A bit of history
The original idea emerged from the Grande Hotel da Praia da Rocha company in 1932, in response to the demands of the growing number of English customers in the region. They came from London to enjoy the climate, and had to be provided with appropriate conditions for leisure and well-being. In contrast to the Anglo-Saxon countries, where this activity was widely practiced, there weren't many golfers in Portugal.
"A golf course would be a prime attraction for tourists of all nationalities, and even many nationals, among whom the cult of the game is greatly reinforced. Near Praia da Rocha, there is more than one splendid place to install a golf course and several tennis courts." the Correio do Sul of May 1933.
At the time, Hotel da Praia da Rocha had a ratio of 30 English guests to 3 French, and to keep tourists occupied, something new was needed. To this end, the Portimão Chamber of Commerce and the Praia da Rocha Initiative Commission felt that such facilities could be subsidized by the State. The idea was launched and the means found to make it a reality.
Before that, in the north, interest had already been shown in the subject and a British group of wine exporters had already formed a club, the Oporto Niblicks Club in 1890, renamed the Oporto Golf Club in 1901. In Porto, this century-old course still exists and is considered to be the oldest in Europe. It still hosts a competition, the Skeffington Cup, without interruption since 1891!
Sir Henry Cotton then revolutionized golf in Portugal by opening the remarkable and legendary Penina in 1966. By welcoming journalists and opinion leaders, the region was suddenly in the spotlight, and Penina attracted the biggest stars of the day, including Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Sean Connery. But the personality who made the biggest impact was undoubtedly Paul McCartney. One evening in 1968, he joined the bar's orchestra, took up the drums and immediately composed the song Penina.
Golf events and competitions in Algarve
Thanks to the large number of championship golf courses and the varied, grandiose landscapes, the Algarve is a fantastic backdrop for top-level competitions.
One of the most notable competitions is the Grande Troféu, which has been held since 1987. Every year, the crowded event takes place at the Dom Pedro Vilamoura Golf Courses, Millennium, Old Course and Pinhal.
The Dom Pedro International Classic takes place every January and attracts the crème de la crème of professional golfers. The tournament takes place on the magnificent Vilamoura Golf Course, organized by the Dom Pedro and Golf Collection hotels.
The Dom Pedro Junior Masters also takes place on the Vilamoura golf course in June every year, and is aimed at young players under the age of 18.
The Algarve also caters for beginner golfers, hosting the annual Amateurs' Week in January. This amateur golf competition is played over 54 holes at the Vale do Lobo Golf Resort, which offers a special package.
With so many events and a huge choice of courses, it's hardly surprising that golf in the Algarve has become a major discipline, attracting tens of thousands of tourists every year!
The charm of the courses
Between Lagos, Sagres and the Serra de Monchique, there are courses of varying degrees of difficulty, where greens and fairways are framed by beautiful natural landscapes, promising great golf. It's in this area, near Portimão, that you'll find the Algarve's oldest course, the Penina Championship Course.
The most central area, between Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, is one of the most luxurious in the Algarve, with scenic courses combining links and fairways with cliffs, lakes and bunkers. It's worth mentioning that hole 16 of the Vale do Nobo Royal Golf Course, intersected by the cliffs you have to cross to pitcher the green, is the most Instagrammed in Europe.
To the east, between Tavira, Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, the terrain is flatter but just as challenging. The imaginative design of these courses prioritizes species native to the region, such as fig, olive, carob, umbrella pine and oak trees. Praia Verde Resort is an ideal place to stop off for a break, close to numerous courses.
Overview of high-voltige greens
MONTE REI GOLF COURSE. This is THE benchmark golf course in the region and is regularly ranked as the most exclusive in the country. Set in the picturesque foothills of the eastern Algarve, with breathtaking views of the red mountains of the Serra do Caldeirão, the course winds its way through the hills. A multitude of bunkers, sloping fairways and a total of 11 water hazards present a fine challenge for players of all levels. Opened in 2007, this is the very first iconic course designed by the prestigious American champion and golf designer Jack Nicklaus, nicknamed The Golden Bear in Portugal. As the icing on the cake, you'll leave with your name engraved on a souvenir gift to complete the experience.
