NEARBY GOLF COURSES

The Algarve's incredibly mild climate, magnificent scenery, and gorgeous beaches have made this small area in Southern Portugal a Mecca for golfers for over three decades- time which has been spent building some of the most impressive golf courses in the world.

There are some fantastic golf courses within half an hour of our Fuseta apartment; the nearest being Colina Verde which is only 4km away. This 9 hole par 3 course is suitable for all levels and provides a great warm -up for those who want to try out some of the Algarve's toughest courses, like Jack Nicklaus' signature Monte Rei club.

  BENAMOR GOLF

Located just a few kilometres east of the ancient city of Tavira, Benamor was completed in the spring of 2000. In the nearby foothills of Barrocal, you will enjoy some of the best mountain and sea views, the Algarve has to offer. But maybe most enjoyable of all, are the peaceful surroundings of a construction-free resort. Possibly the only one on the Algarve. Sir Henry Cotton designed the golf course, and its extremely friendly staff guarantee an enjoyable golfing experience for you and your friends.

Website: www.golfbenamor.com

  MONTE REI

Monte Rei, the first of two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses – Monte Rei North – has been open since June 2007. The Monte Rei Golf Club is set in the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Algarve, with sweeping views of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the South. This par 72 Championship course measuring 6588 from the Tournament tees is a truly unique design meandering over gently rolling hills and valleys. Each hole is a design gem. From its ingenious shape and sculptured bunkers, to the impressive presentation and attention to detail, fairways and greens are bordered by several lakes, indigenous plants, native grasses and trees adding drama to the landscape, and providing golfers with unforgettable moments to cherish in the golfing masterpiece.

Website: www.monte-rei.com

QUINTA DA RIA

Quinta da Ria Golf, situated in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve has already been described by experienced golfers as the most beautiful course in the region. In fact, perched above the Ria Formosa Estuary, the views down to the sand below, the tidal waters and the ever flowing currents are quite breathtaking. This magnificent course is known for its high standard of maintenance and favourable playing conditions. Attention to detail and beautiful surroundings make Quinta da Ria one of the most popular courses in the Algarve.

Website: www.quintadariagolf.com

QUINTA DE CIMA

Eighteen holes skilfully scattered by an area of 620.000 m2, the Cima Course show themselves very competitive with dog-legs to the right and to the left and greens well protected by sand hazards and lakes, particularly holes 16, 17 and 18. A stream with dams and permanent flowing water crosses holes 4, 5, 6 and 13. The course is bordered to the north by the National Road 125 and spreads to the south, where its limits are a municipal road that leads to the Ria Course. The greens have been seeded with Bent Crenshaw. Tees and fairways are covered with Zoysia. In one of the Driving Ranges, with generous dimensions and built in the south/north direction, when hitting from the northern tees, one may appreciate a magnificent view of the mountains as well as of the Ocean. But from any part of the course, both the sea and the Algarvean mountains are a delight to anyone's eyes. On the other Driving Range, designed to practice with irons, there is the Robinson Golf Academy. It comprises 3 greens and 6 tees to the teaching of the different types of game with irons, namely how to get off a bunker to a green 120 m distant. Since there will be no real estate construction on the site, the Cima Course is indeed a paradise to those golfers who love to be always in contact with.

Website: www.quintadariagolf.com

CASTRO MARIM

Only at Castro Marim Golf and Country Club will one be able to find a rare combination of culture, nature, history, river, sea, beach, sun, sport and excellent service which is second to none. 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. On the first 18 holes you will have a breathtaking mountain, river and sea views.

Website: www.castromarimgolfe.com

QUINTA DO VALE

Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, Quinta do 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 overlooking 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.

Website: www.quintadovale.com

PARQUE DA FLORESTA

Parque da Floresta Golf and Leisure Resort is set in the stunning Western Algarve, amongst rolling hills, golden beaches, timeless fishing villages and unspoilt countryside. Bordering the Costa Vicentina Nature Reserve, luxurious villas and charming village houses surround the centrepiece of the resort – an imaginatively designed, 18-holes, par-71 golf course.

