Praia da Luz & The Algarve Information

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Golfing in the West Algarve, Portugal

Below are some of the Algarve Golf Courses nearest to Praia da Luz, however there are at least a dozen more within an hours drive.
If you are visiting the Algarve from the U.K, I strongly recommend ( if possible ) you book your golf before you travel as it can save you a considerable amount of money. Adding a member to our group at the Palmares course was £15.00 over the pre booked UK price. Basically avoid the rack rate prices at the courses themselves unless you are considering a 'twilight' round when there are some great bargains to be had. Buggies whilst recommended for the hilly courses like Palmares, Gramacho and Parque are pretty pricey (£30 - £35) and can be in short supply during the high season. Also bear in mind that taking the buggies on to the fairways is generally forbidden and they ask you to stick to the paths, this means you are still going to end up doing a fair bit of walking. If you are only playing occasional rounds, you might want to consider hiring your clubs at the courses, prices start around £15.00 a round for quality sets. If you offset that against the hassle of carrying your own through the airports and paying the £30 return excess baggage it might make sense.
Dec 2009 The courses below now have mapped driving directions accessible from the respective markers on the map below.

Map of Golf Courses in the Western Algarve

ORANGE A UPPER

Morgado [ Directions ]
Address: Apartado 293, 8501-902 Portimao.
Telephone: (+351) 282 402 150.
Fax: (+351) 282 402 153
E-Mail: playgolf@golfedomorgado.com
Site: www.morgadodoreguengo.com

Alamos
Address: Apartado 293, 8501-902 Portimao.
Telephone: (+351) 282 402 150.
Fax: (+351) 282 402 153
E-mail: playgolf@golfedomorgado.com
Site: www.morgadodoreguengo.com
Discounted Booking Tel: (+351) 289 351 299

ORANGE B UPPER

Alto Club, Alvor [ Directions ]
Address: Caixa Postal 1, Alvor, 8500 Portimão.
Telephone: (+351) 282 416 913.
Fax: (+351) 282 401 046
E-Mail: golf@altoclub.com
Site: www.altoclub.com

ORANGE C UPPER

Boavista [ Directions ]
Address: Quinta da Boavista SA. Apartado 62 8601-901. Lagos.
Telephone: (+351) 282 000 111.
Fax: (+351) 282 782 150.
E-Mail: golf.reception@boavistagolf.com
Site: www.boavistagolf.com

ORANGE D UPPER

Palmares [ Directions ]
Address: Meia Praia, 8600 Lagos
Telephone: (+351) 282 762 961
Fax: (+351) 282 762 534
E-Mail: golf@palmaresgolf.com
Site: http://www.palmaresgolf.com/

ORANGE E UPPER

Gramacho [ Directions ]
Address: Quinta do Gramacho, 8400 Lagoa.
Telephone: (+351) 282 340 900
Fax: (+351) 282 359 649
E-Mail: info@pestanagolf.com
Site: http://www.pestanagolf.com

Pinta
Address: Quinta do Gramacho, 8400 Lagoa.
Telephone: (+351) 282 340 900.
Fax: (+351) 282 359 649
E-Mail: info@pestanagolf.com
Site: http://www.pestanagolf.com

ORANGE F UPPER

Parque da Floresta [ Directions ]
Address: Budens - 8650 Vila do Bispo.
Telephone: (+351) 282 695 333
Fax: (+351) 282 695 157
E-Mail : golf@vigiasa.com
Site : www.parquedafloresta.com

ORANGE G UPPER

Silves [ Directions ]
Address: Eurogolfe, SA Vila Fria 8300-Silves.
Telephone: (+351) 282 440 130
Fax: (+351) 282 440 131
E-Mail : info@pestanagolf.com
Site : silves.pestanagolf.com

Click on a Letter for the Map Location or the name for Details

Golfe Dos Alamos

This is the second course to be developed at Morgados do Reguengo, just north of Portimao.
This course ( opened in 2006 ) is a complimentary course to Golfe do Morgado right next door. At 6200 yards, par 71 it is a shade shorter than the Morgado course. With quite a varied landscape, including lots of meadow type flowers, the course runs next to two large lakes, through wide valleys with superb views of the Monchique mountain range to the north. The course has a couple of handy toilet 'blocks', one halfway out the other halfway in.

