Algarve Golf Courses
Golf on the Algarve is truly unique and an all round unforgettable experience. The year round sun and warm climate attracts many enthusiasts from chilly Northern Europe to play in the peak season of October to May.
There are now more than 35 golf courses on the Algarve, the first being designed by the famous Sir Henry Cotton and the rest helping establish the Algarve as one of the premiere golfing destinations in Europe.
Warm playing conditions and immaculately manicured fairways and greens are to be expected, as are facilities catering to all levels of golfer whether a complete beginner or a seasoned professional.
There are many courses available, below is information on the three courses closest to Caldas de Monchique :
Situated to the north of Portimão, the course is laid out in a large 980 hectare estate through undulating small valleys. The first 9 holes are relatively flat with the back nine a complete contrast of a hilly terrain. The immediate main characteristic factor is its large greens which place demand on good putting skills. Also, the accuracy of the player's shot will be questioned by deep, aggressive bunkers.
Situated to the north of Portimão the course is laid out in a large 980 hectare estate through undulating small valleys. This course which opened in November 2005 is projected to be one of the best and most challenging courses in the Western Algarve. It is not a particularly long course but is extremely tight, especially down the valley from the 8th hole. The skill on this course is all about the putting with most of the greens a real challenge due to their unique undulations.
Penina Championship course
The Penina Championship Course is the most brilliant of Sir Henry Cotton's designs. The triple winner of the British open, later a course designer, was one of the first to recognise the Algarve's enormous potential as a golfing paradise. The quality and success of the Penina course encouraged the construction of many other courses in the Algarve. The Championship Course opened in 1966, and although totally rebuilt in 1994/95, it still maintains its original features. It is a fairly flat, wooden course, with countless bunkers, almost four hundred thousand trees, several lakes, wide greens and a vast tee area, making the course a true championship test.
Penina Resort & Academy courses
Penina also boats two nine-hole courses, also designed by Sir Henry Cotton: the Resort Course, a charming par 35 (2,987m); and the Academy Course, a short par 30 (1,851m).
The above information was kindly provided by Algarve Golf (UK) Ltd - further information and images of all courses across the Algarve is available on their website courses.Algarve-Golf.co.uk. |
