Faro Golf Courses
The Algarve has 24 excellent golf courses in beautiful settings and a very welcoming climate which allows outside activities all year round.
The history of golf in Portugal dates back to the ancient origins of such games as kolven which was introduced by the Dutch and the rudimentary sport called paganica which was played by the Romans.
The first course on the Algarve was very small and basic with greens which were “browns” because they consisted mainly of sand, Needless to say this type of course was almost impossible to play on and became extinct. With the advent of irrigation systems and the sophisticated sprinkler systems used nowadays, they are likely to remain a thing of the past.
Detailed below is basic information about the six courses immediately surrounding Faro.
If you click on the link you can obtain details on course lengths and green fees.
Ocean Golf Course
As the name suggests, this 18 hole course is in a spectacular location full of pine trees with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, where some of the holes take you along the cliff top. It is one of the older courses founded in 1968 with narrow fairways so accuracy is imperative. Designed by Sir Henry Cotton, it is a par 70 course.
The Ocean Course has a driving range, putting and chipping greens, practice net, pro shop, tennis courts, tennis academy, restaurant and bar.
Buggys, electric and hand trolleys and clubs are available for hire. Lessons can also be arranged.
Telephone: 00351 289 353 535
Website: Ocean Golf Course - Vale Do Lobo
Pinheiros Altos
This 18 hole course is located within the famous Quinta do Lago estate in Almancil. It is renowned for its challenging well placed hazards with the first nine holes stretching over rolling fairways lined with pine trees and the back nine holes featuring a number of water hazards.
The green at the seventeenth hole sits on an island.
Opened in 1992, and designed by Ronald Fream , it is a par 72 course with a driving range, putting green, chipping and bunker area, pro shop, golf academy, restaurants and bars. Buggys, golf clubs and 30 minute lessons can be provided on request.
Telephone: 00351 289 359 910
Website: www.algarve-golf.com
Quinta Do Lago South
The Portuguese Open has been hosted several times on this course. It favours the long hitter and with two anti-clockwise loops requires that golfers carefully plan their route to score well. An enjoyable and testing course for players of all standards.
Founded in 1974 and designed by W Mitchell and Rocky Roquemore this is a par 72 course with a driving range, putting green, pro shop, golf academy, restaurant and bar. Junior lessons can be arranged here.
Telephone: 00351 289 390 700
Ria Formosa - Quinta Do Lago
A course offering spectacular views with four par-5 holes which require great power and accuracy from a player who can draw the ball, the Ria Formosa (Quinta do Lago North) is outstanding.
The par-3 holes can be very windy and the par-4s are all doglegs with the exception of holes 10 and 13. There are lakes on holes 13 and 18 which claim many unwitting victims.
Opened in 1974 and designed by W Mitchell and Rocky Roquemore this is an 18 hole par 72 course. There is a driving range, putting and chipping greens, golf academy, pro shop, restaurants and bars. Thirty minute, one hour and junior lessons are available. Buggys, electric and hand trolleys and golf clubs are all available for hire.
Telephone: 00351 289 390 700
Royal Golf Course - Vale Do Lobo
The layout of the Royal Golf Course has a variety of challenges which gradually build to the eighteenth which is tricky hole to finish with a narrow fairway and deceptive green.
Founded in 1997 and designed by Sir Henry Cotton and Rocky Roquemore, the course is par 73 with putting and chipping greens, practice net, pro shop, swimming pool, tennis, tennis academy, restaurant and bar. Thirty minute and one hour lessons are available, and golf buggys, trolleys and clubs can be hired.
Telephone: 00351 289 353 535
Website: Royal Golf Course Vale Do Lobo
San Lorenzo Golf Course Quinta Do Lago
With spectacular views over the lake formed by Ria Formosa, the San Lorenzo Course is situated in the Quinta do Lago Estate in Almancil and has been ranked second in Europe.
The first five holes are through a pine forest. Water hazards mean that players have to take care when selecting which club to play with. The eighteenth is a very tricky par-4 with a lake beckoning inaccurate shots.
Founded in 1988 and designed by Joseph Lee, the course is par 72 with a driving range, putting and chipping greens, golf academy, pro shop, restaurant and bar. Buggys, trolleys and golf clubs are for hire and thirty and sixty minute lessons can be provided.
Telephone: 00351 289 396 522