The large clubhouse (shared with the Morgado course) affords an excellent ‘gallery’ view of the Morgado course / eighteenth. A nice bar that does light meals and snacks, combined with an extremely smart restaurant. Facilities include chipping and putting greens, club hire, trolleys and buggies.
2009 Update: Played May 2008 when conditions were still very good. The 'breezes' this year actually affected play ( as good an excuse as any ). Still very much up among our favourites.
2008 Update: Played April 2008 when conditions were very good. The meadow effect continues to be quite spectacular, but try finding a ball amongst the cornflowers! Maturing nicely.
2007 Update: The fairways have now been completely landscaped and have grown in nicely, a tremendous improvement for playability as well as visually. The greens are to an exceptional standard and boy are they fast. It will require a good eye to read the lie as they are rarely flat and a putt to the flag could take you much further away if you are not careful. This is becoming a favourite.

Directions : Take the road to the north from Portimão in the direction of Monchique and Silves and under the A22 Motorway. From the access roundabout of the A22 follow the signs to Monchique and Silves. After 1.1 kms take the signposted left turn and drive a couple of hundred metres where you take the right turn into the Morgado Estate. Follow the track to the Club House. This new and shorter route from the Portimão-Monchique road to the Clubhouse and facilities knocks about 10 minutes off of the original routing, which was a couple of km's further on. (April 2006).

Address : Apartado 293, 8501-902 Portimao.
Telephone : (+351) 282 402 150. Fax : (+351) 282 402 153
E-mail : playgolf@golfedomorgado.com
Website : www.morgadodoreguengo.com
Discounted Booking Tel : (+351) 289 351 299

Owner : Hotal, SA - Address : 8501-912 Portimão
Director : Jorge Papa.
Secretary :  -
Green Keeper :  Tiago Piano
Pro's :  Nelson Cavalheiro
Architect : Russell Talley ( European Golf Design ).
Founded :  2006
Grass : Greens :  Penn A4, Fairways : Tifton 419.
Nº of Holes :  18, Par : 71.
Length (metres) :  Whites - 5641, Yellow - 5055, Red - 4291.
Course Rating :  Men White - 68.8, Men Yellow - 67.7, Ladies Blue - 73.1, Ladies Red - 68.6
Slope Rating :  Men White - 127, Men Yellow - 124, Ladies Blue - 130, Ladies Blue - 119
Facilities :  Driving Range, Putting Green, Pitching Area ( with bunkers ), Trolleys, Club Hire, Pro-shop.
Other : Children's Nursery.
Eating :  Restaurant and Bar at the Club House ( shared with the Morgado course ).

Golfe Dos Alamos Score Card

HOLE	METRES				PAR	STR.	HOLE	METRES				PAR	STR.
1	338	317	302	275	4	4	10	173	148	134	106	3	9
2	512	476	456	426	5	6	11	374	309	295	278	4	13
3	339	309	307	284	4	10	12	484	433	427	409	5	3
4	186	162	130	115	3	16	13	360	327	310	271	4	15
5	365	342	322	308	4	2	14	247	321	305	282	4	7
6	475	416	391	358	5	14	15	178	169	150	132	3	17
7	179	153	137	126	3	12	16	376	353	341	325	4	1
8	289	263	242	206	4	18	17	284	268	246	217	4	11
9	366	314	293	264	4	8	18	482	452	424	395	5	5
OUT	3049	2752	2580	2362	36		IN	3058	2780	2632	2415	36
							OUT	3049	2752	2580	2362	36
							TOTAL	6107	5532	5212	4777	72

Alto Club Golf

Situated near the town of Alvor, 45 minutes drive from Faro, 20 minutes drive from Lagos toward Faro. This was the last course designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton, the triple winner of the British Open. It embodies his belief that a golf course should test players with low handicaps, but also provides a pleasant game for golfers of only average level. The course, with the beautiful Monchique mountains as its back-drop, runs through two valleys and offers winding fairways and gently undulating greens. Make sure you play a good 18th hole as it leads up to a basin right in front of the lovely ( new in 2003 ) club house that adds the finishing touch to a course that must be on your list to play in the Algarve.
April 2009 Update : Since our visit last year, the Pestana group ( who own Gromacho, Pinta & Silves ) have bought the course. As a result the course has received a good 'wash and brush up'. The greens have been repaired ( apparently a contaminated bore hole water supply was responsible ).
April 2008 Update : Unfortunately ( unlike the same time last year ) the course was in a poor condition with greens that were almost unplayable. I would strongly advise you check before playing, though I can't see that there can be much improvement this year such is the extent of the damage on some holes.

