of par 3s. Its main defences are its large contoured putting surfaces, which will really test your ability to find the right parts for the easiest putts.

Santo Estêvão Not far away, Santo Estêvão is set in the rolling landscape of the Northern Alentejo region.

This Donald Steel design opened in 2004 and despite measuring over 7,000 yards from the tips, presents a fair challenge to golfers of all abilities.

A number of lakes make for some extra theatre, most notably on the 3rd where you must drive over water, with another creating an interesting approach to the par-4 7th.

Oeiras

If you have designs on completing the ‘Orizonte Seven’, then you’ll need to tick Oeiras off the list. Measuring around 3,500 yards off the tips, this enjoyable nine-holer is located in a secluded spot 15 minutes from Lisbon.

Off course, there’s an awful lot to pack in, especially if you’re on a weekend break, and that’s one of the reasons why you would never tire of coming to the Lisbon area of Portugal. The capital itself is a vibrant one, always bristling with activity.

If you have the energy after golf, a night on the town is recommended. If not, save the steep cobbled streets for another day and enjoy Lisbon at a slower pace.

Should that be more to your taste, Sesimbra, just 30 minutes away, is one of the finest seaside resorts in Portugal.

Famous for its freshly cooked seafood and pristine coastline, this charming fishing village is well worth a visit, especially for those seeking an authentic Portuguese experience.

Related: Check what else Portugal has to offer golfers

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Head to the Algarve with Your Golf Travel for world-class courses and much more...

The Algarve: Your Ultimate Golfing Getaway

It’s that time of the year again, when the grey skies and persistent rain challenge even the most staunch supporters of winter golf. The Algarve is a sanctuary, offering over 300 days of sunshine a year and a vast selection of first-class championship courses. It’s why it proves so popular with Brits time and time again.

In 2018, Your Golf Travel sent over 29,000 golfers on the ultimate golfing trip to the region. This year, it would like to send even more!

Right now, if you book a trip to the Algarve, you could take advantage of its ‘Great For Groups’ promotion. For a limited time only, you could receive up to seven dozen TaylorMade TP5 golf balls and a free night stay, including golf, at a selected UK venue. If that’s not attractive enough, Your Golf Travel has given a further boost by introducing three fantastic packages (see panel on right) to give you the chance to play some of the best courses in the Algarve – and at a fantastic price. Quinta do Lago features three stunning layouts.

Don't miss out on this special offer. Call Your Golf Travel on 0800 193 6624 or visit yourgolftravel.com/gm-algarve to book your perfect Algarve getaway

The South, designed in 1974 and home to the Portuguese Open on eight occasions, overlooks the Ria Formosa Natural Park and, for many, it’s the jewel in the crown, but all three boast super qualities.

The North was redesigned in 2014 by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley, whose first-class academy is also located on site, as is the TaylorMade Performance Centre. Meanwhile, Laranjal has matured wonderfully since opening in 2009, its lakes, sprawling bunkers and umbrella pines combining to create a wonderful collection of holes.

The newly opened Magnolia Hotel provides easy access to everything the luxurious Quinta do Lago estate has to offer, which includes The Campus, a state-of-the-art multi-sports complex, as well as a number of excellent restaurants. Bovino steakhouse is a favourite for many, with its cocktails attracting more than just red meat lovers.

Close by, San Lorenzo makes a strong case for the region’s number one course. It won’t be long before you find yourself staring out across the beach towards the Atlantic with a series of stunning holes that take full advantage of its undulating terrain. Such quality is matched at the Dona Filipa Hotel, a five-star beachfront hotel of the very highest standard.

When it comes to tournament golf, the European Tour is spoilt for choice in this part of the world. Morgado Golf & Country Club, situated between Portimão and the Monchique mountains, is one of the newer additions to the region, having opened for play in 2003. It’s here where England’s Matt Wallace burst onto the scene with his first European Tour victory at the Portuguese Open in 2017.

Meanwhile, Dom Pedro Golf Collection features five more favourites, including one of the finest layouts in continental Europe – The Old Course.

There’s a sense of history here quite unlike anywhere else in the region, while Victoria, designed by Arnold Palmer, is also highly regarded and will host the Portugal Masters this year. Laguna, as the name would suggest, has no shortage of water, while Pinhal, the second course to be built in popular tourist resort of Vilamoura, is well protected with Atlantic pines lining the fairways.

