What are you going to think when you hear Algarve? Nice weather? Nice hotels? Nice beaches? Everything nice, yes? Not the golf courses though. The golf courses go way beyond nice. The golf courses in the Algarve make it one of the most sought after destinations, and not just in Europe, in the world. Here are four belters for you to consider.
1. Vilamoura - The Old Course.
There is a revered golf course designer and he goes by the name of Frank. Or Frank Pennink to be precise. It was his ambition to make a course that was both brilliantly beautiful, and consistently challenging. The result? Vilamoura's old course, of course. It is a really fun and picturesque course, although not really one for the novices. It has a parkland layout, and a lot of people describe it as the Grande Dame of Algarve courses. It is actually one of the oldest courses in the civilised world, and it has the privilege of being featured in the Golf Digest, top 100 golf courses, which is nice.
2. Quinta da Ria/ Quinta da Cima
If you want to look at a really excellent view whilst you are boxing, then you are likely to really enjoy this course. The Quinta da Rio complex is the home of two, yes two high standard, 18-hole golf courses. They are both beyond compare, and they were both designed by a fellow named William Roquemore. There is the 72 par Quinta da Ria, that is made up of two loops of nine holes. The greens are amazing, and pose a challenge for even the most proficient of putters. This course overall though, is more suitable for the beginner/intermediate player, than its sister course, the 72-par Quinta da Cima. This course was finished in 2002, and is a real challenge. It is recognised as the regions most popular championship. It is the slightly longer of the two courses, and is also the more challenging. It is awash with dogs legs, as well as having water hazards and sand traps pretty much everywhere. You will have to have your shooting boots on if you want to get around this course with a decent score, or you can kiss goodbye to that single figure handicap, mate! These two courses really do complement each other, by way of offering golf to a variety of different skill levels. They were given a shout out in the Peugeot golf guide of 2004-2005, and both scored really highly. According to the guide, Quinta da Cima is no.1 and Quinta da Ria is no.2.
3. Penina Championship Course.
What a blinking stunner! It is the eldest golf course in the Algarve, I'll have you know, so show a little respect! Good old Henry Cotton went all guns blazing with his golfing vision in this one. The Portuguese open has been held here on quite a number of occasions. It is built on relatively flat land, and has loads of really long holes. There are loads of trees, bunkers and water hazards, so watch out! The greens are big too, so just because your on one, don't think your on for par, matey! Certainly not. This really is a great championship course.
4. Alto Golf and Country Club.
Not just a golf course. As well as being able to swing your arms off, this location also offers the spoils of a magnificent country club. There are vies of gardens that are borderline Elysian. It is another Henry Cotton effort, and it has a typical layout to try and offer a little something for various skill levels. This was the great mans philosophy, you see? If you play the first nine holes they you are going to be able to see views over the bay of Lagos, which is about as nice as a view can get, really. This is where you will find the Henry Cotton challenge, which is a whomping 604 metre par 5. Get your 460 round that! You're going to need three shots to reach the green. All of them accurate enough to steer you clear of the expanse of drink. It is a unique course because it offers a really enjoyable game for people of all skill levels.
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