Directions : Turn off the EN 125 towards Alvor. On the Portimão - Alvor road, turn right at the Praia de Rocha turnoff. Not internationally signed yet ( orange golf signage ) so it can be a bit tricky. Watch out you don't end up at Alto Club which is a residential complex and though part of the Alto group, it is not actually near the course itself.
Address : Caixa Postal 1, Alvor, 8500 Portimão.
Telephone : (+351) 282 416 913.
Fax : (+351) 282 401 046
E-Mail : golf@altoclub.com
Site : www.altoclub.com
Owner : Hotal, SA - Address : Quinta do Alto do Poço, Apartado 1. Alvor. 8501-906 Alvor
Director : Colin Snape.
Secretary : t.b.a
Green Keeper : Engº Luís Carrilho.
Pro's : Tony Bennet & BGLC Learning Centre.
Architect :Sir Henry Cotton and Peter Dobereiner.
Founded : 1991.
Grass : Greens : Penn Links, Fairways: Bermuda.
Nº of Holes : 18, Par: 72.
Length (metres): Whites - 6125, Yellow - 5683, Red - 5233
Course Rating : Men White - 70,6 : Men Yellow - 68,8 : Ladies Blue - 74,2 : Ladies Red - 70,5
Slope Rating : Men White - 121 : Men Yellow - 117 : Ladies Blue - 124 : Ladies Blue - 116
Facilities : Driving Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop.
Eating : Restaurant and Bar at the Club House.

Alto Club Score Card

HOLE	METRES				PAR	STR.	HOLE	METRES				PAR	STR.
1	338	317	302	275	4	4	10	173	148	134	106	3	9
2	512	476	456	426	5	6	11	374	309	295	278	4	13
3	339	309	307	284	4	10	12	484	433	427	409	5	3
4	186	162	130	115	3	16	13	360	327	310	271	4	15
5	365	342	322	308	4	2	14	247	321	305	282	4	7
6	475	416	391	358	5	14	15	178	169	150	132	3	17
7	179	153	137	126	3	12	16	376	353	341	325	4	1
8	289	263	242	206	4	18	17	284	268	246	217	4	11
9	366	314	293	264	4	8	18	482	452	424	395	5	5
OUT	3049	2752	2580	2362	36		IN	3058	2780	2632	2415	36
							OUT	3049	2752	2580	2362	36
							TOTAL	6107	5532	5212	4777	72

Boavista

The nearest Algarve Golf Course at 3 kilometres ( 2 miles ) north west of Praia da Luz. This course is set in a beautiful location on a headland between Lagos and Praia da Luz, There are great views of the bay of Lagos, and the Monchique mountains in the distance. Boavista offers two distinct types of play providing a variety of attractive and interesting holes. From the first to the last putt on the 18th green it promises a sensible game for the average player. With breathtaking views, spectacular scenery and the Atlantic Ocean, which is visible from most holes, all combine to make this course a delight for the golfer. These days most of the early fairways are flanked with villas which may be disconcerting for some.

2008 The new clubhouse is streets ahead of the original. With a restaurant and separate bar. Dining inside or on the terrace. Breakfasts, Lunches and evening A la Carte. A health club. Also caters for functions e.g. weddings, corporate events etc.. )
Owner : Quinta da Boavista Empreendimentos Turísticos, SA
Address : Apartado 62, 8601-901 Lagos Carvoeiro Lga
Algarve Office :
Golf Services Manager, Quinta da Boavista SA. Apartado 62 8601-901. Lagos. Algarve. Portugal.

Boavista Golf Club ( 14th ), Lagos. Algarve.