Millennium completes this fine quintet and presents an enjoyable test.

The options keep on coming: Pestana Gramacho Residences, where you can opt for luxurious self-catering apartments or B&B in the hotel, brings another collection of fine courses into play. On site you have the delightful Vale da Pinta, up there with the best in the western Algarve with its rolling hills and tight fairways, and the Ron Fream-designed Gramacho.

If Your Golf Travel’s highly tempting ‘Unlimited Rounds’ forms part of your package, then Vila Sol (host of the Portuguese Open in 1992 and ‘93) should feature on your itinerary. Alto Golf & Country Club and Silves Golf are your final two options, the former set in landscaped gardens on the outskirts of Alvor and latter located at the foot of the Monchique mountain range.

Such landscapes offer a wealth of diversity for off-course adventure. Hiking is very popular in the Algarve, but the water is hard to resist, too. Go on a ‘seafari’, head out deep-sea fishing or get your adrenaline pumping with something new – rock climbing perhaps. You’ll soon discover the Algarve offers far more than just world-class golf – and it won’t be long before you’re planning your next trip.

Morgado Golf & Country Club Three nights, semi all inclusive. Two rounds of golf From £259 Group size of 4 Free UK trip Free TaylorMade golf balls

The Magnolia Hotel Three nights, bed & breakfast. 2 rounds of golf From £349. Group size of 4 Free UK trip Free TaylorMade golf balls Free drink after each round of golf

Pestana Gramacho Residences Three nights, self catering. Unlimited rounds of golf From £145. Group size of 4 Free UK trip Free TaylorMade golf balls €25 resort credit per room

Your Golf Travel is the world’s largest golf travel business, offering golf breaks to over 3,000 destinations in 22 countries worldwide. It delivers award-winning customer service, ABTA and ATOL protection and the company boasts a 9.3 ‘Excellent’ Trust Pilot Rating

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With scores of fine courses and direct flights from 30 local airports, the Algarve is the perfect spot for sunshine golf

Golf In The Algarve - The Ultimate Sunshine Golf Destination

As a holiday destination, the southern coast of Portugal ticks many boxes: year-round sunshine, natural beauty, accessibility, and miles of golden beaches.

For golfers, there’s an array of wonderful courses, many of which have become household names. But the real beauty of the Algarve is the short direct flight time from the UK from 30 airports right across the country.

Today, golfers are spoilt for choice, but it takes more than good weather and beautiful views to attract holidaymakers.

A recent Post Office Holiday Money Report declared the Algarve as the best-value holiday destination in the world in 2017. In the report, meals and other essentials were found to be cheaper on the Algarve than in 44 other popular holiday spots.

All of which paints a positive picture for the region’s future.

With average annual temperatures of 17.5˚C and 150 miles of sandy beaches, it’s not just golfers who flock to this part of Europe. But its low-cliff coastline means 3,065 hours of sunshine a year, making it perfect for golf across the seasons.

More direct flights make it easier than ever to get to the Algarve, whether you’re based in London, the north of Scotland, the west of Ireland or anywhere in between. Algarve Tourism’s ‘golf4all’ project ensures it is promoted as a fully inclusive destination too, so everyone, whether beginner, junior, male, female, senior or disabled golfer (or even non-golfing partner) will enjoy a rewarding experience.

Off course, there are numerous activities for the whole family such as snorkelling, sailing and water-skiing on the coast, while walkers will enjoy the many beautiful nature reserves. Cycling, rock-climbing and quad-biking are also popular, and the area is rich in history and architecture, with many ancient towns, castles and museums to explore.

There are many restaurants catering for all tastes and it’s hard to beat the seafood and a glass or two of local wine. Evenings can be enjoyed into the early hours in one of many late-night clubs, casinos or bars. Whether you want a golf trip, a weekend getaway, or a family break, the Algarve has it all.

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Where it all began

Far from it being only resort-style courses, golfers enjoy a choice of links and parkland, as well as woodland and mountainside. That’s why golfing parties travel here year after year – to play old favourites and discover new gems.

The juices start to flow the moment you arrive at Faro airport. If you don’t see someone wheeling a set of golf clubs, you’re probably in the wrong place.

Golf in the Algarve started just over half a century ago in the western region with the creation of Penina on a former paddy field just north of Alvor, a wonderfully peaceful fishing village.

