The Algarve – is this the best golf holiday destination?

Since the advent of Penina Resort as the original golf holiday destination, the Algarve has become one of Europe’s, if not the World’s, top golf holiday destinations. Drawing golfers from across the globe must take some doing so I very reluctantly (;-)) packed my clubs and headed for the warm shores of Southern Portugal to see what the Algarve had to offer for my next golfing holiday.

Having taken advantage of Aer Lingus’ promotion in conjunction with Your Golf Travel for complimentary club carriage for flights out of London Gatwick I felt like I’d got a bit of a deal. After my early morning flight I found myself at Faro airport pleasantly surprised by the 23 degrees heat in November and set off in search of San Lorenzo Golf Course for the first round of my holiday.

San Lorenzo (pictured above left), is one of the Algarve’s most sought after golf courses. Its exclusivity ensures that members and residents of Formosa Park and Dona Filipa (both part of the JJW Hotels group) can experience a golf course that is one of the most impressive in the area. The course itself is superb, with stunning vistas and a great design make this a must play when playing in the Algarve. Some of my favourite holes are located down by the sea and sea on the 5th, 6th and 7th which require deadly accurate approaches to avoid losing a ball in the rather large water hazard. I will however say that my favourite hole is actually not necessarily the most visually impressive but actually the difficulty of it, the par-three 16th hole measures in excess of 200 yards and is a real test for anyone. Whether it’s a long iron or wood that is needed to hit the green, accuracy is key with a number of bunkers surrounding the green and also a large slope to navigate in front. In short, those walking away with a par on this hole will be more than happy with that score.

After departing San Lorenzo safe in the knowledge that my golfing friends in the UK would be experiencing something far worse in terms of weather and golf course, I headed off to our accommodation, the fantastic CS Sao Rafael Atlantic Hotel. This new brand new hotel is a luxury offering from the CS Hotels group which is quickly making its mark on the Algarve golf tourism industry. Following the stand out success of the five-star CS Sao Rafael Suite Hotel, this was quickly followed by CS Vila Lagoas which offers a self catering option in the shape of one, two and three-bedroom apartments located adjacent to Salgados Golf Course. Alongside these hotels, the CS Hotels group also owns no less than three golf courses, in the aforementioned Salgados Golf, Morgado Golf Course and Alamos Golf Course. Each of these courses offers a very different test for any golfers wishing to pit their wits on these. Salgados Golf Course is one which tests a players accuracy with water coming into play on no less than 17 out of the 18 holes. Having lost several balls around that course, I decided this time to play Morgado golf course, located just North of Portimao and approximately a 25 minute drive from the CS Sao Rafael Atlantic Hotel.

The course itself is relatively new but is something quite different from your normal offering in the Algarve. Both Morgado and Alamos are located on the same site, sharing the same clubhouse, and are fortunate to spread themselves over many acres of changing landscapes from Orange and Olive groves to undulating mountains and creeks. If you are ever worried about hooking a shot into a villa this is the place for you! Each hole is individually created with no two the same and most importantly for the villa hitters amongst us there are no properties aligning the fairway for us to worry about hitting. This gives the courses a very peaceful feel with no traffic noise and nothing other than fairway and bunkers to put you off your game. The course itself is a tough offering from the back tees, measuring in excess of 7,000 yards. This definitely separates the men from the boys, the hungover from the not so hungover and so on and so on. The front nine is a flatter offering, with bunkers strategically placed on almost every drive. Both par-threes are absolute bruts with long irons or woods needed to get anywhere near the green.

The back nine is a vast contrast, the tenth hole is a long par five meandering up a hill where I’m sure even John Daly would struggle to threaten the green in two. This is the start of some great holes, ranging from some ‘temptable’ (this isn’t really a word but felt it encompassed what I meant to say in they were tempting to try and drive but in reality I’m not good enough to do so!) par-fours. With views across the Algarve countryside this is a great place to enjoy your holiday and really get a sense of perspective that although you are less than three hours from the UK, you are enjoying some great weather, golf courses and all the other bits and bobs that go with a golf holiday! Another hole of note would be the rather tricky par-three 17th which is a long hit with a three-wood or similar set down a hill and littered with bunkers. In short this is a great resort course and well worth a play.

My final round takes me to the multiple Portuguese Open venue, Quinta do Lago South. Before I start I should probably come clean and tell you I am a little bit biased for anything to do with Quinta do Lago. I have been fortunate in my golfing travels to experience a few different courses but can safely say that Quinta do Lago South ranks up there amongst the very highest. Encased by umbrella pines, I think this course offers something that should satisfy almost every golfer fortunate enough to stride along its perfectly manicured fairways. I think the two closing holes on the back nine are two of the finest in the Algarve. The par-five 2nd and 17th holes are superb three shotters, with the green set amongst mature pine trees that almost gives a feel of Augusta National (probably quite a loose comparison).

Anyone looking for their next golf holiday should seriously consider the Algarve. Even if you have been to there for many years, the advent of new courses such as Monte Rei in the Eastern Algarve as well as the Victoria, Faldo and O’Connor courses in recent years ensure that anyone travelling to this area will be more than catered for with a host of different championship courses, sure to test every facet of your golfing armoury. This combined with an amiable climate, great cuisine and Superbock beer make this a real golfing heavyweight.

For more Algarve Golf Holidays, visit Your Golf Travel.com for a host of options starting from just £185 per person.