Golf in the Algarve, Discover Portugal's Finest Greens (2023)

Golf can be hit or miss with a lot of people (not sorry for the pun!). In Portugal, playing golf in the Algarve is hugely popular amongst golf lovers choosing to visit the region to mix beach holidays with a good hit on the green.

Combining the love of golf with year-round amazing weather, people are spending their holidays playing golf in the Algarve with almost 50 golf courses in the region to choose from.

These courses are designed by some of the biggest architects in the industry and are renowned worldwide for their excellence.

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Why is Golf in the Algarve so Popular?

The Algarve region is favored a lot by tourists largely due to it being very “English-speaking friendly” and the amazing weather available year-round. It is easy to see why the Algarve is repeatedly considered one of the best golfing destinations in the world, even receiving multiple awards and European prizes at the World Golf Awards!

There are tournaments for both amateurs and professionals held in the Algarve, with the most prestigious event ever to have graced the Algarve being the 2005 World Golf Cup.

One of the most prestigious amateurs tournaments in the Algarve is the Grande Troféu Vilamoura which has also been held every year since 1987.

With so many events and courses, it’s no wonder why golf in the Algarve has become such a big attraction drawing tens of thousands of tourists every year!

What Are The Best Courses To Play Golf In The Algarve?

There are almost 50 golf courses in the Algarve, so what are the best ones to play? Here I’ve compiled my top five places to play golf in the Algarve:

Dom Pedro Old Course – Golf Club

Dom Pedro Old Course is one of the oldest established courses in the region and is located just a 20-minute drive from Faro Airport.

(Video) 5 REASONS TO PLAY GOLF IN THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

Considered one of the best places to play golf in the Algarve, the Old Course is surrounded by impressive pine trees and set out over gently undulating terrain. It is open every day from 7 am to 6 pm and prices start at 92€.

No.Holes: 18; PAR: 73; Length: 6254m; Location: Vilamoura

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Espiche Golf

Espiche Golf is located in a nature reserve 5-minutes from Lagos. It is an eco-resort, which has been integrated into the surrounding environment and offers a unique experience for golfing in the Algarve.

It’s open every day from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm and prices start at 35€ for a 9-hole game and 57€ for the 18-hole game.

No.Holes: 18; PAR 72; Length: 5862m; Location: Lagos

Quinta do Lago

Quinta do Lago has hosted the Portuguese Open several times and features the par 3, 15th hole with nothing between the tee and green but a lake, overlooking the Ria Formosa National Park.

It’s one of the most beautiful locations to play golf in the Algarve; open from 7 am to 6 pm and prices start at 122€.

No.Holes: 18; PAR 72; Length: 6500m; Location: Almancil

Salgados Golf Course

Salgados Golf Course is set on the flatlands behind Praia de GalĂ©. It’s very open to the elements with little vegetation and water hazards so is more suited for technically skilled players.

It’s considered by many as one of the most difficult courses to play golf in the Algarve.

(Video) Living on a GOLF course in the ALGARVE, Portugal!

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm and weekends/bank holidays from 9am to 6pm with prices starting at 55€.

No.Holes: 18; PAR 72; Length: 6410m; Location: Albufeira

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Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course

The Ocean Course is a combination of the two original 9-hole golf courses and features gently undulating fairways, which run alongside nature reserves and the beach. It’s open from 6 am to 7 pm and prices start at 95€.

No.Holes: 18; PAR 73; Length: 6137m; Location: Vale do Lobo

Want to visit more golf courses in Portugal? Check out this guide for all about golfing in Portugal!

When is the best time to play golf in the Algarve?

One of the beauties of the Algarve is the weather. You can play golf in the Algarve at any time of the year. I would, however, avoid playing in the summer as temperatures can reach a whopping 40°C (104°F) – great temperatures to go to the beach but perhaps too warm to be out on the golf course.

Hotels where to stay when playing golf in the Algarve?

There’s plenty of amazing places to stay when you go on holidays to the Algarve but if you are going especially to play golf in the Algarve then you should be slightly pickier when choosing accommodation.

Here are my top five hotels to stay when you’re looking to golf in the Algarve:

Dom Pedro Golf Resort

Just like the golf course is a recommended place to play, the Dom Pedro Golf Resort is also one I’d highly recommend staying.

