Location
Golf Courses
Monte Rei
Yards: 7197 Par: 72
Situated in the unspoiled Eastern Algarve region on the southern coast of Portugal, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club –a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Court – in over 1,000 acres of countryside it is sure to become one of the premier golf resorts in Europe. The course itself it unusual in that it has five par-5 and five par-3 holes, built around five lakes and, because of this, it is longer that 7197 yards.
Naturally, in addition to all of this, there is a world class driving range with extensive practice facilities. All green fee rates at Monte Rei are inclusive of shared golf cart, bottled waters, course guide, and complimentary access to the facilities prior to play with Callaway balls and a personalized engraved bag tag.
Qiuinta do Vale
Yards: 7119 Par: 72
Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, Quinta de Vale Golf Resort features an 18-hole Championship layout including 6 Par-5’s, 6 Par-4’s and 6 Par-3’s. Marvellously integrated in the landscape and with a luxurious view over the Guadiana River, the course sits into a natural valley always overlooked from the Clubhouse. At Quinta do Vale, players will notice Seve’s creativity as well as his promise: To please everyone no matter what their handicap is. Numerous dogleg holes, wide fairways and obstacles enhance the course quality and its breath-taking surroundings…the challenge waits at Quinta do Vale Golf Resort.
Benamor Golf Club
Yards: 6017 Par: 71
Located about 30 minutes east of Faro, close to Tavira, this layout opened in May 2000 and is very popular. The course was adapted from Henry Cotton’s original concept and offers an interesting challenge amid peaceful surroundings. Cork oaks, water and contoured greens feature prominently and it is well worth the drive.
Castro Marim Atlantic
Yards: 6010 Par: 72
Opened in March 2000, and the first phase of a luxury resort, Castro Marim brings further weight to the impressive golf portfolio east of Faro. The layout demands accurate play and has stunning mountain, river and sea views. The challenging aspects of the course, whilst providing interest to the expert, are also a test to the ability of the average handicap golfer and yet remain pleasurable to both.
Quinta da Ria
Yards: 6517 Par: 72
This splendid new course is located 6 kms east of Tavira and opened in 2001. The first of two 18-hole golf course (see Quinta de Cima below) extends itself in a spectacular location on the coast of the eastern Algrave, known locally as “Sotavento”. Quinta de Ria, situated in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, has already been described by experienced golfers as the most breath taking gold course in the region. In fact, there will be no houses, villas, apartments to distract you from your game: just you and nature.
Quinta da Cima
Yards: 6950 Par: 72
Sister course to Quinta da Ria (see above), this layout opened for play in the summer of 2002 and is another of excellent quality. Set among olive groves it is a tougher test of golf than Quinta da Ria with very tricky greens.
Costa Esuri
Yards: 6670 Par: 72
The West course is well worth playing and the greens are in excellent condition and the course overall is quite interesting. The front nine runs back and forth alongside the Guadiana River (the border between Eastern Algarve & Spain) and offers some great views. It has a very “links like” feel to it. The back nine is more inland and a little more traditional with more water features to challenge every level of golfer.
Stroke index 1 is currently the Par 3 12th, a fairly long (169 meters from the yellow) carry across water. An enjoyable course.
Isla Canela
Yards: 6833 Par: 72
Isla Canela is a relatively flat, open course but do not take it lightly. Water comes into play on no fewer than 10 holes and straying from the fairway leads to big trouble so accurate play is required. Good clubhouse.
Islantilla
Yards: 1-9: 3187, 10-18: 3125, 19-27: 3323 Par: 35, 36, 36
El Rompido Gold Club opened mid-2003 to fantastic reviews throughout Europe. The original El Rompido South Course is more challenging and beautiful course, and with the recent addition of the fabulous El Rompido North Course the reputation of this superb facility can only grow. The El Rompido Gold Club South Course hosted the 2004 & 2005 final of the national Daily Mail Fourcomes, and is hotly tipped to host many more national and international tournaments in coming years.
The El Rompdio South Course itself sprawls across an intriguing mix of parkland and marshland and offers some amazing views – the walk from the 8th and 9th tee takes you across a 650ft pontoon right across the protected marshland where you can see freshwater crabs and an abundance of bird life.
Winding through the protected salt marsh area the El Rompido – North Course is a superbly designed test of gold. With a varied range of hole styles the course has a test in store for players of all standards/ the front nine features a run of holes with very tight drives – a typical “risk and review” opening 9; while the back 9 is shorter, but demands greater accuracy from the fairway into smaller target greens which are of a consistently high standard.
Nuevo Portil
Yards: 5988 Par: 71
Located in an area with natural vegetation, mainly populated with pine, running along the sea to the south. This sandy field with its mild features includes a great variety of sceneries with even areas and gentle slopes, perfect for a round of golf. White the course’s smart technical design is suitable for international championships; golfers of every level will find the course enjoyable.
Bellavista
Yards: 6276 Par: 70
Few visitors to southern Spain realise that this area with first visited and colonised by the British well over 100 years ago. Attracted by the mineral resources at the Rid Tinto mines north of Huelva many Britons, particularly Scots, came to find wealth and a new life. With them they brought their two main sporting passions – golf and football. From the sporting interests and enthusiasm of these British pioneers the oldest gold club in Spain, Bellavista (1916), and the oldest football club, Huelva FC, were established.
The result of the early development at Bellavista Golf Course is a course and club that is more traditional than the usual Spain offering.
This is true members club in the British style. More undulating than many in the coastal area, the course is a challenge for most golfers that belies its par of just 70. With a number of long par 5’s and also some lengthy par 4’s, just to reach the fantastically manicured greens in regulation will be an achievement for many.
Just to say that you have played at the oldest course in the country which has become the biggest golf destination in Europe should be enough for most true golfers.
Dunas De Donana
Yards: 6425 Par: 71
Located in the heart of the Donana National Park, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A true test of golf with many different kinds of hazards including its famed island green.