Golf trip advice... Spain or Portugal

bobwilliams

Hi all,
Looking for a stear here.
Firstly the 8 lads going are all decent golfers but wouldn't have huge wallets.
The options I'm looking at is the Algarve, south of Spain or Girona (pga catalunya)
The likes of Valderama is a bit steep so looking for a 4 or 5 day trip with 3 or 4 rounds.
Many thanks in advance.
I've read some of the Portugal Algarve courses are not great for the fees demanded.
We're planning next September.

thewobbler

bobwilliams wrote: »

Hi all,
Looking for a stear here.
Firstly the 8 lads going are all decent golfers but wouldn't have huge wallets.
The options I'm looking at is the Algarve, south of Spain or Girona (pga catalunya)
The likes of Valderama is a bit steep so looking for a 4 or 5 day trip with 3 or 4 rounds.
Many thanks in advance.
I've read some of the Portugal Algarve courses are not great for the fees demanded.
We're planning next September.

If you’re comparing rates with Ireland then you’ll struggle to find “value” in most of Spain or Portugal. Our mid-tier courses which can be found €20 for a midweek round, even in peak season, is some of the best value in the world of golf. I’m up on 25-30 golf courses in Spain / Portugal now, almost all at €100+ including buggy, and the only ones that would definitely make top 20 in Ulster are Quinta Do Lago South and Morgado. Even some of the premier names like Vilamoura Old and Vale Do Lobo Royal, while perfectly good and enjoyable golf courses, just didn’t agree with me in the same way that Irish courses do.

Drop GolfBreaks or YGT an email with your requirements. It is possible to sort out your own breaks marginally cheaper than these operators, but only if you put serious effort in.

If you’re not overly bothered about nightlife then Amondeira in Algarve (Faldo and O’Connor) will usually have a hell of a deal, as will La Cala (Costa Del Sol). We got a great deal a few years ago in Formosa Park (Algarve) too but it was just a little too far out for my group of functioning alcoholics. You should probably have a look at flights to Lisbon too; packages you there are much better value, but there’s just not as many convenient flights.

Fatswaldo

Our group have been traveling to Spain & Portugal in October/early November for the last 10 years or so. My personal preference is Portugal, Lisbon area. Lots of decent deals to be had through golf tour agents. They tend to have deals done with the golf clubs, hotels and transport companies. It can cut costs, even to use the agent for golf and transport. We have tried to book independently in the past - hotels no issue but difficult to get anything from the golf clubs. Golf in these countries is expensive - €80 for a mediocre course is a common quote.

bobwilliams

thewobbler wrote: »

If you’re comparing rates with Ireland then you’ll struggle to find “value” in most of Spain or Portugal. Our mid-tier courses which can be found €20 for a midweek round, even in peak season, is some of the best value in the world of golf. I’m up on 25-30 golf courses in Spain / Portugal now, almost all at €100+ including buggy, and the only ones that would definitely make top 20 in Ulster are Quinta Do Lago South and Morgado. Even some of the premier names like Vilamoura Old and Vale Do Lobo Royal, while perfectly good and enjoyable golf courses, just didn’t agree with me in the same way that Irish courses do.

Drop GolfBreaks or YGT an email with your requirements. It is possible to sort out your own breaks marginally cheaper than these operators, but only if you put serious effort in.

If you’re not overly bothered about nightlife then Amondeira in Algarve (Faldo and O’Connor) will usually have a hell of a deal, as will La Cala (Costa Del Sol). We got a great deal a few years ago in Formosa Park (Algarve) too but it was just a little too far out for my group of functioning alcoholics. You should probably have a look at flights to Lisbon too; packages you there are much better value, but there’s just not as many convenient flights.

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.

bobwilliams

Fatswaldo wrote: »

Our group have been traveling to Spain & Portugal in October/early November for the last 10 years or so. My personal preference is Portugal, Lisbon area. Lots of decent deals to be had through golf tour agents. They tend to have deals done with the golf clubs, hotels and transport companies. It can cut costs, even to use the agent for golf and transport. We have tried to book independently in the past - hotels no issue but difficult to get anything from the golf clubs. Golf in these countries is expensive - €80 for a mediocre course is a common quote.

Cheers, I had looked at that as an option, Oitaivos Dunes and West Cliffs I think we're the 2 I was looking at, cheers.