This 4-star hotel is ideally located in the center of Vilamoura and on the days that you’re not golfing, you are within walking distance to the beach as well as the Casino and Marina.

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The resort counts an impressive three swimming pools, children’s playground and babysitting service.

Vila Galé Lagos

This 4-star hotel is located on the Meia Praia beach in Lagos and has a panoramic view of the bay of Lagos.

On the hotel grounds, you’ll find a large garden area with three tennis courts, a swimming pool, putting green, multi-sports field and children’s playground.

If you’ve never been to Lagos you should definitely check ourVisiting Lagos in Portugal, There’s Something for Everyone.

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Grande Real Santa EulĂĄlia Resort & Hotel Spa

This 5-star Hotel is located in Albufeira and has direct access to the Santa Eulália Beach, seven outdoor pools, four swimming pools plus 3 children’s pools.

It also offers all the luxurious amenities you would expect including a sauna, spa, massage rooms, children’s club and in the summer it also offers a nightclub!

Take a break from golf and explore the fun and wild Albufeira strip.

Dona Filipa Hotel

This 5-star hotel is located in Vale do Lobo and has panoramic views of the Vale do Lobo Golf Course, the Atlantic Ocean and the village.

The hotel also has three tennis courts, a children’s club and an outdoor pool with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Golf in the Algarve, Discover Portugal's Finest Greens (5)

(Video) One Week in the ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

The MagnĂłlia Hotel

Part of the Quinta do Lago estate, this 4-star hotel is located in Almancil and features one outdoor pool, one tennis court and it’s own restaurant and lounge bar.

It’s perfect for golfing in the Algarve as all the golf courses are within 3km from the hotel while Faro airport is just a 5-minute drive away.

Want to visit more of the Algarve? Read about these 7 Holiday Villages to Explore!

The Algarve Golf Society

The Algarve Golf Society (also known as Chez Carlos Golf Society) was formed over 10 years ago by a group of golfers who felt it would be a great way to socialize and enjoy their shared passion for golf.

Today, The Algarve Golf Society plays golf in the Algarve every Saturday and most Wednesdays. The annual fee is surprisingly cheap – only 25€ – and will grant you access to the society tournaments and discounted golf rates at multiple golf courses in Portugal and Spain.

If you live in Portugal or are a frequent visitor, then the Algarve Golf Society is most definitely something you should consider to play golf in the Algarve.

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Golf Packages in the Algarve

As much information about golf courses and hotels as I could give you above, nothing beats a package deal with everything all in one and nothing more to worry about!

Thankfully, there are plenty of options for deal packages. Find below some of the websites where you can get the best deals for hotels and golf in the Algarve:

Planning a long stay in the Algarve? Read this Perfect Guide to an Algarve Holiday!

Is it worth playing golf in the Algarve?

Absolutely! From the hotels to the tees, Amateur Leagues to the World Cup, and the amazing Portuguese sun, playing golf in the Algarve is an experience that you will never fore-get – again, not sorry!

(Video) Top 5 Algarve Golf Courses with Mark Crossfield Highlights - Out Of Bounds with YGT Rory

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FAQs

How many golf courses are there in the Algarve? â€ș

The Algarve is the southernmost region of continental Portugal. It covers an area of 4,997 square kilometres and has about 200 kilometres of coastline. There are 31 golf courses and only one of those courses scores lower than 7,0 on Leadingcourses.com.

How many golf courses does Portugal have? â€ș

How many golf courses are there in Portugal? There are 75 golf courses in Portugal with the Southern region of Algarve home to 31. These range from inland championship tests such as that of the Jack Nicklaus designed Monte Rei to shorter 9 hole coastal golf courses such as Pine Cliffs on the West Coast of The Algarve.

How many people play golf in Portugal? â€ș

In 2018, there were 15,257 registered golf players in Portugal.
...
Number of registered golfers in Portugal from 2010 to 2018.
CharacteristicNumber of registered golfers
201815,257
201715,847
201614,659
201513,848
3 more rows
Dec 9, 2022

Where does the Portugal Masters takes place? â€ș

2023 dates to be announced. The Portugal Masters has taken place for 17 consecutive years, becoming part of the DP World Tour in 2007 and being held at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course.