Penina hosted the Algarve’s first European Tour event, the Portuguese Open, in 1973. Over the years it has been regularly upgraded, and the course provides a thoroughly enjoyable parkland test, winding its way through tree-lined fairways to elevated greens. Penina’s nine-hole Resort and Academy courses are ideal for beginners.

From here, head up into the foothills of the mountains and you’ll find Morgado and Álamos, neighbouring courses of contrasting style, both under the European Golf Design umbrella. The former, a par-73 layout, presents a game of two halves.

The front nine is flat but with water hazards as a constant threat, while the back nine rises and falls over dramatically undulating terrain.

Álamos is shorter, but with narrower fairways and smaller greens. The views out over the reservoir and adjacent vineyards will have a calming effect if your game happens to be off!

Espiche, close to the harbour town of Lagos, is a dramatic course surrounded by beautiful countryside and vineyards. The opener will certainly live long in the memory with a drop of 80 feet from the tee to the fairway, before a similar climb back up to the green. It sets the scene for a hilly test that serves up wonderful views throughout, especially from the clubhouse.

It’s a course that can easily be combined with a visit to nearby Boavista, an undulating layout designed by Howard Swan 15 years ago. It’s hard not to enjoy the views out to sea here, even if the elevation changes keep the heart pounding a little.

Those glorious vistas are matched a little further along the coast at Onyria Palmares, although it’s the wonderful variety over its three very distinct nines – Alvor, Lagos and Praia – that wins most of the plaudits here.

Onyria Palmares dates back to 1975, but benefited enormously from a Robert Trent Jones II renovation in 2010, which elevated it to one of the most talked-about courses in Portugal.

Pestana has a portfolio of four courses in the west region including Henry Cotton’s Alto, where the 623-yard 16th was once Europe’s longest hole. It was his final design, although sadly he did not live to see it realised. His goal was to create “a course for those who like challenge in their game. The undulating terrain makes each hole a new challenge, from mastering the double-dogleg to softly putting the tiered greens.”

Gramacho and Vale da Pinta were originally designed as an 18-hole set-up with 27 greens. Each nine was subsequently expanded to a full 18 holes, and they have been kept in fine order with a number of very strong holes, although the latter presents a slightly sterner test.

Meanwhile, Silves, which lies in the foothills of the Monchique Mountains, has an excellent selection of par 3s and serves up yet more stunning panoramic vistas. It offers the perfect blend of thrilling golf in the most peaceful and unspoilt of settings.

Some of the biggest names to have ever played the game have left their mark on the Algarve too.

Oceânico Faldo is one of two fine courses at the Oceânico Amendoeira Golf Resort, the other being Oceânico O’Connor Jnr.

Faldo’s is the more undulating of the two courses, with the six-time Major winner’s trademark expansive bunkering one of its key defences. The O’Connor Jnr layout may be easier to walk, but water hazards come into play on at least half the holes.

The two largest cities in the region – Portimao and Lagos – are both well worth a visit.

Portimao features a beautiful promenade, converted from its busy dockland. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal. The centre of historic Lagos is enclosed within largely 14th century walls. Nearby, sun worshippers will find some of the very best spots to lay down a towel in the entire region, which is saying something given the numerous golden beaches in the Algarve.

Simply world class all-round

The centre of the Algarve is a golfing hotbed in itself. As well as featuring a number of household names, the region is packed with interesting towns and activities. Just a few miles from the lively town of Albufeira, Salgados is an easy- walking layout alongside a nature reserve teeming with wildlife, with the marshes home to many species of bird.

No visit to this part of the Algarve is complete without stopping at the Martin Hawtree-designed Pine Cliffs, a delightful nine-holer on the cliff tops where you’ll find scoring a little easier than at some of its more illustrious neighbours. Its famous hole is the Devil’s Parlour, a par 3 played across a chasm of ochre-coloured cliffs.

Dom Pedro has five courses in the Vilamoura area including Millennium, a favourite with holiday golfers thanks to its forgiving layout.

There’s plenty of water, but it’s the final two holes that pose the greatest test. Neighbouring Laguna on low-lying marshland, however, presents more of a water-based challenge. The best advice is to stock up on balls and enjoy the test; hopefully, you’ll overcome your fear of water and walk off with your supplies still largely intact.

