Few courses can lay claim to such illustrious names as Royal and Ocean, but lying upon a stunning stretch of Algarve coastline are two of Europe’s best golf courses which more than justify their titles. With both courses framed by impressive vistas and dream villas, it’s easy to see why so many select Vale do Lobo for their golf holidays every year, we take a look at this 36 hole resort and the golfing test which it presents.
The challenges offered by both courses are different and varied and ensure that the full extent of your golfing repertoire is tested. The Ocean Course starts with one of the toughest holes within the 36 holes on offer at Vale do Lobo, this sweeping par-4 dog legs around established umbrella pines towards a small green which is protected by a cavernous bunker which sits across the left half of the green. The following four holes allow the elements to affect your ball with little protection from the umbrella pines, which needless to say resulted in my game recording some scores more akin to cricket than golf. The par-5 3rd hole is protected not only by length but also by a large lake which is ready to collect any shots which fall short of the putting surface, even with a following wind reaching this hole in under regulation is a formidable test which only the very best will achieve.
The first short hole of the Ocean Course is found on the 4th which if playing into the wind will test the longest club they have in their bag to reach the putting surface on the 217 yard hole. While the par-5 5th does allow a viable birdie opportunity, with water guarding the right hand side and bunkers protecting the left this hole requires both accuracy and length to entertain the notion of breaking old man par. With the next few holes that you return to the trademark umbrella pines but it is the par-4 9th which rises back towards the impressive clubhouse that you are reminded about the visual treats which are so important at Vale do Lobo. The drive takes you towards the corner of the dog leg, protected at the knee by a lake, which then turns towards the elevated green which is home to one of the most inviting water hazards you’ll ever play, a cascading waterfall which awaits any pulled shot.
After a quick stop at the sumptuous clubhouse you are then treated to another tree-lined drive at the downhill par-5 10th hole. Despite not being protected by length the hole brings a great risk and reward element with deep bunkers and a lake stretching across the fairway coming into play for the approach shot to the green. It is in the next 5 holes where the course comes alive to its namesake, with stunning coastal holes and views which are guaranteed to not only distract you but also your golf ball as I found out to my peril as my golf ball landed on the beach to the left of the par-3 15th green. The finishing hole is a great par-5, although fairly short in length, the uphill approach surrounded by an impressive bank of seats in a stand which inspires you to produce a grandstand finish regardless of your golfing ability.
The Royal Golf Course at Vale do Lobo is home to one of the most photographed holes in golf, the par-3 16th hole at Vale do Lobo rightly sits high on any top 10 holes in golf lists. The course, however, is far from a one-trick pony and offers a great variety of holes to enjoy as well as an excellent test of golf. A key skill in scoring well around the Royal is in accurate driving, with strategically placed bunkers and tree-lined fairways off line shots are punished time and time again. While the front nine does offer some scoring opportunities with two reachable par-5’s in the 1st and 5th holes, this is balanced by numerous water hazards which are sure to scupper any hopes of beating old man par.
The back nine is a tough proposition that is protected by bunkers, undulations and water thus ensuring a player playing to their handicap has been tested to the full extent of their golfing repertoire. The course offers a great birdie opportunity in the short 15th hole but are then hit straight back with the formidable test which is the par-3 16th. Measuring more than 230 yards from the back tees, golfers are expected to find a distant green that is protected by a sheer cliff edge as well as a bunker which covers the front left half of the putting surface. Needless to say this is an all of nothing shot. For most who play this hole, the green will offer as equal a possibility as the beach located below it. Regardless if you walk off with a score of 2 or 22, you’ll remember this hole for years to come and more than justifies its great reputation.
Whether you are travelling to Vale do Lobo for the first time or an Algarve golfing veteran, the test that this 36 hole resort offers is something that will stick in your golfing memory. The varied layouts are combined perfectly with playability and atmosphere that allows a relaxing yet exclusive base for a round of golf.
For more information on Vale do Lobo Golf Holidays simply visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644
One of my favourite courses in The Algarve, suitable for all handicaps and some cracking views on both the Royal and the Ocean.