The Algarve was made for golf. The climate, terrain and unrivalled landscapes give the region a natural edge over any other golfing location on earth. Add to that a choice of over 40 acclaimed courses… world-class tuition… championship events… and it's little wonder so many golfers call it the ultimate destination.

​​​​​​​

And yet, strange as it seems, golf is a relative newcomer to the region.

It arrived here in the mid 1960s, when golfing legend Henry Cotton designed a challenging course for the new 5-star Penina Resort near Portimão. Golfers flooded in from the UK and Europe, and in time it was playing host to tour-level events and charity classics.

​​​​​​​

Today, five decades on, dozens of stunning new courses have sprung up along the southern coast. So you’ll find something for every golfer, regardless of ability - from academies and elementary courses for beginners, to elite courses that can challenge any PGA pro.

The Algarve was made for golf. The climate, terrain and unrivalled landscapes give the region a natural edge over any other golfing location on earth. Add to that a choice of over 40 acclaimed courses… world-class tuition… championship events… and it's little wonder so many golfers call it the ultimate destination.

​​​​​​​

And yet, strange as it seems, golf is a relative newcomer to the region.

It arrived here in the mid 1960s, when golfing legend Henry Cotton designed a challenging course for the new 5-star Penina Resort near Portimão. Golfers flooded in from the UK and Europe, and in time it was playing host to tour-level events and charity classics.

​​​​​​​

Today, five decades on, dozens of stunning new courses have sprung up along the southern coast. So you’ll find something for every golfer, regardless of ability - from academies and elementary courses for beginners, to elite courses that can challenge any PGA pro.

The Algarve was made for golf. The climate, terrain and unrivalled landscapes give the region a natural edge over any other golfing location on earth. Add to that a choice of over 40 acclaimed courses… world-class tuition… championship events… and it's little wonder so many golfers call it the ultimate destination.

​​​​​​​

And yet, strange as it seems, golf is a relative newcomer to the region.

It arrived here in the mid 1960s, when golfing legend Henry Cotton designed a challenging course for the new 5-star Penina Resort near Portimão. Golfers flooded in from the UK and Europe, and in time it was playing host to tour-level events and charity classics.

​​​​​​​

Today, five decades on, dozens of stunning new courses have sprung up along the southern coast. So you’ll find something for every golfer, regardless of ability - from academies and elementary courses for beginners, to elite courses that can challenge any PGA pro.

Vila Sol Golf Course

A perfect choice for beginners who are keen to progress, this 27-hole course is split into three circuits of nine. Circuits vary in difficulty, so you can start the day with nine learner-friendly holes… and if your game is swinging, stretch yourself on the next round.

​​​​​​​

“Great course to play in the Algarve. Fantastic practice facilities. Nice big club house with nice restaurant and great big outdoor seating area overlooking the 18th green.”

Vila Sol Golf Course

A perfect choice for beginners who are keen to progress, this 27-hole course is split into three circuits of nine. Circuits vary in difficulty, so you can start the day with nine learner-friendly holes… and if your game is swinging, stretch yourself on the next round.

“Great course to play in the Algarve. Fantastic practice facilities. Nice big club house with nice restaurant and great big outdoor seating area overlooking the 18th green.”​​​​​​​

Vila Sol Golf Course

A perfect choice for beginners who are keen to progress, this 27-hole course is split into three circuits of nine. Circuits vary in difficulty, so you can start the day with nine learner-friendly holes… and if your game is swinging, stretch yourself on the next round.

​​​​​​​

“Great course to play in the Algarve. Fantastic practice facilities. Nice big club house with nice restaurant and great big outdoor seating area overlooking the 18th green.”​​​​​​​

Balaia Golf Course

This course has its challenges (ask anyone who’s bogeyed the second!). But if you’re new to the game, there’s no better place to start. The 9 short holes give you ample space to practice your iron shots and hone a few skills in readiness for the region’s trickier courses.

​​​​​​​

“Very varied course with small slopes, a lot of vegetation, and several water obstacles…a golf oasis between the beach, hotels and resorts.”​​​​​​​

Balaia Golf Course

This course has its challenges (ask anyone who’s bogeyed the second!). But if you’re new to the game, there’s no better place to start. The 9 short holes give you ample space to practice your iron shots and hone a few skills in readiness for the region’s trickier courses.

“Very varied course with small slopes, a lot of vegetation, and several water obstacles…a golf oasis between the beach, hotels and resorts.”​​​​​​​

Balaia Golf Course

This course has its challenges (ask anyone who’s bogeyed the second!). But if you’re new to the game, there’s no better place to start. The 9 short holes give you ample space to practice your iron shots and hone a few skills in readiness for the region’s trickier courses.