Later this year (September 20-23), the Portugal Masters returns to the Victoria Course, where the likes of Shane Lowry, Padraig Harrington and Lee Westwood have tasted victory in the past decade.

It was designed by Arnold Palmer and is a fascinating hybrid of marshland golf and holes running through ancient trees. Its large and undulating greens are a very distinctive feature.

The Old Course is Vilamoura’s original crown jewel. It’s the second oldest course in the Algarve and one of the finest in Europe.

Perhaps the best compliment you can pay is that every single hole is a joy to try and conquer, and even if you fail, it’s impossible not to appreciate the design.

Every shot demands careful club selection and total commitment as you fight to avoid the pines, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable and certainly one for the ‘must-play’ list.

Vilamoura itself is a bustling seaside resort with a lively marina and a number of busy restaurants and bars. For many holidaymakers bringing their golf clubs, it’s number one on the list, with no shortage of hotels and evening entertainment to complement their days on the fairways.

Pinhal is another popular addition to the golfing itinerary. It’s also one of the Algarve’s oldest layouts. Robert Trent Jones Senior reworked it in the 1980s, and since then the umbrella and Atlantic pines that line the fairways have matured greatly to provide a key defence.

There’s a plethora of other fine courses throughout the central region too. Pestana Vila Sol has three nines named according to their difficulty. The main course comprises the Prime and Challenge loops, with the Prestige billed as an academy course, though it’s by no means easy.

Henry Cotton also made a lasting impact at Vale do Lobo, a sporting estate popular with professional sports teams and athletes thanks to its first-class facilities. Vale do Lobo Ocean has holes that run between villas to the beach, with the par-3 15th a stunning highlight. The breathtaking 16th on its sister course, Vale do Lobo Royal, which runs along the cliff edge, is another real beauty.

Quinta do Lago North has a sandy subsoil and the bunkering is superb following a major renovation undertaken by Paul McGinley and American architect, Beau Welling. Its visual appeal and playability certainly elevates it into the ‘must-play’ category.

Meanwhile, Quinta do Lago South, which opened in the mid-1970s and frequently hosts the Portuguese Open, is highly regarded. Doglegs are a prominent feature at this first-class resort course where strategic hazards must be negotiated carefully.

A fine alternative exists at Quinta do Lago Laranjal, which runs over a vast orange grove, from where it gets its Portuguese name.

The par 3s are particularly testing, as are a number of thrilling long holes that make super use of the rolling terrain. It’s not just the fairways that undulate either as the contoured greens present a further test.

Three loops of nine can be found at Pinheiros Altos – the Pines, the Olives and the most recent addition, the Corks. They all share similar characteristics, but with enough variation to also give each a distinct feel.

San Lorenzo, designed by American architect Joseph Lee, is another of the Algarve’s most charming and admired courses, and it’s easy to understand why from the moment you arrive. The par-5 8th is possibly the best long hole in the Algarve, and the feature-packed challenges keep coming at you, especially those bordering the estuary and the salt-water lagoons – just don’t forget your camera here, or anywhere else in the Algarve for that matter. It’s a golf haven.

East is Eden

The eastern Algarve’s 30-mile coastline runs from Faro Airport to the River Guadiana.

The course at Castro Marim opened in 2001 and has three loops of nine, with the main challenge being distance control into the elevated greens.There is also an abundance of wildlife to enjoy on your stroll through the pines.

The late, great Seve was responsible for nearby Quinta do Vale, which features his trademark collection of six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s. As the course approaches its tenth birthday, it’s perhaps still one of the Algarve’s lesser-known tracks, but one that is well worth a visit.

Another Henry Cotton design lies close to the ancient city of Tavira, a wonderful place full of artistic ambience and Portuguese charm.

Benamor may not have opened until after Cotton’s passing but the design follows his masterplan, blending into the natural surroundings and offering stunning mountain and sea views.

Monte Rei, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that is often rated Portugal’s finest, lies in the rolling hills not far to the east, set among some 1,000 acres of glorious countryside.

Despite its deep and often punishing bunkers, the course has a very natural appearance. Risk and reward is evident throughout and it’s typical Nicklaus that water should pose a major challenge courtesy of several sizable lakes. Each hole blends effortlessly into the natural canvas here.

Heading down from the hills and back towards the sea, two more coastal gems loom in the form of Quinta de Cima and Quinta da Ria.

