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The Amendoeira resort has two high-class
courses set in the burnt orange hills near
Alcantarilha. Oceanico Faldo is the star here,
a big, bold, muscular modern course that is
super-demanding off back tees but does mix
sporty par 4s with the beastly ones very
nicely. There are far-reaching views from its
hillside holes. It is complemented by
Oceanico O’Connor, which sits in the valley
and is much more friendly without being a
pushover. It has plenty of stand-out holes with
a gorgeous climax to a amphiteatre green.
Penina is where the Algarve’s enduring love
affair with golf began – and you argue also is
what began the British love of golf travel.
Sir Henry Cotton’s Championship course
still oozes class 51 years on. It is part of a fi ne
all-round resort, with a characterful hotel and
brilliant practise facilities backing up Cotton’s
layout, which weaves between mature trees
and water features.
Host of the European Tour’s Portuguese
Open on 10 occasions, after the fi rst two holes
virtually all fairways are lined with a myriad
trees. Water is in play on several occasions,
notably splitting the 5th’s two-tier fairway.
Pestana Alto is located between Alvor and
Praia da Rocha and is another Cotton design
whose rolling fairways are reached from
several elevated tees.
Located between the picturesque village of
Alvor and the bustling tourist resort of Praia
da Rocha, water hazards cleverly come into
play at driving distance off the 3rd and 4th tee
as well as a huge lake dominating the par-5
16th. Located close to numerous stunning
beaches and a wide variety of traditional and
international restaurants and bars, Alto Golf is
the perfect location for a relaxing break on
and off the course in the sunshine.
Pestana Gramacho is the work of former
Open champion and world No.1 Nick Price in
collaboration with the well-respected architect
Ron Fream – and is one of the most under-
rated courses in the Algarve.
This classy course is a thoughtful challenge
that is laid out on three loops with the middle
section from the 5th to the 13th the tightest
stretch. Lakes are incorporated but more for
aesthetic appeal – this is far from a tricked-up
layout and defi nitely one for the connoisseur.
Fream was also involved at Pestana Vale da
Pinta and is a fi ve-time host to the Seniors
tour. Two lakes infl uence play on four holes –
while the bunkers are many and varied.
Located close to Gramacho, it offers a bit
more space to open your shoulders than its
Pesta stablemate. It also has a clubhouse with
super views of the surrounding area.
Pestana Silves offers something different.Located on the outskirts of the eponymous
historic town – which, incidentally, is well
worth an afternoon strolling around its storied
streets – it offers one of the most serene
spots in the Algarve. Surrounded by vineyards
and farmland rather then residences or a
hotel, this American-style course encourages
and rewards attacking play. Like many in the
west, it offers fantastic value.
Morgado is one of the most quiet courses
in the region. Created by European Golf
Design, this 18-hole track is in an area that
has been moderately landscaped so it fi ts
neatly to the surrounding countryside. Yet
lakes and a series of strategically-located
bunkers make it a true championship course.
Located on the north part of Morgado do
Reguengo Resort, Álamos has great views
over the water reservoir and the vineyard and
each hole is well defi ned by native trees.
Greens are smaller compared to sister course
Morgado, and it has half as many bunkers.WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM
EspicheWHEN YOU’RE THERE...
Why not head to Portimao and do some shoe
shopping or to Praia do Luz and enjoy a ocean
view while eating? Or you can head down to the
marina in stylish Lagos and enjoy some of the
best fish around.VISITGOLFALGARVE