Time to tee off: award-winning golf in the Algarve

The Algarve has long been considered an outstanding golfing destination, but with the recent addition of some new, highly revered courses, together with the redevelopment of some old favourites, it has now attracted international acclaim.

Quinta do Lago has just been named ‘Best Golf Venue in Europe’ in the World Golf Awards 2016, seen as the Oscars of golf by those serious about the sport.

Portugal also received ‘Best Golf Destination in the World’ in the same awards, whilst Quinta do Lago scooped best golf resort accolades in Today’s Golfer Magazine and Golf Digest.

With the Algarve such a highly celebrated golfing location, many of our clients choose to combine their holiday with a round or two. But with over thirty courses to choose from, you may feel you need a helping hand narrowing down where to tee off.

Always here to help, the team at Sun-hat Villas & Resorts has listed our top five golf courses in the region.

1. North Course, Quinta do Lago

It is not hard to see why Quinta do Lago has just scooped all of the awards for best golf resort. The jewel in its crown is undoubtedly the North Course, redesigned in 2014 by golf architect Beau Welling and European Ryder Cup winning captain Paul McGinley.

If you enjoy a course where accuracy and strategy are important, then this should be on your list of must-visits when in the Algarve. Beautiful views and quick greens make for a very enjoyable round.

2. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club (North Course)

This course opened in 2007 and has received rave reviews ever since. This is a Jack Nicklaus signature course, the first in Portugal and one of the only ones in Europe.

The mountainside setting of the country club is unforgettable and the course itself is a delight of clever water hazards and fantastic bunkering.

3. San Lorenzo, Quinta do Lago

Ranked 15th in the ‘Top 100 Golf Resorts in Continental Europe’ by Golf World Magazine, San Lorenzo golf course is one of the most famous courses in the Algarve, and with good reason.
A word of warning – if you are serious about your golf, book an early round – San Lorenzo tends to get slow later, owing to the challenging nature of the course.

4. Royal Golf Course, Vale do Lobo

Vale do Lobo is the largest luxury resort in Portugal, and is one of the area’s most established golf resorts.

With undulating fairways nestled in a relaxing pine tree setting, there is a good mix of challenging holes on The Royal Course. The signature par three cliff-top 16th hole with its breathtaking views, makes the steep green fee worth every penny.

5. Oceanico Old Course

The second oldest course in the Algarve, this is an interesting and challenging course with some very narrow fairways, all flanked by tightly packed tree lines.

Don’t just take our word for it, though – why not play all of the courses and see if you think we have selected the right top five!

Book your Algarve villa holiday with us today and then book your first round of golf with our partner Quo Vadis.