Billed as one of Europe’s most picturesque courses, the varying holes run along valleys and past eucalyptus covered ravines, flanked by olive, palm and pine trees. Recent investment has included the manicuring and re-shaping of many original holes and with no two remotely similar, the variety and appeal is endless. The course boasts superb playing conditions and provides plenty of challenges for golfers of all ability.

Website: www.parquedafloresta.com

BOAVISTA

Boavista Golf opened on 1st January 2002, the impressive 18 - Hole Championship golf course was designed by Howard Swan MSc, past president of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects. His philosophy – to create a course as if it has always been there – has been sensitively applied at Boavista, preserving, integrating and harmonising with the area’s natural terrain. The signature hole on the outward nine is the stunning par- 4, 7th hole set against a glorious backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean with exhilarating panoramic views extending from Praia da Luz round to with the hills at Monchique.

Website: www.boavistagolf.com

PALMARES GOLF

Palmares enjoys a beautiful location in the western Algarve near the historic city of Lagos, commanding magnificent views of the Lagos bay, and the distant Monchique hills. The course was designed by the famous English golf architect Frank Pennink, who made outstanding use of the unique situation, and who was able to include in his designs five links holes on the dunes close to the Atlantic beach of Meia Praia. No other course in southern Europe will offer such a challenge.

OPENS SPRING 2010!!

Website: www.palmaresgolf.com

PENINA

The first course to be built in the Algarve, completed in 1966 and designed by the late Sir Henry Cotton. The Penina is unquestionably where golf started in this southern corned of the Iberian Peninsula. Prestigious events such as the Daily Telegraph Seniors Match play event (2000/1), the National Finals of Audi Corp. together with major international and Charity competitions such as the Sir Henry Cotton Team Trophy and Sir Henry Cotton Charity Classic – in November and May respectively – together with the Portuguese Algarve Open – 1998/99/2000 and 2004 – have all been hosted at this well-known venue. The entire Resort has gained recognition by and is a member of the Audubon Co-operative Sanctuary System, dedicated to the protection of wildlife.

Website: www.peninaapartments.com/golfing

ALTO GOLF

Alto Golf was the last to be designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton. The winding fairways and elevated greens reflect Sir Henry’s golfing philosophy of providing low handicap players with a testing game and still affording plenty of enjoyment for players at average club level and providing satisfaction and inspiration for beginners. Designed along parkland lines spans across two gently sloping valleys. The back nine, set on rolling slopes, include the remarkable Henry Cotton Challenge which was once the longest Par 5 in Europe at 604 meters.

Website: www.altoclub.com

GOLFE DO MORGADO

Morgado Golf Course is one of the longest in the region. The 18-hole course is in an area that has been moderately landscaped so it fits perfectly in the surrounding countryside. Besides its length, the course also has an impressive average green size – 800m2 – lakes and a series of strategically located bunkers. These features combine to make the Morgado Golf Course a true Championship Course.

Website: www.potugalgolfe.co.uk/courses/morgado

ÁLAMOS

Located on the northern part of Morgado do Reguengo, the Álamas course is quite different from the Morgado one. We say different because this 18-hole golf course has great views over the water reservoir and the vineyard, showing visitors the peaceful Algarve interior. Together Morgado and Álamos offer a complete challenge to your golf skills – and ensure some unique experiences.

Website: www.portugalgolfe.co.uk/courses/alamos

SALGADOS GOLF

Don’t let the landscape distract your concentration. After all, despite the dazzling scenery, Herdade do Salgados Golf is much more than a pleasant sight. As a result of the many water hazards it is a course with a challenging degree of difficulty, thus making it a true test, even for experienced golfers. The course, a 6080 meters layout with numerous water hazards, requires great skill with approach shots. Accurate driving is also essential to score well, making the course a good examination, especially for low-handicap players.

Website: www.portugalvirtual.pt/_golf/algarve/glfsalgados.html

SILVES GOLF COURSE

Silves Golf is a serene spot, but the course is anything but the proverbial walk in the park. A drive at the opening hole has to flirt with two water hazards on both flanks. A heroic and straight shot will reward the player with an easy uphill approach shot. Silves encourages and rewards attacking play. A relentless test in precision, this course has no peers. The strategic masterpiece offers spectacular mountain and valley views. The severity of the bunkering is enough defence against the onslaught of the games big guns.