Colonel_McCoy

Portugal is dear, if you were going next year you may struggle for tee times

prawnsambo

Fatswaldo wrote: »

Our group have been traveling to Spain & Portugal in October/early November for the last 10 years or so. My personal preference is Portugal, Lisbon area. Lots of decent deals to be had through golf tour agents. They tend to have deals done with the golf clubs, hotels and transport companies. It can cut costs, even to use the agent for golf and transport. We have tried to book independently in the past - hotels no issue but difficult to get anything from the golf clubs. Golf in these countries is expensive - €80 for a mediocre course is a common quote.

I'd also recommend the Lisbon area. Specifically the Silver Coast. Praia del Rey is a lovely course and reasonably priced at around the €50 mark. You may get better deals on teetimes.pt as well. Around the area is Royal Obidos (designed by Seve) and Bom Socesso which is also very reasonable and a decent course too. My advice is to book a house or two for the duration rather than hotels as you'll get better rates. A quick search on homeaway.co.uk turned up plenty that sleep 8 or more for between £1200 and £2000 a week.

bobwilliams

Colonel_McCoy wrote: »

Portugal is dear, if you were going next year you may struggle for tee times

Jesus already, madness

prawnsambo

Just looked up prices for September next year on teetimes.pt for the three courses I mentioned. Praia del Rey is €49, Bom Socesso is €54 and Royal Obidos is €60. But Royal Obidos is cosed from the 7th to the 20th September as it's hosting the Portugal Open. I've walked Praia del Rey and it's no problem. Bom Socesso is probably better with a buggy and Royal Obidos can be walked easily enough too.

Kevin Markham did a tour of the area about this time last year and he tweeted extensively on the experience. Here's one of them, if you click through, you'll see the rest of his reviews and excellent photographs.

bobwilliams

prawnsambo wrote: »

Just looked up prices for September next year on teetimes.pt for the three courses I mentioned. Praia del Rey is €49, Bom Socesso is €54 and Royal Obidos is €60. But Royal Obidos is cosed from the 7th to the 20th September as it's hosting the Portugal Open. I've walked Praia del Rey and it's no problem. Bom Socesso is probably better with a buggy and Royal Obidos can be walked easily enough too.

Kevin Markham did a tour of the area about this time last year and he tweeted extensively on the experience. Here's one of them, if you click through, you'll see the rest of his reviews and excellent photographs.

Nice one mate, appreciate that

prawnsambo

bobwilliams wrote: »

Nice one mate, appreciate that

No problem. It's a part of Portugal that doesn't get written enough about in a golf context, but there are a lot of excellent courses there and it's a shorter flight than to the Algarve. On top of the ones I played, there's West Cliffs, which is a links course at around the €66 mark, Lisbon Sports Club and Oieras. Wouldn't think there'd be much problem getting tee times in September, it's not exactly high season then. And of course you could always get down to Royal Obidos and watch some of the Portugal Open . Here's the link to the teetimes.pt page for West Cliffs. There are links to the other courses in the area on the left.

bobwilliams

bobwilliams wrote: »

Jesus already, madness

Anyone on here played the pga catalunya courses?

spacecoyote

bobwilliams wrote: »

Anyone on here played the pga catalunya courses?

Mark Crossfielf had a course vlog from there on his YouTube channel within the last couple of weeks

bobwilliams

spacecoyote wrote: »

Mark Crossfielf had a course vlog from there on his YouTube channel within the last couple of weeks

Cheers, ill have a look.

neris

If your booking your own accommodation in Portugal dont stay in Bom Succeso. Theres **** all there and its in the middle of no where

Benicetomonty

Id advise against la Cala. 3 courses but all of them are finikey with holes that are uninspiring and ridiculousy tight. Lots of punters selling lake balls on the road in and Id say they do very well!

bobwilliams

I'm thinking rent a house in Tavira in the Eastern Algarve and play Monte Rei a few times and one other course.
Other option is PGA Catalunya and stay in Girona..... Thoughts?

prawnsambo

neris wrote: »

If your booking your own accommodation in Portugal dont stay in Bom Succeso. Theres **** all there and its in the middle of no where

Yeah. Even the drive up to it from the main road just seems to go on forever.
I stayed in a rented house near Praia del Rey, and that's a lot more central.

searay

prawnsambo wrote: »

I'd also recommend the Lisbon area. Specifically the Silver Coast. Praia del Rey is a lovely course and reasonably priced at around the €50 mark. You may get better deals on teetimes.pt as well. Around the area is Royal Obidos (designed by Seve) and Bom Socesso which is also very reasonable and a decent course too. My advice is to book a house or two for the duration rather than hotels as you'll get better rates. A quick search on homeaway.co.uk turned up plenty that sleep 8 or more for between £1200 and £2000 a week.