Which course is best in Portugal? â€ș

  • Portuguese Course. ...
  • Professional Higher Technical Course in Catering and Beverage. ...
  • Professional Higher Technical Course in Digital Marketing Management. ...
  • Professional Higher Technical Course in Industrial Management. ...
  • Professional Higher Technical Course in Tourism Management. ...
  • Specialization Course in Project Management.

What is Portugal's main dish? â€ș

Bacalhau, which translates to cod in English, is Portugal's national dish, a symbol of the country's identity, and one of the most popular foods in restaurants across the country. Bacalhau is such a go-to staple in Portuguese cuisine that it even has an endearing nickname: fiel amigo, or faithful friend.

How many golf courses does the US have? â€ș

How many golf courses are in the US? The massive popularity of golf is responsible for the many courses available. About 43% of golf courses worldwide are located within the states, summing up about 15,500 golf courses in the US.

What is the most attended golf tournament in the world? â€ș

The WM Phoenix Open is the best-attended golf tournament in the world with more than 700,000 fans in attendance. Additionally, the WM Phoenix Open has raised more than $165M for charities in it's 85-year history.

How many US citizens play golf? â€ș

Participants in golf in the U.S. from 2007 to 2022

In 2022, the number of people participating in golf in the United States reached 25.6 million, representing a slight increase on the previous year. It also represented the highest on-course participation in more than a decade.

Where do people play golf the most? â€ș

Countries Where Golf Is Most Popular
  • IRELAND. Despite the fact that golf was invented in Scotland, their next door neighbor, Ireland, is the most popular country for the sport. ...
  • CANADA. ...
  • UNITED KINGDOM. ...
  • UNITED STATES. ...
  • SOUTH AFRICA. ...
  • JAPAN.
Sep 9, 2021

How long is a Masters degree in Portugal? â€ș

Content and assessment during a Masters in Portugal

They take one or two years to complete and are worth 90-120 ECTS credits. In professional subjects (such as medicine and law), a longer joint-degree course is sometimes taken. This is known as the mestrado integrado and is a long-cycle qualification.

What is the prize money for the Portugal Masters? â€ș

What Is The Purse For The Portugal Masters? The 2022 Portugal Masters has a purse of $2m. That's an identical sum to the previous week's Mallorca Open. The winner will earn $333,330, while the runner-up wins $220,220.

How much does the winner of the Portugal Masters get? â€ș

Total Purse and winner's share for the 2022 Portugal Masters

The total purse for this year's Portugal Masters is set at $2 million. In accordance with the standard 16.67 percent payout in DP Tour tournaments, the winner will be awarded a sum of $333,330. There are more benefits in line for the tournament victor.

What is the best salary in Portugal? â€ș

The best paid positions in Portugal
  • 8,070 EUR.
  • 5,682 EUR.
  • 5,623 EUR.
  • 5,380 EUR.
  • Economic/Financial Manager Top Management. 5,311 EUR.
  • Lead developer Information Technology. 5,163 EUR.
  • Managing Director Top Management. 5,113 EUR.
  • Sales Director Top Management. 4,790 EUR.

What is the best way to learn Portuguese fluently? â€ș

Many language experts recommend immersion as the fastest way to become fluent in Portuguese; move to Portuguese or Brazil, live with a host family and have every interaction in Portuguese.

Which skill is best for Portugal? â€ș

To find a job in Portugal, it's important to consider your own qualifications and work experience first. Many job vacancies require Portuguese language skills, particularly in specialized fields like architecture, accounting, engineering, medicine, and law.

What is Portugal's national drink? â€ș

Licor BeirĂŁo

Simply known as BeirĂŁo, this national drink of Portugal is one you don't want to miss! Possibly the most popular Portuguese liqueur on the market, this drink originated in the Beiras region and is an excellent option for those with a sweet tooth.

Do you tip in Portugal? â€ș

Unlike some other countries, tipping in Portugal is not expected. If you receive sub-par service, there is no need to tip. Ask the locals and follow their lead when it comes to tipping situations. By blending into the Portuguese culture you'll be appreciated by service providers and locals alike.

