Portugal(Algarve) golf course updates

[puttnforthe8]

Can any experts provide some updated Portugal golf info. Most info is quite old. Planning a early Dec trip to Vilamoura. Thanks

[puttnforthe8]

Really interesting that Portugal is supposed to be such a golf destination, yet there is zero responses and so little content anywhere on the golf courses.

 

Disappointing!

[jjonny85]

I was there in October and played the below.

 

Oceanico Laguna - Good fun course. It is very very busy though. Not in the best condition but as one of the cheaper courses it is expected.

Oceanico Old Course - Beautiful course. Very tight. Was in reasonable condition. Insanely busy course.

Oceanico O'Connor - Nice course. I played it two years ago and it was one of my fav ever, however you can tell it is now a whole lot busier. Not as nice as it used to be.

 

In the grand scheme I think Vilamoura is on the decline. When the weekend arrives the place totally changes. A number of stag do's and lads on tour. Also, no courses have handicap requirements so there are truly some atrocious hackers holding play up.

 

I used the word busy alot. This would sum it up in October (which is prime season)

[TheInfidel]

I usually make the trip across several times a year.

 

Oceanico Victoria is the course I like the best, it's also the least typical for the region, not so many low cut trees etc. The Old Couse is more standard for the Algarve.

 

I'd recommend Laranjal, Vale De Lobo and Pinheiros Altos for alternatives in the area. All good tracks. Though with a lot of the courses in this area of Europe you pay a premium to be in shorts and short sleeves, not necessarily for pristine courses in A1 condition.

 

I haven't played the O'Connor but I did play the Faldo. It's horrendous. Especially the back 9 which his mapped over a mountain. Holes are either straight up or straight down a 600 foot rise. Not golf, and not worth the money.

 

I regularly use Justteetimes.com to check for seasonal offers and deals, there are bargains to be found on the larger resort courses if you're willing to be flexible on times.

 

As a hidden gem I'd go to Palmares. It's a links (ish) course in one of the bays about 25 mins from Vilamoura. Worth the trip.

[puttnforthe8]

Thanks lads.

 

I ended up doing:

Vale do Lobo Ocean - excellent condition, easy course, some good views, uninteresting greens

Quinto do Lago South - amazing design course, great holes, really enjoyed, condition was average

Monte Rei - now my favorite Jack Nicklaus course in the world. What a great course. I thoroughly enjoyed every hole. The facility is top notch and service is beyond excellent. It was worth the price and is a 'do not miss' if in the area.

[mattw387]

Thanks lads.

 

I ended up doing:

Vale do Lobo Ocean - excellent condition, easy course, some good views, uninteresting greens

Quinto do Lago South - amazing design course, great holes, really enjoyed, condition was average

Monte Rei - now my favorite Jack Nicklaus course in the world. What a great course. I thoroughly enjoyed every hole. The facility is top notch and service is beyond excellent. It was worth the price and is a 'do not miss' if in the area.

 

Thank you for the reviews. My wife (non-golfer) and I are heading to the Algarve in September for a few days (also will be in Lisbon earlier in the week). We decided to stay in Lagos, which is a little further west than most golf courses due to the hiking and other activities we plan to do. I am only going to play one round while over there - so I want to make it count (but not spend half of my day in the car).

 

I am open any and every suggestions! The above look amazing, but are a little too far east for us..

 

Has anyone played Onyria Palmares before? Looks interesting, Robert Trent Jones II course, and is only 15 minutes away from our hotel... It is the front runner at the moment..

[IMeneses]

Hi @mattw387, If your are staying next to Palmares, it will be you homecourse! It’s really beautiful and one of the best in the region. Close you have Penina, which is a must for being the oldest in the Algarve. But trust me, once you arrive at Palmares you will think that one round is not enough!

[Chanceman]

The only course in Portugal I have played is Oitavos Dunes at Cascais, near Lisbon. I thought it was a top notch links course, right on the Atlantic. Would love to go back one day and play Monte Rei.