The former was designed as the tougher of the duo, with its final three holes, where water is in play, presenting a real challenge.

The latter isn’t lacking in water trouble either, with five lakes bordering greens. Arguably, the pick of the holes here is the par-5 16th, where even a defensive strategy is far from easy to master.

Find more info - visitgolfalgarve50years.com

Take flight to the Algarve – it’s easier than ever before with direct flights from 30 local airports, sunshine golf is little more than two hours away

Portugal has plenty of well-known golfing hotspots, but the central region is also blessed with some refreshingly varied golf...

Golf in Central Portugal

Having enjoyed the courses of Northern Portugal the year before, I was looking forward to another area new to me for golf. Lisbon is an exciting city in its own right, and also the gateway to Estoril and Cascais which attract legions of golfers. Not so many, however, head a little further afield and up towards the Central Region. Just an hour or so from the city is a triangle of very enjoyable courses, and there is another halfway there that makes for a perfect start or end to such a trip.

CampoReal

CampoReal is just 25 miles from the airport and yet so different is the scenery and pace of life that it feels like ten times the distance. The course is wonderfully secluded, running up through hills and along lush green valleys surrounded by vineyards, all the time offering ever-changing vistas.

There is great variety throughout with a real climb early on, and the front nine closes with a short par 4 involving an exciting drive across water.

The back nine is just as distinct and closes with back-to-back par 5s, and I particularly liked the 14th where a diagonal stream poses real problems on the tee.

The hotel is very smart and has a wide variety of accommodation with each restaurant offering a different menu. There are plenty of other activities such as the spa and an equestrian centre.

Praia D’El Rey

This lovely course was designed in the mid-90s by Cabell Robinson. Some holes run through the forest, others run free among the dunes. In the latter category, I particularly liked the fabulous 4th with its green next to a dune the size of a small mountain.

The stretch from twelve round to fifteen is very wild and attractive - it will certainly blow any cobwebs away.

Praia D'El Rey has a second course opening in the middle of 2017 and early reports suggest that it is likely to be very special - stand by for more…

Bom Sucesso

Here at Bom Sucesso there are several very strong and attractive holes, with the best on the front nine being the par-5 2nd that sweeps round to the right skirting a large water hazard.

To my mind, however, the course really takes off on the back nine with several very strong and scenic holes, especially the closing three. Seventeen is the signature hole with a drive to what appears to be an infinity fairway before you slalom down to a green with the glorious backdrop of Obidos Lake.

The onsite contemporary hotel is expected to open this year and there is plenty of accommodation available in the onsite villas and apartments.

Royal Obidos

The late, great Seve Ballesteros designed the course at Royal Obidos and it shares many of his characteristics; style, flamboyance, a touch of eccentricity, and a real sense of fun.

There is great variety and an early highlight is the short 3rd which is a real beauty to a semi-island green.

At the 14th a waterfall feeds into a lagoon that flanks the green and there is yet more water at the pretty, par-3 15th.

The course is kept in tip-top condition and is one of which you could never tire. Standing on the hillside above is the very smart and modern Evolutee Hotel.

With the lovely old town of Obidos nearby, this is yet another outstanding region for holiday golf and I very much look forward to returning.

Whilst the Algarve and Lisbon justifiably attract plenty of golfing tourists, Rob Smith discovers there are beautiful and quite different courses further north, and plenty more besides…

Golf in Northern Portugal

Portugal is one of Europe's golfing strongholds. In 2015 it received a Best Golf Destination award and although there is much to be said for the golfing strongholds that dot its southern coastline and surround Lisbon, further north and away from the purpose-built resorts is another world altogether. Here, there is a more rarefied atmosphere offering spectacular scenery, striking architecture, and the most mouth-watering regional cuisine.

Porto is an enchanting and romantic city that sprawls along the slopes lining the Douro river as it emerges into the Atlantic. It is the nation’s second-largest city and makes for the perfect base at the start or end of a trip to the region. It is packed with remarkable buildings, superb restaurants and enough attractions to warrant a proper visit in its own right.

On the southern outskirts close to Espinho is Oporto, the oldest club on the Iberian peninsula. Celebrating its 125th birthday in 2015, it is a traditional links along flat ground with a clubhouse oozing history and bygone times. The first four holes run along the shore, a relatively gentle introduction to a course with small greens and fertile green bushes a regular feature. The sixth is a fun short par 4 with a pitch up to a raised, narrow green before the best hole going out, a dogleg left which requires two mighty and accurate blows. The second half is substantially stronger, particularly the closing four holes which offer more drama with water coming into play on them all.

