Palmares Golf

With views over the Lagos Bay and towards the distant Monchique Hills, Palmares has a stunning setting, and has an equally impressive course. Five of the holes border the sand dunes near the coastline, and have a distinct links feel, while the remainder winds through the lovely tree-lined undulations of the estate's higher ground.

Designed by Trent Jones Jr, the 6,905 yard layout is an Algarve favourite, and has a nerve-jangling opening tee shot, where golfers must stand atop the elevated tee and find the fairway of the demanding dog-leg par-4. Palmares, featuring 27 holes where all 3 loops of 9 return to the clubhouse, has spent 3 consecutive years as Best Golf Course in Portugal.

With the delights of Lagos nearby, it is no surprise that Palmares is such a favourite with regular golf holiday visitors to the popular Portuguese coastline.

Signature Hole: Hole 19, Par 4, 401 yards, SI 6

Featuring on “Golf Worlds” 100 classic golf holes, this hole is simply a masterpiece. The spectacular view from the tee overlooks the entire Southern Coast of Palmares and will almost certainly provide a sense of awe to all golfers. From the tee, a conservative approach uses the downhill slope playing straight. Shots played to the right of the fairway will make for a shortened 2nd shot, due to the nature of the contours. However, what makes this hole particularly dramatic is the possibility of a ‘risk-reward’, gained when cutting the corner of the dogleg and heading directly to the green. Although, golfers should be aware of unseen bunkers and rough surrounding the landing area between these two options. The 19th is certainly one the aggressive player will want to have a go at.

Course Information
Par	72
Designed by	Robert Trent Jones II
Opened for play	2010
Previously hosted	PGA Portugal Pro-Am (2011, 2013, 2014), PGA Portugal National Championship (2014)

Alvor Tees
White	Yellow	Red
3,666 yards	3,407 yards	2,635 yards

Lagos Tees
White	Yellow	Red
3,460 yards	3,234 yards	2,694 yards

Praia Tees
White	Yellow	Red
3,247 yards	2,978 yards	2,452 yards

Features

Golf Buggies
Pro Shop
Putting Greens
Club House
Championship Standard Course

6.0

Good

William – Reviewed 13 Nov 2022

6.0

Good

Course in poor condition

Michael – Reviewed 26 Oct 2022

8.0

Very Good

Palmares has a stunning clubhouse and great location over the sea. The course has two good nines but the best one 19-27 we were not able to play. The course has been affected by the summer drought so fairways not in as good a condition as usual. The Greens are in decent condition but do have some extreme slopes on them!. There are some cracking views, especially from the on the front nine and some well designed holes. The amount they charge for the buggies is too high, especially as they are pretty much essential with very long walks from greens to tee and they do not even have GPS. Worth playing but i think they are starting to charge a bit too much for the course as still a bit of a work in progress and a bit of a building site in places.

Michael – Reviewed 25 Oct 2022

6.0

Good

The course had suffered from the summer resulting in poor mainly brown fairways which they acknowledged on arrival with a free drink. But when we arrived for our round 12.50 for a 1.57 tee time it was chaos. 20 to 30 golfers delayed waiting for buggy’s. Palmares obviously fully booked the courses in the knowledge buggy’s would not be back in time. Started our round without buggy’s which arrived after four hours but still charged the full round cost. Having played a further 3 courses during the weekend Palmares was in the worst condition - poor experience on a course I love

Simon – Reviewed 19 Oct 2022

6.0

Good

Fairways on Palmares are disgusting. Cut grass has been there so long, it had hardened into ridges and looked like ripples of hard sand after the tide had receded! Inexcusable! The round took over 5.25 hours and marshall’s did nothing to help. Bunkers were in bad condition and greens were only average. The views were terrific but spoiled by a bad course in awful condition.

Paul – Reviewed 19 Sep 2022

Excellent

Gary – Reviewed 14 Sep 2022

8.0

Very Good

Greens and tees in good condition. Fairways suffering due to period of drought. Club house clean and well equipped with good showers and towels. Staff friendly and efficient.

Edmund – Reviewed 11 Sep 2022

Excellent

There was no information provided before our trip about the fact that buggies are not included in the price at this course. Luckily buggies were available when we arrived, but this is not guaranteed. They were not booked for us and were lucky to be able to secure the use of buggies, BUT we had to pay 45 Euros per buggy. We were not advised about this before or during our trip. This is extremely poor service. Buggies were included at Amendoeira and as we are all new to golf holidays were believed they would be included at Palmeres. We were moved from Amendoeira to Palmeres as the O'Connor course was being maintained. We are not impressed that 'Your Gold Travel' decline to refund the 90 Euros. The complaint is ongoing. We will not use the company again if this is not resolved.

