Golf in Portugal May/June

PAULWATSON

Alright,

I'm looking to book a golf holiday in POrtugal for 4 nights during may/june.

Anyone know where to get a decent deal?

If people have been to the algarve golfing, what's the place like. Mad busy?

thewobbler

Go to Vilamoura. Very good golf, and you dont need hire cars or taxis.

It's nowhere near as busy as in years gone by; the recession and the euro rate have seen to that. Even in Vilamoura you might find a course to yourself - though two big touring parties on one day is all a course needs to feel jammed.

Try http://www.yourgolftravel.com/

darraghjm

A group of us go to the algarve 4 times a year to play golf. We usually book our golf with pestana golf(http://www.pestanagolf.com/home.html) they have 6 courses, I've played gramacho, vale da pinta & silves, and I'm going over next weekend and hoping to play there new course vila sol when I'm there. The course are always in good condition and are tricky enough as well.
Have a place to stay over there so we normally just book our flights with ryanair or aerlingus both fly to faro, once you book well enough in advance flights are good value, the only downside is the price of the golf clubs on the flight, ryanair charge €80 and aerlingus charge €60, but another option is renting clubs, there's a place in faro airport called clubs to hire(http://www.clubstohire.com/) that rent clubs, I used them in Feburary and it cost €45 for a week to rent a set of 13 callaway clubs and they do taylormade and md golf as well.
We usually rent a car from Hertz usually cost around €180(vw polo usually, plenty of room for 3people and 3 golf bags) for 4-5 days but loads of people offer transport for golfers algarve taxi being one of them(http://www.algarvetaxi.com), if you send them an email of where you are playing they will give you a quote for the prices.

Mr Titleist

Alot of useful information in the previous posts.........I have been to Vilamoura for the last 6 years or so and the courses that Ive played are The Old Course, Pinhal, Victoria (home of Portugal Masters) and Vila Sol......All highly recomended....(though expect to pay alot higher prices for golf in Vilamoura as compared to the rest of the Algarve,,,with the cheapest green fees starting at around 70 euro in high season....May and June should be alot cheaper with "twilight" offers also.

Vila Sol is not a new course unless they have added another course to the 27 hole layout???

Tee times golf agency I usually use and find them excellent indeed....Me and Irish Toffee going again in October and hoping to sample the Faldo and O Connor courses this time .

By the way in Vilamoura certain hotels offer a courtesy shuttle bus to and from the courses......I find it invaluable.

Any more questions just ask.

brousuka

darraghjm wrote: »

A group of us go to the algarve 4 times a year to play golf. We usually book our golf with pestana golf(http://www.pestanagolf.com/home.html) they have 6 courses, I've played gramacho, vale da pinta & silves, and I'm going over next weekend and hoping to play there new course vila sol when I'm there. The course are always in good condition and are tricky enough as well.
Have a place to stay over there so we normally just book our flights with ryanair or aerlingus both fly to faro, once you book well enough in advance flights are good value, the only downside is the price of the golf clubs on the flight, ryanair charge €80 and aerlingus charge €60, but another option is renting clubs, there's a place in faro airport called clubs to hire(http://www.clubstohire.com/) that rent clubs, I used them in Feburary and it cost €45 for a week to rent a set of 13 callaway clubs and they do taylormade and md golf as well.
We usually rent a car from Hertz usually cost around €180(vw polo usually, plenty of room for 3people and 3 golf bags) for 4-5 days but loads of people offer transport for golfers algarve taxi being one of them(http://www.algarvetaxi.com), if you send them an email of where you are playing they will give you a quote for the prices.

hi there darraghjm, I'm over there next weekend as well (thurs-mon) there are 2 golfers in our group so if you have 2 we might meet up. I'm a regular visitor there and we stay in Quinta do Lago we are playing the South course at quinta probably on Friday and will wing it after that.

darraghjm

yeah sorry, I didn't really make that very clear, Vila Sol has been around a few years alright but was taken over by Pestana Golf late last year.
brousuka, there's 3 of us heading over next week, so don't have any room.
you shouldn't have any problem getting some playing partners, 2 of us went over last summer and the courses we were playing matched us up with people for the 3rounds

sky6

Hi Paul, the best thing about the Algarve for playing golf is the weather. The other thing is The A 22 Motorway runs all along the Algarve and so all golf courses are within 5 to 10 minutes from the Motorway. I go and play there a few times a year. I know the Vilasol course very well as its where I stay when there. Its only 20 min from the Airport in Vilamoura. Its a terrific course of 27 holes although a bit pricey. The Pestana Group have taken it over since February and will do deals for playing any combination of there 7 courses during any lenght of stay, There are so many good courses that its not a problem. the real value is when you are prepared to drive a little distance. Courses to play are Quinta da ria to the east near Tavira,
Its my personal favorite and has one of the best holes I have played anywhere,
Also play Salgados in Guia. Gramacho and Pinta. Quinta de vale near the Spanish border about 40 minutes from Vilasol. it was designed by Seve with 6 par 3s. 6 par 4s and 6 par 5s. It seems to only give up a good round or a bad round. The last hole is a cracking par 4 from a Tee high up down to a lake in front of the Green.
Another nice course is Castro Marim also in the same area. A lovely but quirky course, Some narrow fairways with plenty of Trees. But because of the banking can still find your ball on the fairway.

