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.
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.
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.
Colonel_McCoy wrote: » Portugal is dear, if you were going next year you may struggle for tee times
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.
bobwilliams wrote: » Nice one mate, appreciate that
bobwilliams wrote: » Jesus already, madness
bobwilliams wrote: » Anyone on here played the pga catalunya courses?
spacecoyote wrote: » Mark Crossfielf had a course vlog from there on his YouTube channel within the last couple of weeks
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
