Golf in the Central Algarve
Pine Cliffs
Where: The course is located on the 5 star Sheraton resort at Praia da Falésia in Albufeira. Follow the many signs to the Sheraton and you will find the course.
What: This is a luxury course and the facilities that surround it reflect this including the clubhouse. Look out for the par 3 that crosses the ravine known as the Devil´s Parlour and famed throughout the golfing world for its spectacular views.
Fees: From €90 for 18 holes in the low season
Handicaps: Men- 24, Ladies – 28
Tel: 289 500 113
Web: www.pinecliffs.com
Balaia
Where: Located close to the main road between Albufeira and Vilamoura. Easy to find, look for the signs with the whale character on them.
What: A nine hole course close to all the amenities of Albufeira suitable for beginners who are looking to test out the sport in a relaxed environment. Holes range from 58 metres to 160 metres on this quick to play course.
Fees: €25 for 9 holes, €35 for 18 holes
Handicaps: None required
Tel: 289 570 442
Pestana Vila Sol
Where: Head for the Aquashow water park and you will stumble upon this resort located at the back of Vilamoura
What: Originally inaugurated in 1991 and now part of the Pestana group the course is a welcome addition to the existing portfolio and offers members the choice of a course in the Golden Triangle.
The course has three nine hole loops to make up 27 holes set in 75 acres of parkland.
Fees: Membership starts at €500 for a play and play package which also allows use of the other Pestana courses. Non member green fees vary between €50 and €100 depending on the time of year.
Handicaps: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
Tel: 289 300 505
Web: www.pestanagolf.com
Oceânico Victoria
Where: Head into Vilamoura from the EN125 and look for the maroon signs with a picture of a tree on them.
What: This is the one you will have seen on the TV if you watch the Portugal masters. The course has hosted the masters since 2007 and also held the PGA World Cup in 2005.
Its a long course but there are not too many hills so it can still be walked.
Fees: From €185 for 18 holes
Handicaps: Men – 24, Ladies – 28
Tel: 289 320 100
Web: www.oceanicogolf.com
Oceânico Old Course
Where: Head into Vilamoura then follow the dark blue Oceãnico signs with the tree picture.
What: The Old Course originally opened in 1969 but was totally revamped 27 years later. Designed by Frank Pennick this is one of the oldest courses in the Algarve is still a must do on the golfers lists.
Fees: 18 holes from €150
Handicaps: Men- 24, Ladies - 36
Tel: 289 310 341
Web: www.oceanicogolf.com
Oceânico Laguna
Where: Head into Vilamoura and follow the yellow Oceânico signs to find the course.
What: For those watching their budget this is a good choice of the Vilamoura Oceânico courses. The flat terrain makes it an easy walk and golf veterans may recognise the course as formerly being part of the 27 hole Vilamoura III course.
Fees: 18 holes from €90
Handicaps: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
Tel: 289 310 180
Web: www.oceanicogolf.com
Oceânico Pinhal
Where: Head in to Vilamoura and follow the green Oceânico signs to the course.
What: Pinhal was the second course to be built in Vilamoura and was first opened in 1976 but was refurbished in 1985 by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Look out for the upmarket properties that flank the course and see if you can spot a celebrity by their pool!
Fees: 18 holes from €100
Handicaps: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
Tel: 289 310 390
Web: www.oceanicogolf.com
Oceânico Millennium
Where: Head to Vilamoura and follow the red Oceânico signs for the Millennium course.
What: The course was refurbished to make this 9 hole loop an 18 hole course in its own right and was reopened for the Millennium (hence the name).
The course shares a club house with Laguna and the old back nine were formerly part of the Laguna course.
Fees: From €105 for 18 holes
Handicaps: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
Tel: 289 310 188
Web: www.oceanicogolf.com
Vale do Lobo Royal
Where: Located within the Vale do Lobo resort in the Golden Triangle. Head for Almancil then follow the orange golf signs.
What: This is the harder of the two vale do Lobo courses and is the one with that amazing cliff top 16th hole as seen on hundreds of adverts and postcards. This course has real heritage and has hosted the Portuguese Open in the past.
Fees: From €165 for 18 holes
Handicaps: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
Tel: 289 353 465
Web: www.valedolobo.com
Vale do Lobo Ocean
Where: Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle – follow signs for the Vale do Lobo resort from Almancil.
What: This is a difficult corse but it boasts some of the most amazing ocean views on any course in the region. Look at how the other half live as your tour round the course which is lined with luxury properties.
Fees: 18 holes from €155
Handicaps: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
Tel: 289 353 465
Web: www.valedolobo.com
Quinta do Lago Laranjal
Where: Drive to Qunita do Lago then follow the signs for the Laranjal course after the shopping centre.
What: This course only opened in 2009 but it feels a million miles away from the rest of the world with no villas surrounding the course and masses of mature trees and planting.
Fees: 18 holes form €90 depending on the season
Handicaps: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
Tel: 289 390 700
Web: www.quintadolago.com
Quinta do Lago North
Where: Drive to Almancil then follow the orange golf signs into the resort and to the courses.
What: Formerly known as the A and D course the North course is best played using a buggy as there are long distances between each of the holes. Great views of undulating countryside feature heavily and don't worry about getting lost because the buggies all have sat nav.
Fees: From €140 for 18 holes depending on the time of the year.
Handicaps: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
Tel: 289 390 700
Web: www.quintadolago.com
Quinta do Lago South
Where: Head to Almancil then follow the orange golf signs to the resort and then on to the courses.
What: This used to be known as the B and C course and then the Championship course but it has now settled with South. The course has a high-end feel and is kept to perfection throughout the year by the grounds keeping team.
Fees: 18 holes from €140 according to the season
Handicaps: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
Tel: 289 390 700
Web: www.quintadolago.com
San Lorenzo
Where: Head to Almancil then follow the orange golf signs to Quinta do Lago and then look out for San Lorenzo signage.
What: Located in the natural park of the Ria Formosa within the Quinta do Lago Resort this course has amazing lagoon views with many opportunities to spot local wildlife. The course is part of the Dona Filipa Hotel and has won numerous awards.
Fees: 18 holes from €165 but discounts available for hotel users.
Handicaps: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
Tel: 289 396 522
Web: www.sanlorenzogolfcourse.com
Pinheiros Altos
Where: From Almancil head to Quinta do Lago and then follow the orange signs for Pinheiros Altos Golf Course
What: The original 18 holes were designed by Ronald Fream with the additional 9 holes being designed by Portuguese architect Jorge Santana in 2007. Now golfers can play three nine hole loops of Pineiros, Sobreiros and Oliveiras.
Fees: From €90 for 18 holes according to the time of year
Handicaps: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
Tel: 289 359 910
ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE – PLEASE CHECK WITH COURSES BEFORE BOOKING FOR FEES