How many golf courses does Trump own? â€ș

How many golf courses does Donald Trump own? Trump, a keen player and follower of golf, owns no fewer than 17 golf courses across the world, including ones in Aberdeen and Turnberry.

How many golf courses does the U.S. military own? â€ș

California has the most military courses of any state with 14. Among them is the Navy Golf Course in Cypress, Calif., where at one time a youngster by the name of Tiger Woods learned the game from his father. In total, 40 states have at least one military course.

How many acres is 18-hole golf course? â€ș

“This means an 18-hole course of all short par 3s could be built on as little as 30 acres, while an intermediate length or executive course of 18 holes of par 3s and 4s would require 75-100 acres, and a full size par 72 course would need 120-200 acres.

How many golf courses are there in Costa del Sol? â€ș

There are over 70 Costa del Sol golf courses between Torre del Mar and Sotogrande, the largest concentration anywhere in Europe.

How many golf courses does Sea island have? â€ș

Here that means three championship golf courses, top instructors, teeing areas and practice greens, and a 17,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center.

How many golf courses does Tenerife have? â€ș

In total there are 9 golf clubs on Tenerife. Some of the best golf courses on Tenerife are Abama Golf Resort, Golf Costa Adeje, Buenavista Golf, Golf Las Américas and Golf del Sur.

How many golf courses are there in Phuket? â€ș

Phuket, a top-tier golf destination, is home to nine extraordinary courses that offer varied play styles, mesmerizing landscapes, and captivating challenges for all golf enthusiasts.

How many golf courses does Pebble Beach have? â€ș

Pebble Beach has seven 18-hole golf courses, and one 9-hole course. Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill and Peter Hay Golf Course are owned by Pebble Beach Company and are all public courses.

How many golf courses are on Sea Pines? â€ș

With three world-class courses and a generous selection of accommodations, there's no better place than The Sea Pines Resort for your golf group or special event.

How many golf courses are in Orange Lake resort? â€ș

Just minutes from Disney World in Orlando, FL, Orange Lake Golf features 54 holes of golf across 4 unique golf courses.

What is the best course at Sea Island? â€ș

What to Expect: The Seaside course is the most revered course at Sea Island and is featured on the PGA Tour's fall series of venues. The stunning coastal property enjoys numerous water hazards and some captivating views of the Atlantic Ocean.

How much are greens fees at Sea Island? â€ș

Seaside, Plantation and Retreat Courses at Sea Island Resort

Peak rate: $600-plus ($325 green fee at Seaside and $235 green fee at Plantation and $230 at Retreat plus a stay at the resort).

Do any famous people live on St Simons Island? â€ș

Alton Brown. The quirky Food Network talent and best-selling author who has played host to a number ofseries, including Good Eats, Iron Chef America, and Cutthroat Kitchen, also owns a home on St. Simons Island. Born in L.A., Brown grew up in Atlanta and attended the University of Georgia.

Which Caribbean island has the most golf courses? â€ș

TPC Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico

In the northern part of the Caribbean, two islands weigh in with a variety of courses. First up is Puerto Rico with over 20 golf courses.

How many golf courses does Costa Rica have? â€ș

There are 12 golf courses in or near Costa Rica. The best 18 holes golf course in/near Costa Rica is Los Reyes Country Club and the most reviewed golf course in/near Costa Rica is Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort.

How many golf courses does Cabo San Lucas have? â€ș

There are seven golf courses in Cabo San Lucas available to the general public, all of them beautiful and world-class. Formerly known as the Cabo Del Sol Ocean Course, this Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole course features four oceanfront holes throughout and has been ranked number one in Mexico.

How many golf courses does Hawaii have? â€ș

There are 75 golf courses in Hawaii.

How many golf courses does Thailand have? â€ș

There are approximately 250 golf courses in Thailand. Thousands of tourists fly into Thailand every year just for the golfing opportunities offered in the country.

How many golf courses are on Molokai? â€ș

As for golf, no one will mistake Molokai for Pinehurst, since only two courses exist on the island, and one of them, Ironwood Hills Golf Course, is a nine-hole muni. The other course, Kaluakoi Golf Club & Resort, is a Ted Robinson design that will make visitors to Molokai glad that they brought their clubs.

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