Almancil

Ocean course

of Vale de Lobo, hosted, in 1987, the Portugal Ladies Open (part of the WPG European Tour) has matured since its inauguration in 1966.

Originally, the course had 18 holes, designed by Sir Henry Cotton. In 1972, however, a loop of nine holes was added to the course. Recent works have given it further new dimensions - two courses of 18 holes (The Ocean Course and the Royal Golf Course).

The 5,493 meter Ocean Course was created by joining up the "green" and "orange" courses. Its sandy fairways undulate alongside pine, olive, orange trees and eucalyptus. Vale do Lobo, which is the focal point of a sophisticated tourism complex, is only 20 km away from Faro International Airport, and also has a good sized 245 m practice course.
Course Data
Architect: Sir Henry Cotton
Opened: 1968
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Length: 5.424 meters
Pro: Stephen Walker
Requirements: A Handicap Certificate. Strict dress code
Facilities: Driving Range, Putting Green, Pitching Area (with bunkers), Trolleys, Buggies, Club Hire, Pro-shop, Restaurant, Bar, Terrace cafe, Tennis courts, Swimming pool.
(01.11.2003 to 31.10.2004)
18 Holes - € 135.00 // 9 Holes - € 80.00
Handicaps: Men 27 - Women 35
Soft Spikes required

-Equipment
Golf Buggy: 18 Holes - € 60.00
Electric Trolley: 18 Holes - € 25.00
Hand Trolley: 18 Holes - € 9.00
Club Rental: Standard Clubs - € 40.00

-Lessons
Individual
30 minutes lesson - € 40.00
60 minutes lesson - € 75.00
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Royal

The 6,175 meter long Royal Golf Course has championship tees, and is a lot more difficult than the Ocean Course. This is because of its more interrupted terrain, the amount of water and sand obstacles and its generally longer holes

However the original design is by Sir Henry Cotton, but Rocky Roquemore's design trademarks are visible along the course. The US architect, very active nowadays in Portugal, has been responsible for the enlargement of the "yellow" course.

The high point of the Royal Golf Course is its famous Par 3, one of the most photographed in the world because of its unique conditions. To play this hole from the championship tee, one needs a 218 meter stroke over three spectacular cliffs to reach the green after crossing a lake. Water is also part of the game in holes 6, 16 and 17.
Course Data
Architect: Sir Henry Cotton & Rocky Roquemore
Opened: 1997
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6.050 meters
Pro: Stephen Walker
Requirements: A Handicap Certificate. Strict dress code
Facilities: Driving Range, Putting Green, Pitching Area (with bunkers),Trolleys, Buggies, Club Hire, Pro-shop, Roving Buggy Bar, Restaurant, Bar.
-Green Fees
(01.11.2003 to 31.10.2004)
18 Holes - € 150.00 // 9 Holes - € 90.00
Handicaps: Men 27 - Women 35
Soft Spikes required

-Equipment
Golf Buggy: 18 Holes - € 60.00
Electric Trolleys: 18 Holes - € 25.00
Hand Trolleys 18 Holes - € 9.00
Club Rental: Standard Clubs - € 40.00

-Lessons
Individual 30 minutes lesson - € 40.00
Individual 60 minutes lesson - € 75.00
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Pinheiros Altos

Bordering the 18,300 hectare Natural Park of Ria Formosa, which provides a habitat for many species of birds and has much interesting vegetation. Pinheiros Altos, designed by Ronald Fream. Later the course was redeveloped by Peter McEvoy and Howard Swan.

This is a highly original and distinctive course, with two sets of nine holes that possess completely opposing characteristics.

While the first nine holes are over rolling sandy underground with pine trees, the shorter second half runs through hills dotted with lakes that present the main obstacles for the golfers.