Telephone : (+351) 282 000 111.
Fax : (+351) 282 782 150.
UK Office :
Emerson Developments (Holdings) Limited
Emerson House, Heyes Lane, Alderley Edge. Cheshire. SK9 7LF
Tel : +44 (0) 1625 588 400
Fax: +44 (0) 1625 588 490
E-Mail : golf.reception@boavistagolf.com
Site : www.boavistagolf.com
Director : António Castelo

Secretary : -
Architect : Howard Swan.
Founded : 2002
Grass: Greens : Penn Links, Fairways: Bermuda..
Nº of Holes : 18, Par : 71.
Length (metres) : White - 5751 ,Yellow - 5273, Red - 4751
Course Rating : Men : White - 70,4, Men: Yellow -68, Ladies : Red -70,3
Slope Rating : Men : : White - 124, Men : Yellow - 119, Ladies : Red - 123
Facilities : Driving Range, Putting Green.
Eating : Restaurant and Bar at the Club House

Directions : Take the A22 to Lagos. The course is 4 km to the west on the Sagres road.

Boavista Score Card

HOLE	METRES			PAR	STR.	HOLE	METRES			PAR	STR.
1	322	305	286	4	14	10	400	342	298	4	3
2	134	118	108	3	16	11	174	153	130	3	13
3	447	416	340	5	8	12	352	338	323	4	11
4	117	155	133	3	6	13	498	478	435	5	15
5	301	249	224	4	12	14	194	145	112	3	7
6	175	152	126	3	4	15	375	369	290	4	1
7	315	286	261	4	10	16	483	466	436	5	9
8	432	400	385	5	2	17	275	265	256	4	17
9	302	281	261	4	18	18	381	333	3141	4	5
OUT	2605	2362	2124	35		IN	3132	2889	2594	36
						OUT	2605	2362	2124	35
						TOTAL	5737	5251	4718	71

Gramacho

The second Carvoeiro course, Quinta do Gramacho is a full 18 holes. Like it's sister course, Vale da Pinta, it is set in superb countryside and there are some testing holes. In particular the 7th requires two long and accurate shots to reach the green.
05/2009 Its been three or four years since we last played this course. The amount of development is quite staggering, villas everywhere. Fortunately a nice spacious clubhouse, restaurant and pro shop have been included. The course is as good, probably a bit better and the greens are in great condition. However, it still remains ( in our opinion ) a tough course for the casual golfer.
Owner : Carvoeiro Golfe, SA - Address : Carvoeiro Golfe, Apartado 1011, 8400-908 Carvoeiro Lga
E-Mail : info@pestanagolf.com
Site : Pestanagolf.com
Director : José Carlos Matias
Secretary : Rui Gago
Green Keeper : Eng. Miguel Grosso
Pro's : Mark Gasper, Carlos Ribeiro
Architect : Ronald Fream.
Founded : 1991
Grass: Greens : Bent Grass, Fairways : Ray Grass + Bermuda.
Nº of Holes : 18, Par : 72.
Length (metres) : Black - 6107, White - 5530,Yellow - 5212, Red - 4777
Course Rating : Men White - 72,1 : Men Yellow - 69,2 : Ladies Yellow - 72,7 : Ladies Red - 69,8
Slope Rating : Men White - 121, Men Yellow - 115, Ladies Yellow - 120, Ladies Red - 114
Facilities : Driving Range, Putting Green, Chipping and Bunker practice area, Pro-Shop, David Leadbetter Golf Academy.
Eating : Restaurant and Bar at the Club House

Directions: Follow the EN 125 and take the turn to Carvoeiro at the Lagoa roundabout.
Address: Quinta do Gramacho, 8400 Lagoa.
Telephone: (+351) 282 340 900 Fax: (+351) 282 359 649

Gramacho Score Card

HOLE	METRES				PAR	STR.	HOLE	METRES				PAR	STR.
1	338	317	302	275	4	4	10	173	148	134	106	3	9
2	512	476	456	426	5	6	11	374	309	295	278	4	13
3	339	309	307	284	4	10	12	484	433	427	409	5	3
4	186	162	130	115	3	16	13	360	327	310	271	4	15
5	365	342	322	308	4	2	14	247	321	305	282	4	7
6	475	416	391	358	5	14	15	178	169	150	132	3	17
7	179	153	137	126	3	12	16	376	353	341	325	4	1
8	289	263	242	206	4	18	17	284	268	246	217	4	11
9	366	314	293	264	4	8	18	482	452	424	395	5	5
OUT	3049	2752	2580	2362	36		IN	3058	2780	2632	2415	36
							OUT	3049	2752	2580	2362	36
							TOTAL	6107	5532	5212	4777	72

Morgado de Reguengo

Morgado Golf Course, Monchique. Algarve.