Website: www.pestanagolf.com

CARVOEIRO VALE DA PINTA

The Pinta Course is one of the best-designed courses in Europe. It is a Championship course with an exceptional layout designed by the famous American golf course architect Ronald Fream. Since 1992 it has earned a deserved reputation for the outstanding level of maintenance and its design. The Pinta Course was 7 consecutive times host to the European Seniors Tour Quality Final. The rolling terrain is dotted with carob, fig, almond and olive trees. A very special feature of this course is one olive tree that dates back more than 1200 years.

Website: www.pestanagolf.com

CARVOEIRO GRAMACHO

The former World No. 1, Nick Price, has teamed up with the famous golf course architect, Ronald Fream, to create a uniquely designed 19-hole course with 27 varied greens. In 2005 the Gramacho Course hosted the Portuguese Ladies Open. The design technique and the creative shaping provide a genuine challenge. The wonderful characteristics already existing on the site, from the boulder outcrops and dry stone walling to the fig, carob and olive trees, have been complemented by artfully positioned lakes and bunkers. These hazards complete the challenging but attractive course.

Website: www.pestanagolf.com

PINE CLIFFS GOLF COURSE

The fabulous Pine Cliffs Golf Course is arguably one of the finest 9-hole courses in Europe. With spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and trees lured fairways, you are guaranteed to have an exceptional day of golf. The Golf Academy offers the most up-to-date in tuition with highly trained PGA professionals, including Portugal’s female number 1 pro, ensuring your game is taken to the next level !.

Website: www.pinecliffs.com

BALAIA GOLF VILLAGE

The true test of any golf course is measured by requiring a player’s ability to control shot length and direction. This 9-hole par-3 course optimises these demands. With holes ranging from 58 metres to 160 metres, the ability to hit crisp approach shots and to pitch and putt well, are the secrets of good scoring on this very attractive and manicured course.

Website: www.balaiagolfvillage.com

OCEÂNICO MILLENIUM

Millennium Golf Course was designed by architect Martin Hawtree, and opened in May 2000. A great deal of forethought went into the planning, Millenium Golf Course is surely destined to become one of the most attractive courses built to date in Portugal. In a beautiful setting within the pinewoods and natural countryside it has a layout that offers variety and interest for the golfer.

Website: www.oceanicogolf.com

OCEÂNICO LAGUNA

Laguna Golf Course comprises holes of widely varied playing conditions, a typing trait of American designers, Joseph Lee. This applies to both opening nine holes, inaugurated in 1990, and the back nine, which were ready for play in 1993. Unlike the other Vilamoura courses, Laguna is located on relatively flat, open terrain. The basis of its modern design is its strategic placement of bunkers and water hazards, which demand accuracy of play.

Website: www.oceanicogolf.com

OCEÂNICO VICTORIA

Victoria Clube de Golfe is a championship course of 18-hole par 72 course, occupying a total area of 90 hectares and with a total distance of 6,560 meters. Every care has been taken to ensure the preservation of the existing wetlands, the typical vegetation of carob, olives and almond trees, and several lakes, occupying 13 hectares, providing mirrors of water and strategic reservoirs for watering purposes. With 5/6 tees per hole, wide and undulating fairways, extensive water obstacles and well positioned bunkers, Victoria will reward heroic and ambitious shots.

Website: www.oceanicogolf.com

OCEÂNICO OLD COURSE

The Old Course was designed by architect Frank Pennik. Opened in 1969, it was completely remodelled in 1996 when several improvements were introduced and a new clubhouse built. The course is renowned for the way the designer skilfully utilized the natural contours of the land, maintaining the native vegetation, consisting mainly of pinewoods. This is one of the courses in Portugal that will always stand out in the memory of visiting golfers.

Website: www.oceanicogolf.com

OCEÂNICO PINHAL

Pinhal was inaugurated in 1976, having originally been designed by Frank Pennink, the architect of the nearby Vilamoura Old Course. Several refinements were incorporated over the years, the most significant one by Robert Trent Jones Sr. In 1985. It is typified by rolling parkland terrain covered with numerous umbrella and Atlantic pines that line many of the fairways and a few even stand out on the fairways or near greens. Ponds and a stream come into play on the five holes but are not serious threats to above average golfers.