Prawnsambo, The courses there look great and the area is on my list. Some of our group like a few nights out while we are away. Is there any nightlife there and if so where should be stay.

prawnsambo

searay wrote: »

Prawnsambo, The courses there look great and the area is on my list. Some of our group like a few nights out while we are away. Is there any nightlife there and if so where should be stay.

Hi Searay, good to hear from you.


Praia del Rey is a massive resort area. The resort centres around the Marriott Hotel which overlooks the golf course. If you're staying in the resort, you can walk to the Marriott. Obviously the club house is close by too. There's also a separate restaurant and bar down near the end of the course where it follows the shoreline and a supermarket there too. But the walled town of Obidos (about 20 minute's drive from the resort) is a stunning place to go at night for food and drink. You could stay there, but the availability would be limited enough. Better to get a taxi from the resort or a designated driver.

morrga

The likes of Your Golf Travel seem to be able to command discounted green fees that when wrapped up into a package works out at great value.

We do a trip to Amendeoira every year at 400 quid for 4 nights, 3 games of golf with buggies and airport transfers.

Beats pulling together your own package.

bobwilliams

morrga wrote: »

The likes of Your Golf Travel seem to be able to command discounted green fees that when wrapped up into a package works out at great value.

We do a trip to Amendeoira every year at 400 quid for 4 nights, 3 games of golf with buggies and airport transfers.

Beats pulling together your own package.

Cheers, might just do that, really wanted to play either Monte Rei but it's a good drive away.

bobwilliams

Guys, a lot of reviewers saying courses in Anendeira have declined a lot due to overuse.

Has anyone stayed in Tavira before, still thinking of doing Monte Rei twice and nearby course Benamor once and renting a house in Tavira.

Fatswaldo

bobwilliams wrote: »

Guys, a lot of reviewers saying courses in Anendeira have declined a lot due to overuse.

Has anyone stayed in Tavira before, still thinking of doing Monte Rei twice and nearby course Benamor once and renting a house in Tavira.

Stayed there for a short trip in October, maybe 5 years ago - Played 3 courses nearby. Golf was fine but the town was very, very, quiet.

bobwilliams

Fatswaldo wrote: »

Stayed there for a short trip in October, maybe 5 years ago - Played 3 courses nearby. Golf was fine but the town was very, very, quiet.

OK that's that out, cheers

endabob1

bobwilliams wrote: »

Hi all,
Looking for a stear here.
Firstly the 8 lads going are all decent golfers but wouldn't have huge wallets.
The options I'm looking at is the Algarve, south of Spain or Girona (pga catalunya)
The likes of Valderama is a bit steep so looking for a 4 or 5 day trip with 3 or 4 rounds.
Many thanks in advance.
I've read some of the Portugal Algarve courses are not great for the fees demanded.
We're planning next September.

8 of us went to la manga last Feb and really enjoyed it but we were only 3 days so less down time...
There are 3 courses on site all decent with different challenges. Not sure where September sits in their busy periods, as I think it's pricey in season but in Feb it was both warm and reasonable prices. We booked through golfbreaks.com

https://lamangaclub.com/en/sports/golf


There's a few restaurants and bars on site but that otherwise there's not a huge amount to do locally apart from the golf we got a mini-bus into Cartagena the one night for something different

Russman

I also agree the area around Lisbon is probably better value all round than the Algarve. Aroeira I & II are as good as anything and there's a course called Quinta do Peru up there that's also really good.

morrga

bobwilliams wrote: »

Guys, a lot of reviewers saying courses in Anendeira have declined a lot due to overuse.

Has anyone stayed in Tavira before, still thinking of doing Monte Rei twice and nearby course Benamor once and renting a house in Tavira.

I have played Amendoeira in March of the last two years and the greens are so pure and Summer like I was quite surprised with how true, fast and fair they rolled. Plenty of sand in bunkers etc.
Maybe as the year goes on, over use is an issue but I couldn't fault the course conditioning. Cant wait to head back again in March.

prawnsambo

Russman wrote: »

I also agree the area around Lisbon is probably better value all round than the Algarve. Aroeira I & II are as good as anything and there's a course called Quinta do Peru up there that's also really good.