This course opened in the Algarve in 2003. Located just to the north of Portimão ( about a 30 minute drive from Luz ). The course is laid out in a large 980 hectare estate in the foothills of the Monchique mountains. Quite different to most other courses on the Algarve as it is very open with wide fairways. A second course ( Golfe dos Álamos ) opened April 2006, see above. It has smaller greens than the Morgado course which will place a premium on accurate approach shots. A new and shorter access road from the Portimão-Monchique road to the Clubhouse and facilities is almost complete. Facilities include a Driving Range, Putting Green, Buggies, Trolleys, Club Hire, Pro-shop, Golf Academy, Restaurant, Bar.
See also the newer ( 2006 ) sister course Golfe dos Alamos above.
Owner : Hotal, SA - Address : 8501-912 Portimão

E-Mail : playgolf@golfedomorgado.com
Site : t.b.a.
Director : Jorge Papa
Secretary : t.b.a
Green Keeper : t.b.a
Pro's : t.b.a
Architect : Russell Talley (European Golf Design).
Founded : 2003
Grass: Greens : Penn A4, Fairways: Tifton 419.
Nº of Holes : 18 Par : 73.
Length (metres) : Whites - 6399, Yellow - 5857, Red - 4824
Course Rating : Men White - 73,5 : Men Yellow - 71 : Ladies Blue - 77,2 : Ladies Red - 71,3
Slope Rating : Men White - 134 : Men Yellow - 129 : Ladies Blue - 132 : Ladies Blue - 120
Facilities : Driving Range, Putting Green, Pitching Area ( with bunkers ), Trolleys, Club Hire, Pro-shop, Children's Nursery
Eating : Restaurant and Bar at the Club House

Directions : Take the road to the north from Portimão in the direction of Monchique and Silves and under the A22 Motorway. From the access roundabout of the A22 follow the signs to Monchique and Silves. After 1.1 kms take the well signposted left turn and drive a further 1.2 kms to the west where you take a right turn into the Morgado Estate. Follow the road to the Club House. A new and shorter access road from the Portimão-Monchique road to the Clubhouse and facilities is now complete ( April 2007 ).
Address: Apartado 293, 8501-902 Portimao.
Telephone: (+351) 282 402 150. Fax: (+351) 282 402 153

Morgado De Reguengo Score Card

HOLE	METRES			PAR	STR.	HOLE	METRES			PAR	STR.
1	342	305	250	4	10	10	511	468	398	5	2
2	373	343	273	4	15	11	166	150	97	3	14
3	535	499	428	5	1	12	302	293	257	4	18
4	359	322	268	4	4	13	483	448	384	5	16
5	209	188	143	3	13	14	326	303	254	4	8
6	364	329	283	4	7	15	313	291	233	4	6
7	484	451	383	5	11	16	527	495	416	5	5
8	197	179	123	3	3	17	211	166	104	3	17
9	282	262	206	4	12	18	415	365	354	4	9
OUT	3145	2878	2357	36		IN	3254	2979	2497	37
						OUT	3145	2878	2357	36
						TOTAL	6399	5857	4854	73

