Golf

The Algarve is one of Europe’s premier golf destinations, with over twenty courses west of Faro, including some of the top championship courses in Europe. All are within an hour’s drive from AlmaVerde. Warm playing conditions and immaculately manicured fairways and greens are the norm. In the Western Algarve there are five established courses - Alto Club, Boavista, Palmares, Parque da Floresta and Penina - with more under construction. The nearest course to AlmaVerde, Parque da Floresta, is only 3km away.

For more information on golf in the Algarve or any of the courses described below, see:

www.algarve-golf.com

Although AlmaVerde does not have its own golf course, it is possible to purchase a lifetime Golf Title that gives you and your spouse the right to unlimited free golf on any one of over 55 courses in Portugal and Spain. The Golf Title also enables you to make bookings at preferred rates for your friends and family. For further information, please see: www.titlegolf.com

• Alto Club Golf
• Boavista Golf
• Palmares
• Penina
• New Courses

ALTO CLUB GOLF

Alto Club is a Mowlem development in Alvor, west of Portimão. The 18-hole course was the last to be designed by the late Sir Henry Cotton. It is set in parklands, with views to the sea and to the Monchique hills. It is well-maintained but compact, with several of the fairways servicing more than one hole. The most memorable hole is the “Henry Cotton challenge” or “giant” 605 metre sixteenth.

Founded: 1991
Address: Apartado 1, Alvor, 8500 Portimão
Phone: 282 416 913
Fax: 282 401 046
Architect: Sir Henry Cotton with modifications by Peter Dobereiner
Course: 6,125 metres, 18 holes, par (SSS) 72 (73) Current handicap certificate required
Directions: Midway between Alvor and Portimão, well signposted from the EN125.

Website: www.altoclub.com

BOAVISTA GOLF 

Designed by Howard Swan, a former President of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects, to harmonise with the natural terrain, this 18-hole championship course was opened at the beginning of 2002 and has already hosted the Sir Henry Cooper/Mike Reid Charity Golf Classic. The signature hole on the outward 9 is the par-4 7th, which is set against the backdrop of the Atltantic Ocean with views extending from Praia da Luz in the Southwest to the hills of Monchique in the Northeast.

Founded: 2002
Address: Quinta das Boavista, Apartado 62, 8601-901 Lagos
Phone: 282 782 151
Fax: 282 782 150
Architect: Howard Swan
Course: 6,053 metres, 18 holes, par 71
Directions: 1 km west of Lagos off the EN125.

Website: www.boavistagolf.com

PALMARES

Palmares is one of the most scenic courses in the Algarve, with the majority of holes on gentle slopes above Meia Praia, a wide sandy beach stretching for several kilometres, from the new Lagos marina to the river mouth at Algor. The course has five pure links holes on the front nine, between the railway and the beach. The upper holes wind through groves of fig and almond trees. Palmares is best known for its “Almond Blossom” tournament in February when these trees are covered in a mass of pink and white bloom.

Founded: 1975
Address: Meia Praia – Apartado 74, 8600-902 Lagos
Phone: 282 762 953
Fax: 282 762 534
Facilities: Driving range, putting green, golf shop, restaurant, open air terrace, bar
Architect: Frank Pennink
Course: 5,961 metres, 18 holes, par (SSS) 71 (72) Current handicap certificate required
Directions: Follow the Meia Praia and Golf signs on the EN125 near the Lagos Marina. Otherwise take the partly unpaved road from the village of Odeaxere on the EN125 east of Lagos.

Website: www.palmaresgolf.com
 

PENINA

Part of the five star Meridien Penina Golf & Resort, the 18-hole championship course is the oldest in the Algarve and the one most associated with Sir Henry Cotton, Penina has hosted the Portuguese Open six times, the last time in 1998, as well as the World Team Championship once. There are also two separate 9-hole courses. The courses are relatively flat and run through well-treed, mature parkland.

Founded:1966
Address: Apartado 146, Penina, 8502 Portimão
Phone: 282 415 415
Fax: 282 415 000
Facilities: Driving range (capacity 80), 3 putting greens, chipping and bunker practice area, golf shop, clubhouse, restaurant, bar plus riding stables, tennis, pools, etc.
Architect: Sir Henry Cotton
Courses: Championship: 6,343 metres, 18 holes, par (SSS) 73 (73) Soft spiked shoes required Handicap certificate maximum men 28, ladies 32
Resort: 2,987 metres, 9 holes, par 35
Academy: 2,035 metres, 9 holes, par 30
Directions: At the Meridien Penina Golf & Resort on the EN125, 5km west of Portimão
 

NEW COURSES 

There are several new courses planned or under construction in the Western Algarve, including:

Espiche Campo de Golfe, situated in the countryside between Espiche and Barão de São João west of Lagos, an 18-hole championship golf course is currently under development, together with a real estate project for 119 villa plots and an aparthotel.