Annette – Reviewed 18 Jul 2022

2.0

Poor

Lovely facility and course would be amazing if they had put any water on it for the last year. Avoid playing this course until it is in better condition. Greens were good but the fairways were like straw covered concrete. Would love to go back there when the conditions improve.

Andrew – Reviewed 3 Jul 2022

8.0

Very Good

Tough course with lightning quick challenging greens. Beautiful club house with fantastic terrace overlooking Lagos

Adam – Reviewed 2 Jul 2022

Excellent

Very nice course - we played Lagos and Alvor (9 holes each), some lovely holes but fairways are very dry due to lack of water. Price of buggies are high but needed for this course

Simon – Reviewed 30 Jun 2022

Excellent

This is at times a challenging 27 hole golf complex. Arranged around three 9 hole loops the hardest I found was the shortest 9 holes nearest the beach, with a breeze these holes can be a challenge, however if you can get of the tee and stay straight then it can be a delight to play even if you dont hit a long drive. The other 18 holes are spread around a parkland type layout with some much longer holes with wide fairways so if you are a little wider off the tee to get a bit more yardage you wont be overly punished. The greens are fantastic and some of the pin positions can really get your attention with a putter. If you dont want to spend the money on a buggy do get an electric trolley they are cheap to hire. Its a tough walk if you carry and not much better with a pull trolley.

Simon – Reviewed 24 Jun 2022

Excellent

Enjoyed the course, reception good, pace on course was good, green keepers friendly. Course testing but manageable if you kept the ball straight. Greens fast but fair.

Rory – Reviewed 20 Jun 2022

Excellent

Lovely course

Nick – Reviewed 20 Jun 2022

Excellent

Great course and great clubhouse. Very tough greens but excellent layout. The only let down was the food. The selection was limited to snacks with no option for healthier food. Eg salads

Simon – Reviewed 14 Jun 2022

8.0

Very Good

Course in good condition. Tougher than the course handicap suggests. You need to know your way around

Brian – Reviewed 10 Jun 2022

Excellent

Fantastic course, stunning views, well maintained

Gary – Reviewed 2 Jun 2022

Excellent

Fantastic 27 holes….a must play

David – Reviewed 30 May 2022

Excellent

The Alvor and Lagos loops have outstanding views throughout and are challenging. Overall, the Praia loop is less strong, although the 2 par 5s adjacent to the beach are outstanding.

Alan – Reviewed 25 May 2022

8.0

Very Good

Three 9s two rounds required to play all three. Dunes probably easier hard walking Take plenty of balls if not straight

Antony – Reviewed 11 May 2022

Excellent

Stunning track

Richard – Reviewed 4 May 2022

Excellent

Well organised. Teed off bang on time and the speed of play was good all round. Grateful we had buggies for the less fit amongst our party as lots of walking between holes. Tees and greens were superb with good lies on fairways.

Ian – Reviewed 13 Apr 2022

6.0

Good

Disappointed to not play the front nine holes but overall a very nice course

Steven – Reviewed 31 Mar 2022

Excellent

Great course, greens were excellent. We played the Alvor & Lagos loops of 9, and walked with an electric trolley.That was a mistake, it is a really hard walk take a buggy. The starter was friendly and helpful.Make sure you include this course on your next trip.

Jon – Reviewed 29 Mar 2022

Excellent

Course was in great condition, some of the views from tee boxes are stunning

David – Reviewed 14 Mar 2022

8.0

Very Good

Been many times , lots money spent on new facilities , car parking improved thankfully .Enjoyed and will return!

Mike – Reviewed 13 Mar 2022

Excellent

We really enjoyed this course. In great condition for the time of year. bar and restaurant were very good

Elizabeth – Reviewed 4 Mar 2022

8.0

Very Good

Unfortunately, we had a terrible experience here. Palmares have a new super clubhouse, but on arrival we parked the minibus in the usual carpark, and proceded to the "old clubhouse" which was barried off. There were no signs to point us in the direction of the new clubhouse. I asked 3 workmen where it was as it was not visible. None spoke English and I do not speak Portugese. Eventually, we found it. All our issues major emenated from poor organisation relating to buggies. At the time we played there were simply a shortage of buggies. I was asked to return to the reception 6 minutes before our Tee off time , which I did. There were still no buggies and the person next to me had already missed his Tee off time and he was still awaiting buggies. When we eventually got the buggies, golfers were knitting in from another 9 and delays on every tee were inevitable. Our Tee time was 14.06 and after 5 hours 45 minutes were were still on the 17th and darkness fell so we could not complete our round. At one par 5 hole there were 4 sets of 4 balls on the same hole. We have decided not to return and have already booked an alternative for our next visit.