Also doesn't get as dried out as the Algarve can get sometimes. Drought is a real problem there some years and that can give the 'worn out' look that another poster was referring to. I was there last year (West Algarve) and it was noticeable enough - greens looked very dry despite being watered every evening. Cracks in some places.

thewobbler

bobwilliams wrote: »

Guys, a lot of reviewers saying courses in Anendeira have declined a lot due to overuse.

Has anyone stayed in Tavira before, still thinking of doing Monte Rei twice and nearby course Benamor once and renting a house in Tavira.

I’ve not played them but Quinta del Ria/Cima is a 36 hole layout between Tavira and Monte Rei that gets good reviews. Right by the sea.

That’ll be my trip in a few years once my mates calm the nightlife down.

CalamariFritti

prawnsambo wrote: »

Just looked up prices for September next year on teetimes.pt for the three courses I mentioned. Praia del Rey is €49, Bom Socesso is €54 and Royal Obidos is €60. But Royal Obidos is cosed from the 7th to the 20th September as it's hosting the Portugal Open. I've walked Praia del Rey and it's no problem. Bom Socesso is probably better with a buggy and Royal Obidos can be walked easily enough too.

Kevin Markham did a tour of the area about this time last year and he tweeted extensively on the experience. Here's one of them, if you click through, you'll see the rest of his reviews and excellent photographs.

West Cliffs...
Played it twice and found it very very difficult. To the point of not really enjoyable. A lot of freakish holes with tight spots and if you dont know the course well you'll be in trouble a lot. Many hazards and waste areas. Has some stunning views though.

Royal Obidos is absolutely lovely and Praya del Rey I find even better. Links front nine by the beach and back nine in the pine woods is such eye candy. Very scenic and very decent holes. Bom Successo is ok too. Probably the weakest of the four but I still take it over West Cliffs.

Its a good area for a golf trip. Its not a tourism spot at all in the Algarve sense and accommodation and restaurants are very very reasonable.

MorganIRL

Benicetomonty wrote: »

Id advise against la Cala. 3 courses but all of them are finikey with holes that are uninspiring and ridiculousy tight. Lots of punters selling lake balls on the road in and Id say they do very well!

Played la Cala 5 yrs ago and loved it. I'm a high hc but bought the course books beforehand to have some idea where to aim at least (rarely landed in the proper area)

Salgado in the Algarve is a wide open course low handicappers would find it easy. But a Rd with a buggy around midday was €70 I think.

searay

morrga wrote: »

The likes of Your Golf Travel seem to be able to command discounted green fees that when wrapped up into a package works out at great value.


If you book through a UK agent at the moment, you're committing to a sterling price for something that should be billed in euros and could get hit with an exchange move post brexit, if there is a brexit!

If you book through an Irish or Portugese/English agent, you are avoiding that risk.

morrga

searay wrote: »

morrga wrote: »

The likes of Your Golf Travel seem to be able to command discounted green fees that when wrapped up into a package works out at great value.


If you book through a UK agent at the moment, you're committing to a sterling price for something that should be billed in euros and could get hit with an exchange move post brexit, if there is a brexit!

If you book through an Irish or Portugese/English agent, you are avoiding that risk.

Your talking buttons. £369 package at current rates equate to €428 at 1.16. Even a calamitous fall to 1.25 adds just 30 quid. In the grand scheme of things a fiver a day extra.

FixdePitchmark

Sorry old thread - but might be some info in this of help to me too - lots has changes in golf over the last few years - but was looking for a few basics on golf in portugal these days ?

1) We are going to Albufeira - and want to play as close to there as possible ?

2) Any course recommendations - in general, they are lads who have played a bit of society golf - like decent looking courses - but would not want to spend daft money - so course in the mid range - ones to keep everyone happy - including a few lads that play a bit and are off say 12 to 18.

3) Not sure something over formal would suit - relaxed - fun - good food and beer after - welcome atmosphere.

4) How much is golf in this area these days - some lads are playing 3 rounds - some are playing 2. September.

5) Seems a basic question - but how do people generally book golf here - is there an agent - go the the clubs' own site - or what is the best wider choice site for this area (the sort of golf now for there) ?

Thanks for help -

thewobbler

I wouldn’t get too obsessed with physical proximity of golf courses. Getting in, out and around Albufeira takes more time than it does to get to neighbouring towns along the motorway. You’re going to be 15 mins in transit regardless, and 30 mins opens up a pile of courses.