Palmares

5 kilometres ( 3 miles ) east of Luz. This course is laid out on the side of a south-facing hill overlooking the Bay of Lagos. We think it is the most attractive location of all the golf courses we've visited in the Algarve. The views as you play your round are quite breathtaking ( Check out the 16th ). The first hole drops, some 300 plus feet, from the clubhouse down to the beach with great views toward the Cape. Five of the holes are placed on the sand dunes with the fifth, a par-5 of 550 metres making a real challenge. At present there are few villas clustering the fairways so the feeling of openness as you play is very refreshing.
May 2009 Update : There is extensive development taking place all around the course. Another nine holes are being built on the seaward side of the course which will be incorporated into the existing layout with a bit of hole re-numbering. A veritable village of villas is also under development. All a bit of an eyesore at the moment but I'm sure will soon be completed and landscaped in ( as only the Portuguese seem to manage to do so rapidly ).
2008 Update : Played April 2008 when conditions were good. Fairways and greens are well up to scratch. This continues to be a mature and consistently reliable course.
Owner : Six Investimentos Turísticos S.A. - Address :Apartado 74, Meia Praia 8601-901 Lagos

Palmares Golf Course ( 17th ), Lagos. Algarve.

E-Mail : golf@palmaresgolf.com
Site : www.palmaresgolf.com/
Director : Patrik Tolos
Secretary : t.b.a
Green Keeper : Nelson Silva
Pro's : Luis Espadinha, José Dias
Architect : Frank Pennink.
Founded : 1975
Grass : Greens : Pencross and Penn A4, Fairways: Bermuda.

Palmares Golf Course ( 1st ), Lagos. Algarve.

Nº of Holes : 18, Par :71.
Length (metres) : White - 5961 : Yellow - 5614 : Red - 5020
Course Rating : Men White - 71,7 : Men Yellow - 69,5 : Ladies Yellow - 74,9 : Ladies Red - 71,7
Slope Rating :Men White - 117 : Men Yellow - 113 : Ladies Yellow - 123 : Ladies Red - 116
Facilities : Driving Range, Putting Green, Chipping Green, Pro-Shop, Golf Academy.
Eating :Restaurant and Bar at the Club House

The Well, Palmares Golf Course, Lagos. Algarve.

Directions : Follow the EN 125 towards Sagres. As you approach Lagos follow the signs to Meia Praia. If you miss the small sign and arrive at a roundabout do a full circle of the roundabout and return over the bridge. Take the first turn right at the sign post to Meia Praia. Follow the signs left at the next roundabout and then forward at the following roundabout. The course is at the far end of the beach.
Address: Meia Praia, 8600 Lagos
Telephone: (+351) 282 762 961 Fax: (+351) 282 762 534

Palmares Score Card

HOLE	METRES			PAR	STR.	HOLE	METRES			PAR	STR.
1	418	403	360	4	4	10	165	156	142	3	14
2	321	297	242	4	13	11	271	260	252	4	18
3	287	279	270	4	7	12	400	372	324	4	3
4	142	133	121	3	15	13	386	364	314	4	8
5	550	515	457	5	1	14	347	340	324	4	5
6	344	294	245	4	9	15	212	192	178	3	12
7	462	450	403	5	11	16	418	370	310	4	2
8	142	131	119	3	17	17	458	447	384	5	16
9	317	303	281	4	6	18	321	308	294	4	10
OUT	2983	2805	2498	36		IN	2978	2809	2522	35
						OUT	2983	2805	2498	36
						TOTAL	5961	5614	5020	71

Parque da Floresta

Located 15 kilometres ( 9.5 miles ) miles west of Luz, the course is set in a hilly countryside with some dramatic holes. The setting of this course is in the most western part of the Algarve. The architect of this course has created a fascinating course that presents visually attractive views of the surrounding countryside lined on the horizon by the sea. The fairways roll up and down through hills and really demand accurate shots and good placing, otherwise you'll have a frustrating game. A buggy is strongly recommended unless you are super fit. Definitely not a course for the faint hearted.
Owner : Vigia Group - Address : Vale do Poço 8650-060 Budens

E-Mail : golf@vigiasa.com
Site : www.vigiasa.com, www.parquedafloresta.com
Course Manager : Alan Hodson.
Secretary : David Hollen
Green Keeper : Vitor Pinheiro.
Pro's : Gary Warner.
Architect : Pepe Gancedo.
Founded : 1987
Grass: Greens : Bent, Fairways: Bermuda.
Nº of Holes : 18, Par : 72.
Length (metres) : White - 5673, Yellow - 5453, Red - 4618.
Course Rating : Men White - 71,0 : Men Yellow - 69,1 : Ladies Yellow - 74,3: Ladies Red - 70,6
Slope Rating : Men White - 131, Men Yellow - 127, Ladies Yellow - 129, Ladies Red - 122
Facilities : Driving Range, Putting Green, Pro-Shop, Golf School.
Eating : Restaurant and Bar at the Club House.

