Discover the Algarve, One of Europe’s Best Golfing Destination

If you’re looking to jet off to sunnier climes this winter there’s a high chance that a trip to the Algarve is at the top of your list. Situated on Portugal’s southernmost tip, the Algarve is home to over 30 courses, many of which rank of among Europe’s finest, and with year-round sunshine, and mile-upon-mile of beautiful coastline, it isn’t hard to see why golfers continue to flock to the region.

If you’re heading to the Algarve, here are five destinations you need to discover.

Quinta Do Lago 

The prestigious resort at Quinta Do Lago boasts three celebrated championship layouts, as well as exceptional practice facilities. The South Course on the 2000-acre residential estate is often considered the finest of the trio, and with its stunning backdrop of the Ria Formosa Natural Park is a favourite among European Tour professionals.

The par-72 Laranjal layout at ‘Europe’s Best Golf Venue’ for 2016 is situated in the grounds of an orange grove, and poses a serious test for players of all abilities.

Meanwhile Quinta Do Lago’s latest edition, the Beau Welling designed North Course, which opened in 2014, has only added to the resort’s fantastic portfolio of championship courses.

Dolphin watching, kayaking, watersports, horse riding, and scuba diving, are just some of the activities on offer at the resort. There is also a selection of top quality restaurants.

Monte Rei

The Jack Nicklaus designed course at Monte Rei, beautifully situated between the Serra do Caldeirão mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, is without a doubt one of the Algarve’s shining stars.

The Golden Bear’s first signature design in Portugal is out of the top draw, and regularly ranks among the top ten courses in continental Europe.

Tucked away in the foothills near the Spanish border, the course features an abundance of water hazards and exquisite bunkering, and will delight with eighteen unique and masterful holes.

As one of the region’s most exclusive resorts, the service is as outstanding as the course itself, while the Portuguese cuisine in the clubhouse is divine.

Palmares Ocean Living and Golf

If you’re looking for a golfing heaven, then Palmares Ocean Living and Golf may be about as close as it gets.

Sandwiched between the Ocean and the mountains, in the outstandingly beautiful Bay of Lagos, the five-star resort serves up three world-class and distinctive loops of nine.

Described by architect Robert Trent Jones Jr as a “warmer” Scotland, Onyria will keep golfers entertained throughout with a diverse collection of links and parkland style holes.

Meanwhile the intimate hotel has 20 rooms which frame a panoramic view over the fascinating Lagos Bay and the long beach of Meia Praia.

San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is often considered the finest course in the Algarve, and frequently ranks among the top fifty courses in Europe. The Joseph Lee design takes advantage of ideal golfing terrain, as it carves its way between the Atlantic and the Ria Formosa Estuary, a marchland haven for birdlife.

Inundated with plaudits since opening in 1988, the course winds through the majestic pines on the rolling Quinta do Lago estate, with the Ria Formosa coming into play on several occasions.

Always immaculately maintained, exciting holes feature throughout, including at the par-3 5th, which affords fantastic views of the ocean.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is incredibly popular among golfers, with visitors flocking to the sun-drenched harbour town to enjoy Dom Pedro Golf’s array of championship golf courses.

The Old Course is the jewel in Dom Pedro’s crown, and is sure to enchant with its beautiful array of natural and thought-provoking holes.

The Arnold Palmer designed Victoria, a long, bunker-strewn layout, ranks among the finest courses in Portugal. In recent years the course, with its numerous water hazards, has seen the likes of Andrew Johnston and Lee Westwood crowned Portuguese Masters champion.

Pinhal is a picturesque parkland course dotted with umbrella and Atlantic pines, while the Laguna, as the name suggests, is characterised by several water features.

The latest addition to the group, the Millennium course, opened in 2000, and with its diverse selection of holes, has quickly arisen to become one of the area’s favourite layouts.

Have you played any of these beautiful courses in Algarve? Let us know and share your thoughts with the All Square community: www.allsquaregolf.com/golf-courses/algarve.

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