The Top 5 Best Golf Courses In Vilamoura

Vilamoura has gradually become one of the top names in golf, not just within Portugal but within Europe itself. It is a resort that has everything from a modern marine to bars, restuarants and clubs, great beaches and for those whose interest is golf, courses in the immediate vicinity to chlaange the best. Its climate is excellent with even the winter months fairly mild and those that want to test themselves against championship quality golf courses need look no further. A three hour flight into Faro from regional airports in the UK and a quick transfer and you are there.

You can play:

• The Old Course was designed by the American Golf Architect, Frank Pennink back in the 1960s. It has hosted the Portguese Open several times and remains a great favourite despite the number of other courses in the immediate vicinity. It is a Par 73 set in Pine Woods and if you are tiring towards the end of the round, beware! The Par 5 16th is almost 600 yards long.
• Oceanico Victoria was designed by the great Arnold Palmer who altered the terain to create mounds and plenty of water hazards. Off its blue tees it is the longest course on the Algarve and each year hosts the Portuguse Masters. A great feature of the course are the waterfalls with the 17th having 12 cascades.
• Oceanico Millennium is now thought to be the stiffest challenge of all in Vilamoura. It has been adapted over the years and modern adaptions have often meant a little more length, perhaps water and a few more hazards. It is built in pine forest with the 18th especially daunting; out of bounds on one side of the fairway and a lake on the other.
• Oceanico Pinhal winding through pine forests is another long courese of over 7,000 yards from the back tees. Perhaps in an exating week of golf you bo happy to play a little forward of them? It was the second course in the region, again desgned by Frank Pennink back in the mid 1970s.
• Oceanico Laguna is a slight contrast to the others in that it is on a coastal strip and hence the challenge is one of links’ expertise and the ability to play in wind of varying strength. There is water to contend with on this Par 72.

These courses are more than enough for you in a week’s golf, especially as there is so many other things to do, day and night. It is possible to arrange tuition individually or in a group and there are excellent practice facilities and the chance of a cool beer after the round in great surroundings.

Vilamoura offers an unforgettable golfing holiday. It is important to be on your game when you play on any of its coursesand if you are then you will find the courses fair if your course management is good.