Nearby, the Solverde Spa & Wellness Centre is a beachside hotel just 20 minutes from the centre of Porto which serves as a very good base both for couples and groups.

In any kind of a wind, the excellent links at Estela Golf Club is a severe examination. There are two loops of nine either side of the light and airy clubhouse. Into a southerly breeze, the stretch from six to thirteen is unremittingly tough. I was fortunate because just as the club’s director of golf turned up to check on our progress by the seventh green, I chipped in for birdie; totally misleading! Host of the Portuguese Open in 1991, it has many fine holes.

It was now time to head inland and to the hilly and heavily wooded Axis Ponte de Lima. The front nine is as hilly as it gets with a long walk between some of the holes, with the third a massive 680 yards from the back tee. It is some time, and for me a number of shots, before you even get to see the green! Narrow and quirky, the front nine still has much to offer with some terrific views. The undoubted highlight is the absolutely cracking par 3 at eight which needs no defence other than nature itself.

By contrast, the back nine is far less extreme but still very enjoyable, and the on-site hotel provides modern accommodation just a stroll from the clubhouse. As everywhere, the welcome was extremely warm.

My next stop was the fascinating Vidago Palace. The holes closest to the sumptuous hotel run through mature woodland whilst others are more open. Everywhere there are ditches and bunkers that call for strategic play and well executed shots, and it is very appealing from start to finish.

An ancient well is still visible by the sixth green, and various other architectural features including the unusual stone-walled teeing complexes all add to the originality on this thoughtfully-designed and thoroughly enjoyable parkland test.

I was equally impressed with the truly grand hotel which would still be fit for royalty with a truly magnificent galleried dining room, and originality and charisma at every turn. With food and service to match, Vidago Palace is an exceptional golfing venue.

My final port of call was Amarante. The club is on the outskirts and above yet another picturesque town full of the most appealing architecture. The views are outrageously good and although the course is not long, its allure steadily grows and there are one or two terrific holes with the par-3 thirteenth a genuine stunner.

This is feel-good golf from the top drawer, and I was also taken by the scary third, a par 4 down to a green perched by the lake, the tough sixteenth, and the attractive short seventeenth which is played over a very pretty pond. The halfway lunch was also just right; not fancy, but a selection of appetising and authentic local dishes that reminded you that you were somewhere different.

Our final hotel was the delightful Casa da Calçada. This gorgeous Relais & Chateaux hotel defines the word style, and its Michelin-starred Largo do Paço restaurant is not to be missed with outstanding food and wine, beautifully presented in a peaceful and elegant setting.

The cuisine throughout northern Portugal is special and is more than matched by the home-grown wines, and of course, the pristine port. Happily, because it is not yet so well-known, the value for money is also surprisingly good. The scenery and architecture are fabulous, the accommodation full of character and charm, and the golf packed with variety. Probably more of a region for couples, families and small groups, it is an area that I cannot recommend highly enough.

For more information on visiting the region, please see uk.visitportoandnorth.travel.

Portugal has been named the World's Best Golf Destination for the second year in succession at the second annual World Golf Awards

Portugal has been named the World's Best Golf Destination for the second year in succession at the second annual World Golf Awards.

St Andrews Old Course has retained its title of the World’s Best Golf Course.

The award for the World’s Best New Course 2015 went to The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip in Vietnam, a Greg Norman-designed an Oceanside track which is routed over and around towering sand dunes.

At the prize-giving event hosted by Steve Rider and Ela Clark at Conrad Algarve, Portugal, Ernie Els Design was recognised with the title of World’s Golf Course Designer of the Year.

The World's Best Golf Clubhouse 2015 went to the The Club at Steyn City Golf Course in South Africa.

The World's Best Golf Hotel 2015 was awarded to St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.

World's Best Golf Tour Operator 2015 went to American-based Haversham & Baker Golfing Expeditions.

In a special presentation from the World Golf Awards Academy, Bernard Gallacher received the World Golf Awards Lifetime Achievement Award trophy.

With an estimated 60 million golfer visits taking place in 2015 to the 32,000 golf courses and resorts worldwide, the World Golf Awards focuses on the leading 130 nations who are shaping the future of this dynamic industry.