I'm going over myself mid May for a few weeks and so if you want any more information or help just send me a PM.

heavyballs

sky6 wrote: »

Also play Salgados in Guia. Gramacho and Pinta.
.

hey,i'm going to Guia in July with the wife and 2 kids,i might rent out clubs but will only fit 1 game in
as i'm only playing 1 game i want somewhere closeby but it's got to be really good.......had a drive up to Salgados and a bit of a look around last year and it looked just ok i thought

what's your opinion...thanks

sky6

Hi, Iv'e played Salgados about 6 times. It's a course I like a lot, maybe because I always play well there. It has plenty of Water as you would imagine. The Greens are very american in style with plenty of slopes and rolls. There is one par three 165 yds approx which is Tee box, all Water, Green, It's also very Flat which is another reason why I like it. There are also some risk and reward holes which makes it a nice challenge. To answer your question Yes I think its a lovely course and I dont think you will be disappointed. The other course not to far away is Amadoria the Christy OConnor and Faldo Course. It's nice to but for me not a patch on Salgados. Enjoy your game. if you want anymore info ask away.

rafared

Was there recently. played San Lorenzo, The Royal at Vale do Lobo and Pinheros Altos. They were nice courses but the area we stayed in was expensive. I would recommend staying in Villamoura and playing the courses around there.

SEORG

Heading to Vilamoura for 6 rounds at the end of May.

Old Course & Victoria twice each, Faldo & O'Connor.

Really looking forward to it. First golf trip abroad.

PAULWATSON

Thanks for the replies fellas, currently looking into a few of the options suggested.


Another thing, is it best to take your own sticks over and avoid the hassle of renting and returning clubs?

thewobbler

Renting clubs at the airport has become easy, and cheap. Two things to factor in though:

1. How easy can you adapt to other clubs? (though it does make for a good excuse)

2. Depending on how long you're going for, you might need to put a bag in the hold anyway to carry your shoes, changes of clothes, balls, etc. I've found I can shove most of this stuff into my golf travel bag (along with a wash bag) and only need hand luggage for the rest.

I've played Salgados and it's entertaining, if not the best quality.

Penina is a great track, but not as well maintained as I expected.

If you're going with a drinking crew, I'd definitely reiterate staying in a hotel in Vilamoura that has complimentary course transfers. Saves a tremendous hassle.

Leslie91

I've been to Portugal playing golf the last few years. Up until this year we headed north and west of Lisbon. This year we went east of Faro to Tavira. There are 2 very good courses over there. Quinta da Ria and Quinta da Cima. Tavira is a lovely old fishing village with some v good resties and bars. The 4 star hotel there the Vila Gale does an all in, accomodation (B&B) and golf. If you want the lads email address to check on pricing availability etc PM me.

I got the impression many more golfers went west of Faro on arrival to the likes of Vilamoura etc. I used clubstohire.com too. Took the TM set, play TM at home so no much difference. Check the putter is OK before taking them. The putter I got was damaged. It just meant I used one of the lads putters instead.

Mr.SlumDuck

http://www.praia-del-rey.com/

Top rated course in Portugal in Golf Monthly. Serious spot, just awesome. Lots of other ones around there too

skstretch

Played few over there myself, mix of Vilamora course and quinta da logo
Old course and victoria are class in Vilamoura
L'arangal i think its called the oragne course near quita da logo is great
and if u can, its past Faro east
Monte Rei is probably one the best courses i ever played
Also enjoyed Quita south but we were asked to leave that course....!!! bit annoying ha

sky6

Leslie91 wrote: »

I've been to Portugal playing golf the last few years. Up until this year we headed north and west of Lisbon. This year we went east of Faro to Tavira. There are 2 very good courses over there. Quinta da Ria and Quinta da Cima. Tavira is a lovely old fishing village with some v good resties and bars. The 4 star hotel there the Vila Gale does an all in, accomodation (B&B) and golf. If you want the lads email address to check on pricing availability etc PM me.

I got the impression many more golfers went west of Faro on arrival to the likes of Vilamoura etc. I used clubstohire.com too. Took the TM set, play TM at home so no much difference. Check the putter is OK before taking them. The putter I got was damaged. It just meant I used one of the lads putters instead.