Bill – Reviewed 24 Oct 2021

Excellent

Enjoyed two rounds of golf on excellent courses. Although hard for us they were very enjoyable to play and look amazing. Definitely to be recommended.

Kevin – Reviewed 17 Oct 2021

8.0

Very Good

Played 10 to 18 and 1 to 9 again no problem with buggies and a non starter as far as walking goes. A little pricey at £90 but that seems the going rate in European Holiday destinations. Magnificent new Clubhouse and views on the course.

Kevin – Reviewed 5 Oct 2021

Excellent

Will – Reviewed 26 Aug 2021

Excellent

Really welcoming staff. The course as ever was beautiful.

Jayne – Reviewed 27 Sep 2020

8.0

Very Good

Great really enjoyed it . Staff on golf desk could be more helpful and friendly.

Patrick – Reviewed 18 Mar 2020

Excellent

Golf was good the weather was great its just a fantastic golf setting.Buggies required

Steve – Reviewed 11 Mar 2020

Excellent

Great course to play. the Lagos course was shut so played Praiha and Alvor twice. But a must play course

Kevin – Reviewed 5 Dec 2019

8.0

Very Good

thoroughly enjoyed our 4 rounds here but since, you mostly have to play with another couple, it would be appreciated if you could be matched with same handicap players - this didn't happen on our last round which made it extremely slow..,.

Di – Reviewed 17 Nov 2019

Excellent

Teed off at 2 01 and got dark going up 18 due to the clocks changed the night before

Ian – Reviewed 4 Nov 2019

8.0

Very Good

One slow round members in front, a must play if in area the new club house opening 2020 look top quality.

Robert – Reviewed 20 Oct 2019

8.0

Very Good

5.5 hours to get round - lovely course, lovely layout and views (especially as the sun set)

Matt – Reviewed 14 Oct 2019

6.0

Good

An over booked 27 hole course where they appear to be opting for maximum income. We had booked 6 months in advance, but were still ‘double booked’ and were asked to feed in on the 3rd 9 which is very different to the original 18 holes. 19-27 were not as well tended and less pleasing to play. Our lower handicapped players (scratch, 1 and 4) felt penalised too often for minor discretions, the rest of us just found it very hard. A disappointing experience for the money.

Sterling – Reviewed 14 Oct 2019

Excellent

A beautiful course set in a country club complex that provides stunning views of the Lagos Bay area. In very good condition with greens that were true and in good condition. The clubhouse was basic but adequate, although a new clubhouse is being built along with an hotel and several villas and apartments over the next few years.

Bob – Reviewed 11 Oct 2019

6.0

Good

Andrew – Reviewed 8 Oct 2019

Excellent

Louis – Reviewed 27 Sep 2019

8.0

Very Good

good

Neil – Reviewed 5 Jul 2019

Excellent

Fantastic 3 nines......a good challenge enjoyed by all.

David – Reviewed 14 Jun 2019

Excellent

Palamares is the best in west Algarve, 27 great holes, challenging but fair, good condition overall though some work going on to edges but not impacting play, great views. New clubhouse being built for completion 2021 so temporary digs for now which are basic but adequate. Will be amazing once clubhouse complete. Would return anytime.

David – Reviewed 5 Jun 2019

8.0

Very Good

Really nice course. Only marked down because there was a bit of work underway on and around the course. We played 1- 18 of 27 holes. The other 9 were the the coastal 9 which would have been nice to play and our impression was that you play what you are allocated. The clubhouse was ok, but you can go to the hotel (buggies are standard) which was excellent with amazing views. Great practice facilities.

John – Reviewed 4 Jun 2019

6.0

Good

poor clubhouse course rough round edges of bunkers

Dave – Reviewed 23 May 2019

6.0

Good

Andy – Reviewed 21 May 2019

6.0

Good

SIX hours! They have three 9s and really poor organisation. First nine was slow and we waited on most shots. After 9 as we got to the 10th there were 5/6 groups ahead of us waiting to tee off, we sat and waited and waited and waited. Obviously people were coming from hole 9 and hole 27, whose idea was that? Eventually we got to play the back 9 so overall it took SIX hours! The course has a lot of potential but isn’t well maintained compared to the Quinta courses. Lots of scruffy areas and greens only average, if they got their act together it could be very good but they need to work harder and get organised.

John – Reviewed 15 May 2019

8.0

Very Good

Stuart – Reviewed 14 Apr 2019

8.0

Very Good

Stuart – Reviewed 14 Apr 2019

8.0

Very Good

Terrence – Reviewed 5 Apr 2019

8.0

Very Good

Mick – Reviewed 31 Mar 2019

8.0

Very Good

We were in a temporary clubhouse which, whilst understandable, was a little disappointing as the view from the big terrace is so stunning. But, competent and friendly staff, a slick operation.