Website: www.oceanicogolf.com

VALE DO LOBO ROYAL

Based on original concepts by the legendary, late Sir Henry Cotton, and re-developed by respected American Golf Architect, Rocky Roquemore, the Royal and the Ocean examine a golfer’s game like few courses can. The Royal Golf Course, set amongst lakes and lush vegetation, then surprises with exhilarating sea views. A par-72 course, this superb test includes three demanding par 3 holes. One of these is the magnificent cliff-top 16th hole. Originally the 7th hole, this has a spectacular carry over the russet cliffs and is one of the most celebrated golfing images in the world. A well-known symbol of the Algarve, it is said to be the most photographed golf hole in Europe.

Website: www.valedolobo.com

VALE DO LOBO OCEAN

The Ocean golf Course, highly regarded for its breathtaking scenic beauty, is a veritable golfer’s feast. Flanked by luxurious pine and eucalyptus trees, the course’s gently undulating fairways run down to the shores of the Atlantic. Developing along the very edge of the coastline, it allows golfers to tee-off alongside some of the most incredible ocean views in the Algarve. A par-73 course, Ocean’s unique combination of links and inland golf provides an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all standards.

Website: www.valedolobo.com

QUINTA DO LAGO SOUTH

The two 18-holes courses at Quinta do Lago offer different challenges. The terrain is similar on both courses, based on sandy algarvean soil covered with pine trees, heather, broom and many beautiful wild flowers. The terrain is gently undulating and several lakes feature in the play of each course. The layouts provide a test for players of all ability levels – the sign of great golf courses.

Website: www.quintadolagogolf.com

SAN LORENZO

Designed by American golf course architect, Joseph Lee and opened in 1988, San Lorenzo occupies an exclusive and charismatic location within the prestigious Quinta do Lago Resort and Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. The course is rated among the top ten in Europe and consistently maintained to a high standard. The Golf Course lingers long in the memory of all who play it – a combination of natural beauty, pristine presentation and hole after hole of challenging golf. While much of the course meanders through typical Algarvian pinewoods, it also opens to stunning ocean vistas and distant mountain backdrops. Playing in San Lorenzo becomes a memorable experience to all levels of play, although low handicap players can enjoy it the most.

Website: www.sanlorenzogolfcourse.com

PINHEIROS ALTOS

Pinheiros Altos is an unusual course in that 18-holes are laid out in a higher, undulating terrain partially with pine-wood as well as a few artificial lakes, whereas the remaining nine are in an equally attractive lower-lying area with wetlands, containing more water hazards. Each nine is named after native trees: Pine, Olive and Cork.

Website: www.pinheirosaltos.com

VILA SOL

The magnificent Vila Sol SPA & Golf Resort, which is located in an estate of some 150 hectares, is characterised by its beautiful natural surroundings with a vast range of fauna, animal and plant life. At Vila Sol Golf you will find a fabulous 27-hole golf course designed by the famous architect Donald Steel, which stretches along a wide valley, naturally sculpted by Mother Nature and divided into three loops with three different levels of difficulty: Prime, Challenge and Prestige. Vila Sol Golf has twice played host to the Portuguese Open., in 1992 and 1993. It was honoured by the Green Globe organisation in 1996 with the Green Flag award, certification of meeting their environment requirements. In 2001 it won the prize for Best Golf Development, presented by British MP Sir Eric Pickles.

Website: www.vilasol.pt

Algarve Golf Map

1. Parque da Floresta
2. Palmares
3. Boa Vista
4. Penina
5. Morgado
6. Alto Golf
7. Vale da Pinta
8. Quinta do Gramacho
9. Vale de Milho
10. Salgados
11. Balaia Golf Village
12. Vilamoura Old Course
13. Vilamoura Pinhal
14. Vilamoura Laguna
15. Vilamoura Millennium
16. Vila Sol
17. Vale do Lobo Ocean
18. Vale do Lobo Royal
19. Quinta do Lago South
20. Quinta do Lago North
21. Pinheiros Altos
22. San Lorenzo
23. Benamor
24. Castro Marim