Portugal Golf
Golf in Portugal
Portugal is one of Europe's top golfing destinations.
Although a year-round sport on the Algarve, the main season is from
October to May.
There are over 30 golf courses on the Algarve, many designed by the
biggest names in the golfing world. Several of the courses are amongst
the finest in Europe, all boasting luxury clubhouses, manicured greens
and immaculate fairways. The top courses are to be found around
Vilamoura and stretch west to Lagos. Green fees range from €50 to €200
for 18 holes. All courses are open to visitors; many require an official
handicap certificate and all require proper dress.
World Golf Championships–Algarve World Cup in Portugal
A total of 24 nations, including the hosts, will participate in this
prestigious event, which will be known as the World Golf
Championships–Algarve World Cup in Portugal, at The Victoria Clube de
Golfe Course from Nov. 15-20, 2005 with a minimum purse of U.S. $4
million.
The Victoria Clube de Golfe Course is the most recent course to be
opened to the public in the Algarve. Laid out on virtually flat terrain
covering some 90 hectares it includes a series of constructed mounds
specially landscaped to emulate the outline of inland hills on the
horizon - a feature that enriches the course with a sense of movement
and harmony. The series of beautiful lakes and waterfalls also helps to
provide an attractive background whilst playing the course.
Dates: November 15-20, 2005
Site: Victoria Clube de Golfe-Vilamoura, Algarve,
Portugal
Format: 72-hole team competition consisting of two
rounds of four ball stroke play and two rounds of foursome stroke play,
no cut
Field: 24 two-man teams representing 24 countries
Website:
www.worldgolfchampionships.com
Victoria Clube de Golfe is at present the longest 18 holes golf course
in Portugal and promises to be a notable course in Europe. Each hole has
a minimum of five tees from which to play thus making the course
suitable for golfers of all handicap levels. Before playing it could be
advisable to take advantage of the immense putting green of around 2,500
m2 to "feel the green" in that very important end game.
Golf Courses on the Algarve in Portugal
Salgados Golf Course: Salgados overlooks the lengthy
Praia Grande ten minutes west of Albufeira, a short drive from the
airport and central to the Algarve. The eighteen holes play across level
ground for an agreeable walk, but the 6,080 metre par 72 layout is a
true test of golf. It is above all a course of character and each hole
presents a different challenge.
Parque de Floresta: 18 holes. A spectacular rolling
hillside course offering excellent value.
Palmares:18 holes. A challenging course with an ocean
panorama, plus high hills and deep valleys.
Penina: 36 holes. The longest and oldest course,
designed by Sir Henry Cotton, with a distinguished championship history
(site of the Portugal Open). Waterways and lakes are a predominant
feature. Championship course, required handicap 28 men/32 women
The Old Course (Vilamoura I): 18 holes. Designed by
Frank Pennink, this is a classic English course. Required handicap 24
men/28 women
Pinhal (Vilamoura II): 18 holes. Originally designed by
Frank Pennink and renovated by Robert Trent Jones in 1985. First 9 holes
are among the pines, second 9 have sea views.
Laguna (Vilamoura III): 18 holes. Designed by Joseph
Lee, known for its water hazards.
Millennium (Vilamoura IV): 18 holes. Designed by Martin
Hawtree, beautifully integrated into the environmental park at Vilamoura.
Vale do Lobo: 36 holes. A rugged terrain with fine
views, culminating in the `most photographed hole in Europe´- a
spectacular par-3 course stretching 210yds over two cliff ravines above
the sea. Fairly narrow fairways.
Vila Sol: 18 holes. Considered to have among the best
fairways in the Algarve. Required handicap 27 men/35 women
Quinta do Lago: 36 holes. One of Europe's finest
courses. American-designed with outstanding lush greens and roomy
fairways - water is the biggest hazard.
San Lorenzo: 18 holes. Ranked by Golf World as the 5th
best course in Europe. Required handicap 28 men/36 women
Sheraton Pine Cliffs: 9 holes. Although not the most
challenging of the Algarve's courses, it's certainly one of the most
picturesque, with a cliff top layout overlooking the sea.
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