Salgados will be your closest course and it’s decent enough but surprisingly lacking in memorability considering there is water, literally, everywhere. It’s very much aimed at the beer-golf-beer society. Morgado is a classy, manicured course not far away though I found them a little snooty. They’ve a sister course Alamos which is shorter and fun too but not maintained to same standard. Also pretty close are sibling courses Gramacho and Pinta. They’re very much aimed at the society market and although pretty short, the large rolling greens are three putt central. All of Vilamoura’s golf courses are in easy reach too, and they’re all solid to v good, and priced accordingly.

If you can stomach a little longer in transit I’d definitely recommend Palmares and Quinta Do Lago South, the best courses I’ve played over there by a street. The former is more reasonably priced, being a right old tramp from Faro / Vilamoura.

Questions 4 and 5 amount to the same thing. Whilst it’s not hard to book tee times yourself (teetimes.pt), you’ll not get cheaper than a hotel/package package deal with the main operators. Vilamoura is sewn up with Dom Pedro Group, with a mid range offer and a high range offer. Quinta only approached a semblance of value when playing all three courses.

There’s one chain (Nau I think) that monopolises Albufeira and will hook you up with hotel, Morgado, Alamos and Salgados for humble enough money.

And then there’s the Pestana Group who’ve a litter of hotels, plus 5-6 courses including Pinta and Gramacho (and Vila Sol, which is supposed to be very good if too busy).

you could contact them directly but you really won’t save much more than 20 a man by just calling Golf Breaks or Your Golf Travel and letting them look after it. They’ll even throw you a new driver in if you bring enough people along.

i prefer Golf Breaks. They were exceptionally accommodating for my group when we had to bounce a trip twice due to Covid and lost 8 players. Little things like that go a long way.

Just make sure if you’re going with them, that the price includes every golf and airport transfer. They’re often put on my the courses as part of the green fee, but having them booked in advance takes away a lot of mucking around for your group.

——

I have thought about providing my knowledge as a business for this lol.

thewobbler

Re price, everything is going up always, as we know, but €500 (okay flights) shouldn’t be far away with the Nau / Pestana packages. They’ll have “as much golf as you can play” included - but getting tee times for a group might already be a challenge.

mighty magpie

Thought your golf travel were expensive, have went with golfbreaksinspain.

€470 for 3 nights in fuengirola and playing 3 different courses. Includes breakfast, buggies and all transfers.

sorted flights and bags seperatly.

question on packing clubs, can i bring driver and wood heads in hand luggage?

FixdePitchmark

Lads ...got offered

Salgados and Silves ?

Again ..lads are sort of average handicap 22 or so

Like their fun day ...a few beers ?

Anybody know anything about Silves and any further comments on Salgados...

gripcasey

Not a fan of Salgados. If it was me I give it a miss. One or nice holes but overall I find it a bit bland.

FixdePitchmark

Anyone ever play Silves ?

REFLINE1

Has anyone played Dom Pedro Victoria in Villamoura? Trying to squeeze a few rounds in during a two week holiday over there and was looking at playing this one.

thelankylad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120471831#Comment_120471831

Nice course, its a big ballpark (depending on the tees you play). Plenty of water on the back 9. But it is pretty generous off the tee.

It and the old course are the two premium courses of the Dom Pedro 5. I would be more inclined to play Victoria rather than the Old if you are going to splash out on one.

The Laguna course is a shorter, cheaper version of Victoria (plenty of water on it, some great holes). Greens can get very quick if it is windy, but a really enjoyable course.

Pinhal and millennium are cheaper versions of the old course (tree lined, perhaps a little repetitive).

FixdePitchmark

Does Silves sound familiar to anyone

Dublin72

I played Silves last September. Course was in good condition. It's more of an older tratitional type course as opposed to newer resort type courses. Part of Pestana golf and hotels that own about 6 golf courses.

I would play again if opportunity arose.

Eaglebridie 32

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120447474#Comment_120447474

Yes,

Play there every year including February last. Decent course in good condition, won’t beat you up, would definitely recommend.

thewobbler

Anyone played golf in Mallorca?

planning a trip for next year and the volume of flights make it a viable option. Golf seems to be decent, but there’s not much of a golf trip culture it seems.

MorganIRL

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120425056#Comment_120425056

Played salgados up on 10 yrs ago at this stage. At the time it was fine for a high HC who wasn't playing much, but now I reckon it wouldn't be much of a challenge for myself (16 HC now) . No hole stood out at the time. If the price is ok it might be fine for a game after a heavy night out..🙈🙈