A to Z of Golf in Portugal

Following the efforts of Sir Henry Cotton and his creation of the Championship Course at Penina, Portugal quickly transformed into a real heavyweight of European golf. Now the Algarve is one of the very best destinations for a golf holiday anywhere in the world. Countless top class golf courses are supplemented by charming fishing towns where travellers can sample traditional Portuguese cuisine and of course, the vibrant nightlife of places like Vilamoura. The Algarve is not all that Portugal has to offer as the coast near the Capital of Lisbon has also become a haven for golfers. Dreaming of a golf holiday this summer? Here is our A to Z of golf in Portugal…

A) Algarve

The Algarve is synonymous with golf and is the premier destination for European golf breaks. With endless world class golf courses, perfect weather, great food and a vibrant nightlife it is easy to see why so many golfers choose Portugal and the Algarve for their golf holidays.

B) Beaches

With around 600 miles of coast, much of which is sandy beach, Portugal is a beach-goers paradise. Add Portugal’s excellent climate, the world class golf and you can see why Portugal rates as one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.

C) Choice

Portugal is one of the top golf holiday destinations and the vast array of golf courses and charming accommodation on offer make it so. Every taste is catered for both on and off the golf course and golf holiday makers are sure to love the choice on offer on the Algarve.

D) Designers

Not only is the quantity of golf courses in Portugal impressive but also is the quality of the designs. Famous names in golf course design have been responsible for some of the earliest courses in the region. The likes of Sir Henry Cotton and Donald Steel set the scene for current stars of golf course architecture, including Nick Faldo, to continue transforming Portugal’s landscape into a golfing paradise.

E) Estoril

Estoril is a short hop West from Lisbon and the international airport, and ranks as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal. Home to prestigious sporting events including Formula 1 and top class tennis, Estoril is a beautiful coastal town with great hotels, entertainment and local golfing delights.

F) Food

After a long day on the golf course nothing beats a refreshing drink and a delicious meal. Portugal is home to an endless selection of top quality restaurants that serve some delicious local delicacies and traditional international fare. The five star resorts such as Le Meridien Penina are chock-a-bloc k with world class restaurants as are the marinas and seaside towns that are dotted along the Portuguese coast. Seafood is a common feature on menus and while in Portugal you must try Bacalhau; a traditional slated cod dish.

G) Gold Mine

Scotland is the home of golf and world class golf courses are strewn all over the stunning countryside where the game was born. The sheer volume of top class golf courses in Portugal has seen it become a sunnier version of Scotland and no matter your taste, Portugal will be sure to serve up a golfing treat on your next golf holiday.

H) Henry Cotton

When Sir Henry Cotton set his visionary example at Penina Resort, golf suddenly became a natural adjunct to the other tourist attractions in Portugal. Cotton sparked the transformation of Portugal into a golfing paradise and along the way brought us delights such as the Championship Course at Penina.

I) Intrepid

For the intrepid golfer who likes to sample a large portion of what a country has to offer, Portugal is perfect. Hiring a car and driving along the coast of the Algarve is a piece of cake and top class golf courses, charming seaside towns and stunning views can be sampled along the way.

J) Jarmo Sandelin

If you’re a real fan of golf you will recall a Swede who went by the name of Jarmo Sandelin. He may have been more famous for his wacky shoes and his questionable dress sense than for his golf but he is a six time winner on the European Tour…no mean feat! Jarmo has seen fit to move to Portugal and his home club is the magnificent Vale do Lobo. If it’s good enough for Jarmo…

K) Killer Links

Although not classed as traditional links courses, many golf courses in Portugal enjoy a prominent location on the coast. Like all costal locations the wind can really blow when it wants to and when it does golfers will need to play some links style golf for a killer score.

L) Lisbon

The Lisbon coast, in golfing terms, has long been in the shadow of the Algarve, whose portfolio of outstanding courses and resorts has rightly placed it at the sharp end of European golfing destinations. However, as the reach of low cost airlines continues to extend, the coastal area around Portugal’s capital has emerged as a fantastic location for a golf break. There are established resorts such as Aroeira to the South of the city, while new developments like Campo Real, and particularly Praia D’El Rey to the North, have garnered considerable praise, and have put the region firmly on the map.

M) Madeira

Just off the North coast of Africa, Madeira boasts a lovely year-round climate, spectacular mountain views, some outstanding hotels and two superb golf courses. Madeira is the perfect remedy for those seeking a more laid back golf holiday in the sun.