Yes I agree Quinta Da Ria is a lovely course and has for me one of the best holes I have played anywhere. I think its no. 12 or 13 with water on the right of the fairway of the Tee and if your long there is another lake at the end of the fairway where it turns turns 45 degrees with water all the way up on your left. if you can hit a long second then you are just about in range to go for the Green which is at the back of the lake on the top end of the lake. You can of course go the long way around staying to the Fairway. A cracking Hole.

The Royal at Vale da lobe is also one of my Favorites with that magical par 3 16th where the ocean come in between the Tee box and the Green. I've yet to get it on the Green in one. But I do agree its a bit expensive.

Having played most but not all of the courses in the algarve these would be my two favorites.
Value for money I would recommend Morgado It's in the Hills just outside portimao.
Last time I played it was 25 Euro with a buggy.

SEORG

Just a quick question to anyone who has played in the Algarve before.

Are the courses strict with the clothing?

Heading to Vilamoura on the 21st, will we get away with wearing regular cargo shorts (not the camouflage print) and socks that don't show above the shoes or do we need tailored shorts and regular socks?

Cheers.

sky6

All courses expect that you were correct clothing as a rule the more you pay to play the more they tend enforce the rules. Nothing like you just walked in off the beach is allowed. Shirts must have Sleeves and Collars. Chino or similar slacks and proper shorts.Tip bring some light rain gear with you. Check the weather forecast the day before you play. If rain is forecast bring you rain gear.
As a general rule and a local held belief if it doesn't rain before 7 or 8am it wont rain that day. Also make sure and take sun lotion every time you play.
I played in a Competition last October when you couldn't see some greens submerged in Water when we arrived for our Tee time of 9am. and yet having waited until 11am to Tee off there wasn't a sign of rain and the greens were still quite fast. I've also played when we really shouldn't have been allowed onto the course because you could hardly swing and putt with the Ice on the Tee boxes and Greens at 8am and yet by noon it was 80 degrees. So prepare and enjoy.

MiniGolf

SEORG wrote:

Just a quick question to anyone who has played in the Algarve before.

Are the courses strict with the clothing?

Heading to Vilamoura on the 21st, will we get away with wearing regular cargo shorts (not the camouflage print) and socks that don't show above the shoes or do we need tailored shorts and regular socks?

Cheers.

I knew I saw this somewhere...... http://www.benamorgolf.com/dress-code.html

I'm heading over there on wednesday

SEORG

Cheers MiniGolf, enjoy! Can't wait, 4 more sleeps!

sky6

I Couldn't open the link to Benamore. But Benamore wouldn't be considered one of the better courses. Don't be worrying to much about dress code. Like here the golf clubs are struggling for revenue, so are a little more tolerant with dress code. Just be neat and tidy no sleeveless shirts. Two more nice courses to consider are Gramacho and Pinta both owned by Pestana group. I've won on Pinta but personally I love Gramacho. I'm going over there myself tonight and playing Vilasol tomorrow. Have a Good Game and enjoy.

western red

Heading over next week, getting 4 rounds in hopefully,can't wait.
Sick of playing in this rain here..

darraghjm

Was over 2weeks and the weather was class, 24 degrees for 4 days and 28 degrees for the last day. Played Vale di pinta twice and Vila Sol twice. Was really impressed with vila sol, cracking golf course, one of the best i've played. Diffucult enough track as well off the white tees, very long as well over 7000yards. Vale di Pinta is a great track as well, not as long but some lovely holes on it.

kingshankly

hi all
heading over late October with 3 mates for a bit of golf and a lot of drinking was wondering would you be better staying in albuferia rather than villamoura for better nightlife

darraghjm

Both will be fairly quiet in late october, Vilamoura might have a few more people around, but it will still be quiet down on the marina, but Vilamoura would probably be a bit more expsensive for eating and drinking, compared to Albuferia.

brick tamland

I was in Albuferia in May ( not on a golf trip ). There are 2 main parts about 30mins walk apart. The old town, lots of nice places to eat a few good bars with a bit of live music. Or theres the Strip, think temple bar on a Saturday night. It was full of stag and hens when I was there. I belive Villamoura is more couples and golfers but ive never been.

So depends what you into really. If I was a single man I'd be hitting the strip in albuferia :-)

October wil probably be quieter though

sky6

Hi, There is plenty of nightlife in Villamoura just not as in your face, more classy
There is a Casino and a Theater with Shows. Drink is cheap. I think a pint is less than 2 Euro in the Casino. There is nightclubs and plenty of Restaurants plus the Marina. It's also more centralized, your never to far from anywhere. It also has seven Golf Courses all within 5 to 10 minutes from the Centre. For me it's Villamoura every time. If you need any help with Accomadation send me a pm I might be able to help.
Enjoy your golf.