Directions : Follow EN125 towards Sagres. After Budens, turn fight at the traffic lights before the Selena crossroads
Address : Budens - 8650 Vila do Bispo.
Telephone : (+351) 282 695 333 Fax : (+351) 282 695 157

Parque Da Floresta Score Card

HOLE	METRES			PAR	STR.	HOLE	METRES			PAR	STR.
1	418	403	360	4	4	10	165	156	142	3	14
2	321	297	242	4	13	11	271	260	252	4	18
3	287	279	270	4	7	12	400	372	324	4	3
4	142	133	121	3	15	13	386	364	314	4	8
5	550	515	457	5	1	14	347	340	324	4	5
6	344	294	245	4	9	15	212	192	178	3	12
7	462	450	403	5	11	16	418	370	310	4	2
8	142	131	119	3	17	17	458	447	384	5	16
9	317	303	281	4	6	18	321	308	294	4	10
OUT	2983	2805	2498	36		IN	2978	2809	2522	35
						OUT	2983	2805	2498	36
						TOTAL	5961	5614	5020	71

Vale da Pinta

( 1992 ) Situated near Carvoeiro in an old olive grove, Vale da Pinta is a championship course that is adaptable to any kind of game. Some of the trees are apparently over 1500 years old.

Owner : Carvoeiro Golfe, SA - Address : Carvoeiro Golfe Apartado 1011 8400-908 Carvoeiro Lga.
E-Mail : info@pestanagolf.com
Director : José Carlos Matias.
Secretary : Rui Gago.
Green Keeper : Eng. Miguel Grosso.
Pro's : Mark Gasper, Carlos Ribeiro.
Architect : Ronald Fream.
Founded : 1992
Grass: Greens : Bent, Fairways : Bermuda.
Nº of Holes : 18, Par : 71.
Length (metres) : Black - 6115, White - 5662, Yellow - 5237, Red - 4860.
Course Rating : Men White - 69,7 : Men Yellow - 67,5 : Ladies Yellow - 72,3 : Ladies Red - 69,8
Slope Rating : Men White - 123 : Men Yellow - 119 : Ladies Yellow - 123 : Ladies Red - 118
Facilities : Driving Range, Putting Green, Chipping and Bunker practice area, Pro-Shop, David Leadbetter Golf Academy.
Eating : Restaurant and Bar at the Club House

Directions : Follow the EN 125 and take the turn to Carvoeiro at the Lagoa roundabout.
Address : Quinta do Gramacho, 8400 Lagoa.
Telephone : (+351) 282 340 900. Fax : (+351) 282 359 649

Vale Da Pinta Score Card

HOLE	METRES				PAR	STR.	HOLE	METRES				PAR	STR.
1	318	312	287	262	4	12	10	382	360	331	307	4	9
2	356	327	302	286	4	8	11	163	153	146	132	3	13
3	360	351	332	315	4	14	12	488	455	422	397	5	7
4	512	479	447	414	5	6	13	336	292	250	245	4	1
5	132	115	111	105	3	18	14	480	468	445	397	5	15
6	411	369	347	326	4	2	15	179	145	129	116	3	17
7	184	166	142	123	3	4	16	323	302	287	269	4	5
8	335	312	293	281	4	16	17	202	170	147	128	3	11
9	373	341	303	276	4	10	18	581	545	516	481	5	3
OUT	2981	2772	2564	2388	35		IN	3134	2890	2673	2472	36
							OUT	3017	2789	2564	2388	35
							TOTAL	6115	5662	5237	4860	71