N) Night Life

Following a relaxing day on the golf course, holiday makers are treated to a vast array of opportunities to live it up in the evenings. Whether you are after some hardcore partying, a fun filled night in a vibrant sports bar or a relaxing evening sipping cocktails, Portugal has it all.

O) Oceanico

The Oceanico courses are located in Vilamoura, one of the very best golf holiday destinations in the world. This collection of golf courses is among the very best in Portugal and welcome golfers all year round. There are seven Oceanico courses in all meaning that any golfer in Vilamoura will be spoiled for choice. Courses include the Faldo, Old, Laguna, Pinhal, Victoria, Millennium and O’Connor and each one serves up a different challenge to the last.

P) Palmares

With views over the Lagos Bay and towards the distant Monchique Hills, Palmares has a stunning setting, and has an equally impressive course. Five of the holes border the sand dunes near the coastline, and have a distinct links feel, while the remainder winds through the lovely tree-lined undulations of the estate’s higher ground.

Q) Quinta do Lago

The Quinta do Lago Resort is one of the finest in Portugal and should be atop any golfers list of dream golf holiday destinations. Boasting three championship golf courses and a luxurious, five-star hotel this resort has it all and is set in an area renowned for its natural beauty. The star of the show is the fantastic South Course which has been selected to host the Portuguese Open no less than eight times.

R) Royal Course – Vale do Lobo

The Royal Course at Vale do Lobo is one of the finest in all of Europe and is home to a hole that is notorious for being the most photographed hole in Europe. This hole has become the face of the Algarve and arriving on the tee it is easy to see why. This stunning par 3 is played along the cliffs which the golfer has to carry to reach the green 238 yards away.

S) San Lorenzo

The fortunate creator was blessed with an unimaginably beautiful blank canvas as San Lorenzo sits in the Ria Formosa nature reserve, a vast park which is home to a vast array of plant and wildlife species. Variety is the spice of life and golfers are treated to a great selection of holes during their round at San Lorenzo. Golfers wind through the magnificent pines, lakes, and private villas as the course eventually plots its way out to the coastline.

T) Troia

In 2005, Golf Magazine ranked Troia as the 25^th best course in Europe, which is high praise indeed. This Robert Trent Jones designed gem is a must if you are staying in Lisbon rather than the Algarve. The small greens, narrow fairways and imposing sand dunes demand accuracy and although the course is remote, it is certainly worth the drive.

U) Unbelievable Value

With the quality of the golf, accommodation and food on offer in Portugal you might think a first class golf holiday would be expensive however this is not the case. Week long golf holidays or short term golf breaks can be had at bargain prices these days. For example you can enjoy three nights and three rounds of golf at the five-star CS Sao Rafael Suite Hotel from just £149!

V) Vilamoura

With a host of first class championship golf courses within a few minute’s drive, Vilamoura is without doubt one of Europe’s very best golfing destinations. In addition to its golf, visitors flock to the Portuguese paradise for its buzzing nightlife. Vilamoura may not have the super clubs of Puerto Banus or Magalluf, but surrounding the town’s magical marina are some fun loving bars. Figo 7 is a sports bar that is extremely popular with groups of lads, showing all the major live events, while the town has a fine array of gentlemen’s establishments and even a first class casino, with slots and plenty of table games.

W) Weather

The stunning array of world class golf courses and breathtaking beaches are complimented by one of the best and most reliable climates on Europe. In the Algarve golfers should expect to play in brilliant sunshine everyday while being kept cool by the gentle sea breeze that flows in from the coast.

X) X Factor

Portugal is home to many top class golf courses but there are a select few that have the X factor. Courses like San Lorenzo, Vale do Lobo Royal and the South Course at Quinta do Lago are special and you certainly get that feeling while you are walking the pristine fairways.

Y) Year after Year

With such an impressive array of golf courses, local attractions and outstanding weather, golfers return to Portugal year after year. The outstanding value for money makes an annual golf break in the Algarve a real possibility and for some the Algarve is so attractive that a holiday home in the sun is just too good to refuse.

Z) Zzzzzzzzz

Golf Holidays in Portugal can be all go. Golf during the day followed by an eventful night out on the town can be exhausting. It’s just as well then that some of the finest hotels in Europe are waiting to welcome weary golfers. Le Meridien Penina, Dona Filipa and CS Sao Rafael are three top picks from the endless accommodation options in the golfing capital of Europe.