Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve enjoys exceptional weather conditions with 300 days of sunshine per year. Reference destination for golfers around the world, the region offers quality courses from January to December located in the heart of sublime landscapes, some of which were designed by the greatest architects.

Several times voted Best European Golf Destination by the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), the Algarve appears as an essential spot for all golf enthusiasts, men and women of all ages, experienced players or beginners. Currently, 25% of the region's golf courses comply with environmental management systems, which places the Algarve at the top of the national table. Constant efforts that translate concretely into a rational control of energy resources and a limitation of water consumption.

As part of the Golf4all campaign, the Algarve is organizing an international golf tournament from 17 to 22 November 2015 for players with reduced mobility: the EDGA (European Disabled Golfers Association) Algarve Open. Aimed at golfers with reduced mobility, this competition will be held on the ground of Pestana Vila Sol and will welcome the best disabled athletes from Europe.

Onyria Palmares Golf

The Onyria Palmares Golf is a course which was redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Junior, world renowned architect, in 2011. This course consists of 27 holes, divided into three loops of 9 holes: Alvor, Lagos and Praia. On this course, golfers will play as well along Meia-Praia beach, a vast expanse of white sand and high dunes, as along valleys surrounded by pine trees, with a panoramic view of the bay of Lagos. The Almond Blossom Tournament, the oldest amateur tournament in the Algarve, has been contested on this field since 1977.

Salgados Golf Course

Housed in a nature reserve, this magnificent 18 hole combines lakes, waterfalls and undulating sand dunes. Designed by Pedro Vasconcelos, it hosts several species of birds and thus allows you to immerse yourself in a pleasant natural environment for golfers, but also for nature enthusiasts. The Salgados Golf Course also has the highest number of water obstacles of any course in the Algarve (14 in total), which represents a real challenge for the players.

Pine cliffs

In an idyllic setting, the Pine Cliffs golf course overlooks the golden sand and the Atlantic Ocean. The architect Martin Hawtree wanted to preserve the original natural environment and built the course in the middle of a pine forest where the fairways are aligned with the trees. Known as “Devil's Parlor”, the sixth hole is played on a ravine. This course has the particularity of having had for club president the English driver Nigel Mansell, former world champion of Formula 1.

Vale Do Lobo

Vale do Lobo is made up of two excellent quality golf courses: the Royal and the Ocean Golf Course. The Vale Do Lobo Royal golf course was designed by architect Rocky Roquemore, surrounded by pine trees and beautiful lakes surrounded by wild flowers. It consists of 18 holes, spread over 6 meters. Recognized as one of the most prestigious golf courses in Portugal, its features include the green peninsula near the ninth hole while the famous sixteenth hole majestically occupies the top of a cliff. It is one of the most famous and popular images in the world of golf, a true symbol of this sport in the Algarve. Also located in Vale do Lobo, the Ocean Golf Course has undulating fairways that run alongside the nature reserve, before heading towards the shores of the Atlantic. Its iconic holes offer golfers a string of spectacular views. The 102 holes of the Ocean Course are difficult and spread over 18 meters.

San Lorenzo

Known throughout the world and ranked among the best courses in Continental Europe, the San Lorenzo course is located in the heart of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. This course designed by architects Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore stretches along blue lagoons, vast natural pine forests and the Atlantic Ocean. Equipped with 18 holes of a great variety, it shelters 67 species of birds, in a pine forest decorated with lakes and a unique panorama on the beautiful beaches of the Algarve coast.

Quinta da ria

To the east of the region, again in the middle of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, the Quinta da Ria golf course also overlooks the immense expanse of the Atlantic. Designed by architect Rocky Roquemore, this 18-hole course is a true haven of peace. The idea was to create a stimulating golf course while respecting the natural characteristics of the landscape. Built on a slightly hilly terrain, it is made up of many strategically placed lakes and bunkers that demand special attention and precision from players.

David Raynal

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