Silves Golf

One of the newest courses on the Algarve ( 2007 ). Whilst Silves is a quiet, peaceful spot, the course should not be underestimated even though it is still 'young'.
Target golf seems to be the secret to success on this course. An example being the drive at the first hole where the fairway seems to be ( deceptively ) wide but has to negotiate water hazards on both flanks. A confident, straight shot will benefit you with a relatively easy, though uphill, approach shot.
Silves encourages and rewards attacking play. It has a natural beauty and an elegant design. The excellent condition, pretty much all year round, is ideal for possible low scoring. For a test in precision, this course has few equals. It is 'parkland golf' at its best.
05/2009 The course continues to impress us. Though a bit quieter this year ( but that's down to U.K. problems ) it remains in excellent condition. The club house is still the same ( spartan ) with no signs of the new one yet ( but with Pestana group having recently acquired the Alto course there has probably been some budgeting taking place, this year at least. ).
04/2008 Played in April 2008 and the condition was excellent. Not a 'burnt out' patch in site! This is one course that can be strongly recommended.

Pros : Most of the holes offer spectacular mountain and valley views, overlooking palm trees and olive groves. You will find there are oranges and figs to be had along the way ( as long as you are out of sight of the course marshal ).
The severity of the bunkering is enough defence against the onslaught of the games big guns.
Cons : If you are unlucky and the wind is in the wrong direction the smoke and smell of the nearby cork factory occasionally pervades the normally clean air. A sign on the course states that this is not hazardous to your health. However, this can make playing holes 5 to 9 a bit of a pain. Also don't be surprised by the train whistles as it lumbers by on the tracks at the side of the 5th and 6th holes.
The clubhouse is quite spartan, and only provides light snacks though it has a nice terrace and an adequate bar. It will eventually be replaced by a new lavish affair sometime in the distant future ( as advertised on the hording at the top of the first hole ).
Booking : This course is definitely one to book in advance as on-course prices are €80 a round whilst booking from the U.K. can reduce this to €50.

Silves Golf Course, The Algarve. Portugal

Owner : Pestana Golf Group
Address : Eurogolfe, SA Vila Fria 8300-Silves
E-Mail : info@pestanagolf.com
Site : silves.pestanagolf.com/
Director : José Matias
Secretary : - Ruí Gago
Green Keeper : - Miguel Grosso
Pro's : - Carlos Ribeiro
Architect : Fausto Nascimento
Founded : 2006
Grass: Greens : Penn A4, Fairways: Lolium Perenne.
Nº of Holes : 18, Par : 70.
Length (metres) : Whites - 5615, Yellow - 5256, Red - 4728.
Course Rating : Men White - 68,8, Men Yellow - 67, Ladies Blue - 72,7, Ladies Red - 69,1.
Slope Rating : Men White - 121, Men Yellow - 119, Ladies Blue - 125.
Facilities : Pro-Shop, Golf Academy, Driving Range, Putting Green.
Other : Tennis, Bowling.
Eating : Restaurant and Bar at the Club House.

Directions:
Take Jnc. 6 off of the motorway ( signed Silves / Lagoa ), take the Silves road off the roundabout and follow the orange golf signs. On the dual carriageway toward Silves look out for the slip road as the golf sign is partially hidden by a road sign. There is a ( signed ) right turn in the Silves Station village. Follow the winding road for about five minutes.
Tee Times: (+351) 282 441 111
Co. Address : Apartado 1011 - 8400-908 Lagoa
Telephone: (+351) 282 440 130
Fax : (+351) 282 440 131
Discounted Booking Tel : Algarvegolf.net/golf/greenfees.htm

Silves Score Card

HOLE	METRES				PAR	STR.	HOLE	METRES				PAR	STR.
1		312	301	294	4	11	10		306	289	267	4	14
2		317	295	260	4	7	11		289	277	251	4	12
3		273	226	199	4	17	12		171	156	114	3	2
4		136	124	116	3	15	13		483	470	431	5	4
5		461	447	433	5	9	14		150	135	127	3	16
6		201	192	132	3	5	15		319	293	275	4	10
7		573	542	481	5	1	16		159	136	119	3	18
8		399	388	333	4	3	17		521	488	445	5	8
9		182	170	163	3	13	18		363	327	187	4	6
OUT		2854	2685	2412	35		IN		2761	2571	2136	35
							OUT		2854	2685	2412	35
							TOTAL		5651	5256	4548	70