Awards were therefore also made on a country-by-country basis. The prize winners in ‘World's Best Golf Destination’ Portugal were Royal Óbidos for Best Course; Pine Cliffs Resort for the Best Golf Hotel and PAG Servicos Golfs for Portugal's Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator 2015.

Voting was by professionals working within the golf travel and tourism industry – senior executives, travel buyers, tour operators, agents and media professionals ¬as well as by the public. Votes were submitted online via the World Golf Awards website.

The aim of the World Golf Awards is to raise the golf tourist customer experience and stimulate both the domestic and international golf tourism market.

Steep, narrow streets, charismatic little bars, arguably the world's finest custard tarts (we kid you not)...and some thoroughly enjoyable rounds of golf.

Described by many travel experts as the perfect European short-break getaway, Lisbon is also a superb place to play your favourite game.

The climate is invariably co-operative, the locals are perpetually polite and helpful, and the golf courses are never crowded.

Just mind that cork tree when you launch one from the first tee!

Read the full article here

Lisbon and Algarve Portugal

Sunshine, seaside and superb golf - welcome to Portugal north and south. We check out some of the finest courses that the capital Lisbon and the tourist haven of the Algarve have to offer.

In the process we return to an old stomping ground and check out a former haunt of kings and noblemen next to an equally historic racing circuit!

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Nice and easy flight times, bags of history and culture, great food, entertainment and nightlife, and some special golf courses - what's not to love about Lisbon?

Come with us as we test out four venues in and around one of the warmest and best-value European capital.

The Rocky Roquemore-designed Quinta do Peru that gives you a sporting chance from the off; Santo Estevao which was created from reclaimed farmland; the serene but slightly mean Ribagolfe amid cork forests and a beautiful reservoir; and the rather magnificent Golden Eagle with its elevated tees.

We get the sunshine and we also get the showers, and we have lots of fun in both. Read more...

Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Golf Resort

At Golf Monthly we love a good list. When it comes to ranking courses it's no easy task and in the case of the top 50 golf courses in Portugal, this was no different.

Everyone will have their own favourites and when discussing great golf courses whether here in the UK or in Portugal, rankings are always a great debate.

We like to think that our team of writers have played enough golf worldwide, certainly in Europe and Portugal, to be able to compile a list of the top 50 golf courses. As always, we welcome your feedback. You can let us know your thoughts on Facebook and Twitter.

The Top 50 golf courses in Portugal as compiled by Golf Monthly:

1 Monte Rei 2 Praia d'El Rey 3 Oceânico (Old Course) 4 San Lorenzo 5 Oceânico (Faldo) 6 Oitavos Dunes 7 Troia 8 Quinta do Lago (Laranjal) 9 Oceânico (O'Connor) 10 Quinta de Cima 11 Porto Santo 12 Quinta do Peru 13 Quinta da Ria 14 Furnas 15 Estela 16 Penina (Championship) 17 Quinta do Lago (South) 18 Penha Longa (Atlantic) 19 Ribagolfe I 20 Palheiro 21 Aroeira I 22 Santo da Serra 23 Oceânico (Victoria) 24 Vale do Lobo (Royal) 25 Quinta da Marinha 26 Oporto 27 Vale do Lobo (Ocean) 28 Quinta do Lago (North) 29 Pestana Resorts (Gramacho) 30 Vila Sol 31 Oceânico (Pinhal) 32 Belas 33 Pinheiros Altos 34 Palmares 35 Aroeira II 36 Golden Eagle 37 Oceânico (Millennium) 38 Bom Sucesso 39 Ribagolfe II 40 Pine Cliffs 41 Morgado 42 Oceânico (Laguna) 43 Pestana Resorts (Vale da Pinta 44 Batalha 45 Salgados 46 Boavista 47 pestana resorts (Beloura) 48 ParQue da Floresta 49 Castro Marim 50 Benamor

See also:

Top 100 Courses UK and Ireland

The Algarve in Portugal has been and always will be one of the world's best places to play golf with some 38 golf courses on offer.

If you're planning your next golf holiday then Pestana Hotels & Resorts serves as the perfect place to stay in the glorious Algarve, as this short video shows so well.

So, before booking your next golf trip, consider staying at Pestana Hotels & Resorts and we're quite sure you won't be disappointed.

Where next?

Golf in Europe