Since its inauguration in June 1992, the course has gained a reputation as the favorite pre-season practice ground for several of today's top professional golfers. They are drawn to the large practice ground which includes three putting-greens, areas for bunker, chip shots and several greens. There are also comprehensive programs of tuition for golfers of all levels. Weekly programs with individual lessons include video analysis of golfers' swings.
Course Data
Architect: Ronald Fream
Opened: 1992
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6.236 meters
Requirements: A Handicap Certificate.
Max: Men=28, Ladies=36. Strict dress code.
Facilities: Driving Range, 3 Putting Greens, 2 Pitching areas (with bunkers), Proshot Computers, Trolleys, Buggies, Caddies, Club hire, Pro-shop, Restaurants, Bars. Golf Academy fitted with the A Star 400 Series Golf Teaching System - individual or group tuition, multilingual PGA instructors.
Green Fees
(15th November to 13th February 2005)
18 Holes - € 70.00 // 9 Holes - € 35.00
(14th February to 28th February 2005)
18 Holes - € 100.00 // 9 Holes - € 50.00
(1st March to 31st of May 2005)
18 Holes - € 120.00 // 9 Holes - € 60.00
(1st June to 31st of August 2005)
18 Holes - € 70.00 // 9 Holes - € 35.00
(1st September to 30th of September 2005)
18 Holes - € 100.00 // 9 Holes - € 50.00
(1st October to 31st October 2005)
18 Holes - € 120.00 // 9 Holes - € 60.00
Handicap Requirements
Soft spikes

-Equipment
Buggy: 18 Holes - € 50.00
Golf Clubs: 18 Holes - € 25.00 // 9 Holes - € 15.00

-Driving Range
Daily Token with 50 Balls - € 5.00

-Lessons
Half Hour Lesson- € 37.50
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San Lorenzo

is superb and well frequented, designed by Joseph Lee, was recently considered one of the best golf courses in Europe and, in 1993, was voted Continental Europe's third best golf course by the magazine Golf World.
The hotel and golf club are unique when it comes to outstanding views, a calm, relaxing setting, and shows nature at its best. The golf club is a member of the Audubon Co-operative Sanctuary System.
The course features large fast greens and undulating fairways which meander through avenues of pine trees. There are some spectacular holes overlooking the sea, which border lakes abundant with wildlife.
Situated in the Quinta do Lago development and forming part of the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, a round on this course begins with an enticing but almost unachievable Par 5, before continuing to the three following holes along rolling, pine tree-fringed fairways. It is from hole number 5, however, that the most extraordinary part begins, offering wonderful views over the Atlantic Ocean. At hole number eight the course turns back inland and faces the largest of the lakes. For the next four holes the course again turns seawards and ends with the daunting 18th, with a semi-island green, is one of the best finishing holes in golf. San Lorenzo is beautifully maintained and set in an unspoilt area of natural beauty. A handicap limit of 28 for men and 36 for ladies applies. The course also has an excellent practice area.
But sadly this course is only accessible by guests of the Hotel Le Meridien Dona Filipa.
Course Data
Architect: Joseph Lee
Opened: 1988
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Length: 6,825 meters
Requirements: Current Handicap Certificate, Men: 28, Ladies: 36
Facilities: Driving-range, Chipping and Bunker practice area, putting green, Club Hire, Trolleys, Buggies, Academy, Golf Shop, Bar, Restaurant
Green Fees
(01.11.2004 to 31.10.2005)
18 Holes - € 150.00 // 9 Holes - € 75.00
Hotel Dona Filipa Guests:
18 Holes - € 60.00 // 9 Holes - € 35.00
Handicap Requirements
Soft spikes

-Equipment
Golf Buggy: 18 Holes - € 51.00 // 9 Holes - € 28.00
Electric Trolley: 18 Holes - € 21.00
Manual Trolley: 18 Holes - € 8.00
Club Rental: Callaway Clubs - € 45.00 // Normal Clubs - € 36.00

-Driving Range
Token with 24 Balls - € 4.00

-Lessons
Individual
30 minutes lesson - € 35.00
60 minutes lesson - € 60.00