The sun warms your shoulders and the slight breeze ruffles your hair. The rolling greens and scent of the sea air combine to make this the best tee-off you’ve ever had. Some of the best golf courses in Europe can be found in the Algarve so it is no surprise that this is a hugely popular destination for golfers. With world renowned tournaments such as the PGA Portugal, Jamega Pro Golf Tour and the Algarve Pro Golf Tour all played annually; visitors can experience the top-flight courses that dreams are made of, and keep tourists returning year on year.
Environment
Located on the southern coast of Portugal, the Algarve offers sunshine and temperatures that are perfect for golfing. The best time to visit for a round or two is between late autumn and spring. The Algarve is only a short flight from the UK at about 3 hours and the weather is warm and sunny. During the autumn and spring months, when the courses in the UK can be unplayable, the Algarve really is a great value way to keep your game in all year round. To top this off, the quality of the courses make for a real treat for any level of golfer.
History
During the late twentieth century the golfing legend Sir Henry Cotton really raised the bar for golf in the Algarve. After his retirement from professional golf in the 1950s, Cotton took to designing golf courses and his work shaped the landscape of much of the region. In the mid-1960s Cotton designed the first grass course in the area at Penina. This world famous course can still be played today and is found between the village of Portimao and town of Lagos. With courses so plentiful in the Algarve it has become hard to choose which to play and the well-deserved reputation of the sport has grown from strength to strength.
Top courses
Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago has an astonishing status in the golfing world, boasting three championship courses, the South Course has hosted the Portuguese Open no less than eight times and has been played by such golfing giants as Colin Montgomerie, Justin Rose and Ernie Els.
Penina
None other than the home of the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course, there are three courses at this complex, two eighteen hole courses and a nine hole course. There are also great facilities and pros on hand to help you with your swing, so if you want to walk in the footsteps of the pros then look no further.
Monte Rei
Located in the eastern Algarve, the Monte Rei is a tranquil gem of a course that is highly recommended by golfers, and we’re sure that the views of the Serra do Caldeirão Mountains are more than a little bit to do with this. Here you will find the challenging Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course which opened in 2007 this par 72 offers excellent golf on one of the best courses in Portugal.
Tee-off in the Algarve
Choose from a hand-picked selection of hotels all at unbelievable prices.