SAO LORENZO GOLF COURSE. An undulating landscape of pinewoods, saltwater lagoons and marshes for this bucolic golf course surrounded by the Ria Formosa National Reserve, a protected environment home to pink flamingos and over 70 species of birds. The two 9-hole courses form an 8, with a pleasant clubhouse, and the rest of the course offers splendid mountain and sea views. The course was designed by American architect Joseph Lee, who took full advantage of the beautiful topography of the Quinta do Lago estate. Playing in the midst of nature, both fragile and tamed, will add an aesthetic emotion to your day.
DOM PEDRO OLD COURSE. The Dom Pedro Old Course is one of the oldest and most renowned courses in the region. It's just a 20-minute drive from Faro airport. Offering a beautiful stroll through a natural theater, the Old Course winds through majestic pines and stretches over naturally undulating terrain. Modernized to comply with environmental protection standards, it remains one of the region's top references.
PENINA CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE. Considered the original Algarve golf course and a living memory for its brilliant designer and promoter, Sir Henry Cotton. The site of the Penina Championship Golf Course was originally a rice paddy, which was converted into a flat, challenging 18-hole course for the sport's gotha. Today, the course is described as challenging but as unforgiving as it is splendid. Flanked by streams, ditches and water hazards, it offers a vast array of subtle slopes and rich, lush vegetation. 50 years on, the course's towering pines and eucalyptus trees and greens bear witness to impeccable maintenance and a grand vision to magnify golf in the Algarve.
VICTORIA COURSE. At the time of its creation in 1968, the Victoria course was hailed as the country's most ambitious golf project. Conceived by golf legend Arnold Palmer, there's no doubt that the result was equal to the task. Spanning 90 hectares, the site encompasses one of Europe's most complete golf complexes, and boasts an exceptional driving range and putting green of some 2,500 m². All this has made the venue a favorite for top international tournaments, and it has hosted the Portugal Masters since 2007, as well as the PGA World Cup. The Par-72 championship layout incorporates natural wetlands, as well as carob, olive and almond trees. A large part of Victoria's surface area is occupied by lakes, a strategic objective that provides irrigation reservoirs. Now one of the best courses in the country, its layout presents a challenge to even the most seasoned players.
QUINTA DO LAGO. The renowned Quinta do Lago is a 5-star resort with three championship courses (North, South and Laranjal) nestled in 2,000 hectares of countryside and pine forests bordering the ocean and the Ria Formosa park. Since its creation in 1972, it has remained at the forefront of international golf, winning several awards of excellence for its exceptional natural beauty. It also boasts top-notch learning and coaching facilities. The completely renovated North Course was one of the most talked-about golf projects of 2014 and is set to become the number one course in European golf. Redesigned by architect Beau Welling, in collaboration with European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, the redevelopment focuses on precision and strategy. Bermuda grass has been introduced around the greens to create a myriad of recovery shot options for increased satisfaction at all levels of play.
Good plans
Club to hire. No need to carry your own equipment: clubs can be booked and collected directly on arrival at Faro airport.
9-hole golf courses. There are a few 9-hole courses where the rules are more flexible (a handicap certificate is not required). Here are a few examples: Vilamoura, Balaia Village, Pine Cliffs and Vale de Milho.
Algarve Golf Society (also known as Chez Carlos Golf Society), created over 10 years ago by a group of golfers with the idea that it would be an excellent way to socialize while enjoying their shared passion. Today, the society plays golf every Saturday and almost every Wednesday. The annual membership fee is surprisingly inexpensive and gives you access to the society's tournaments and discounted golf rates at several golf courses in Portugal. If you're a frequent visitor, the Algarve Golf Society is a great way to take advantage of benefits and improve your swing as well as your English!
The Algarve is far from finished cultivating its tradition of hospitality on the greens that dot its land.