John – Reviewed 10 Mar 2019

8.0

Very Good

Good day , got parked in the car park for once !! “New” club house arguably better than the original. Staff very good . Again, I WILL par that 18th one day. Will only go there next year if we can play the links 9 holes, keep asking but never put on there

Mike – Reviewed 9 Mar 2019

8.0

Very Good

We really enjoyed playing Palmares and it is in beautiful condition. The rounds were slow- between 4.5 hours and 5 hours. The clubhouse and shop don't match the course but are about to be replaced. Challenging with fantastic views.

Liz – Reviewed 15 Nov 2018

Excellent

Nice course, really enjoyed.

Phil – Reviewed 21 Oct 2018

8.0

Very Good

Please book for an early tee time; teeing off later means a very slow start; only played the first two holes in hour. No matter the staff explanations- not acceptable. Taking that into account we rated the course, excellent we fanastic views and holes. We will go back but start early start time.

Brian – Reviewed 17 Oct 2018

8.0

Very Good

Our send and third rounds at Palmares. Holes 1 - 18 are more parkland style and in my opinion are the best and most testing, with some holes of 19 - 27 being along the sea.

Nick – Reviewed 14 Oct 2018

Excellent

Very enjoyable, good condition, views amazing.

John – Reviewed 14 Oct 2018

8.0

Very Good

A beautiful course with some fantastic views along the coast line and a great way to end a golfing holiday. Not overly difficult but enough challenges to keep most people happy. Our group went out early so were able to get buggies. Players arriving later couldn't! Very friendly staff and the only reason it doesn't get a higher rating is that the clubhouse is quite basic and on course loos are clean but portaloos!

Lorraine – Reviewed 9 Oct 2018

Excellent

Best by far they need more buggies also but they tried their best

Joe – Reviewed 8 Oct 2018

8.0

Very Good

A top golf course in good condition, a lot of players use the course, but turn around is well managed well by the staff

Kevin – Reviewed 7 Oct 2018

8.0

Very Good

Played all 27 holes , Preferred holes 1-18 .Links loop (19-27)more difficult,particularly for higher handicappers and could do with more clear signage . Course facilities,catering ,roadways etc still in development stages but exceptional potential when complete. Panoramic views of coastline and surrounding countryside. Overall, excellent experience.

Maurice – Reviewed 7 Oct 2018

Excellent

Very good

Giovanni – Reviewed 6 Oct 2018

6.0

Good

The course was like a building site as they make changes . The bunkers were horrendous not trimmed next to no sand and full of weeds . Also the bus transfer there was late and we were therefor rushed of the tee.

Geoff – Reviewed 21 Sep 2018

6.0

Good

<b>Favourite holes - </b>back nine as it is easier than the front. <div><br></div><div><b>My caddy tip - </b>"Expect long waits on each tee - very busy course."<br></div><div><br></div><div><span><b>Stableford score - </b>28 or less<br></span></div><div><br></div><div><span><b>Handicap - </b>16<br></span></div>

Roland – Reviewed 26 Jan 2017

8.0

Very Good

<b>Favourite holes - </b>5th 9th 13th 17th holes.<div><br></div><div><b>My caddy tip - </b>"the greens will hold the ball".<br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Stableford score - </b>32<br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Handicap - </b>12<br></div>

John – Reviewed 26 Jan 2017

8.0

Very Good

<span><p>Favourite Holes - 1 and 18.</p><p>My caddy tip - "Enjoy the quality experience of playing this golf course"</p><p>Stableford score - 33</p><div><br></div></span>

Ian – Reviewed 26 Jan 2017

8.0

Very Good

It was great. The golf course was in great condition & I couldn't fault it at all. I would say a buggy is essential and there were no drinks carts which would've improved the experience.<br>

Jason – Reviewed 23 Jun 2015

8.0

Very Good

Great course, good lay out, good condition, beautiful views and definitely would play it again. Make sure you book a buggy

Alistair – Reviewed 8 Jun 2015

Excellent

We played Palmares on two occasions playing a mixture of the three different 9's, the course was in fantastic condition with the greens immaculate a good challenge for any golfer.

Ian – Reviewed 24 Nov 2014

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Palmares Golf

Palmares Golf

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Palmares Golf

Course Information

Alvor Tees

Lagos Tees

Praia Tees

Features

Palmares Golf

Palmares Golf

Top Offers at Palmares Golf

Create your own holiday

Palmares Golf

Course Information

Alvor Tees

Lagos Tees

Praia Tees

Features

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