​​​​​​​

“Very varied course with small slopes, a lot of vegetation, and several water obstacles…a golf oasis between the beach, hotels and resorts.”​​​​​​​

Vale de Milho Golf Course

Another 9-hole course, Vale de Milho strikes the right balance for beginners: the short perfectly-cut greens let you play at a leisurely pace, while the well-placed trees, lakes and bunkers make for a fun but challenging round. And all in idyllic surroundings!

“A gem of a course, short but testing…how golf should be! Great condition, immaculate fairways and greens, and a nature reserve with wild birds.”​​​​​​​

Vale de Milho Golf Course

Another 9-hole course, Vale de Milho strikes the right balance for beginners: the short perfectly-cut greens let you play at a leisurely pace, while the well-placed trees, lakes and bunkers make for a fun but challenging round. And all in idyllic surroundings!

“A gem of a course, short but testing…how golf should be! Great condition, immaculate fairways and greens, and a nature reserve with wild birds.”​​​​​​​

Vale de Milho Golf Course

Another 9-hole course, Vale de Milho strikes the right balance for beginners: the short perfectly-cut greens let you play at a leisurely pace, while the well-placed trees, lakes and bunkers make for a fun but challenging round. And all in idyllic surroundings!

“A gem of a course, short but testing…how golf should be! Great condition, immaculate fairways and greens, and a nature reserve with wild birds.”​​​​​​​

Vale de Pinta Golf Course

This 18-hole course is a regular choice for the qualifying stage of the European Senior Tour. But it’s not just for seasoned golfers – it’s a good step-up for any beginner who’s looking for the next challenge. It’s a great place to relax too, so non-golfers will be happy to wait…

“The layout is excellent, with interesting and challenging holes. We particularly liked the par 3s from elevated tees and the excellent fifth hole… a good, testing course.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Vale de Pinta Golf Course

This 18-hole course is a regular choice for the qualifying stage of the European Senior Tour. But it’s not just for seasoned golfers – it’s a good step-up for any beginner who’s looking for the next challenge. It’s a great place to relax too, so non-golfers will be happy to wait…

“The layout is excellent, with interesting and challenging holes. We particularly liked the par 3s from elevated tees and the excellent fifth hole… a good, testing course.”​​​​​​​

Vale de Pinta Golf Course

This 18-hole course is a regular choice for the qualifying stage of the European Senior Tour. But it’s not just for seasoned golfers – it’s a good step-up for any beginner who’s looking for the next challenge. It’s a great place to relax too, so non-golfers will be happy to wait…

“The layout is excellent, with interesting and challenging holes. We particularly liked the par 3s from elevated tees and the excellent fifth hole… a good, testing course.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

So which course is right for you?

​​​​​​​It all depends on your handicap, and the mix of skills in your party. So here, we’ve chosen our top picks for each ability level.  

For Beginners

If you’re new to the game, you’ll want to avoid the endless fairways and pesky bunkers of a championship course. Better to find some friendly greens, where the holes are short and hazards are rare…then you can get in the swing without the constant fear of holing at 12 over par!

Kingsman Recommends

So which course is right for you?

It all depends on your handicap, and the mix of skills in your party. So here, we’ve chosen our top picks for each ability level.  

For Beginners

If you’re new to the game, you’ll want to avoid the endless fairways and pesky bunkers of a championship course. Better to find some friendly greens, where the holes are short and hazards are rare…then you can get in the swing without the constant fear of holing at 12 over par!​​​​​​​

Kingsman Recommends

So which course is right for you?

​​​​​​​It all depends on your handicap, and the mix of skills in your party. So here, we’ve chosen our top picks for each ability level.  

For Beginners

If you’re new to the game, you’ll want to avoid the endless fairways and pesky bunkers of a championship course. Better to find some friendly greens, where the holes are short and hazards are rare…then you can get in the swing without the constant fear of holing at 12 over par!​​​​​​​

Kingsman Recommends

Gramacho Golf Course

A course that’s a little different every time you play. The 18 holes are built around 27 greens, so each player can choose their own tee points and play at their own level. But no-one gets off lightly here – wherever you tee from, it won’t be a breeze!

“The course was tough but fair, and as the heat of the day set in the greens got quick and lost some hold.....it was a great challenge for my short game.”

​​​

Gramacho Golf Course

A course that’s a little different every time you play. The 18 holes are built around 27 greens, so each player can choose their own tee points and play at their own level. But no-one gets off lightly here – wherever you tee from, it won’t be a breeze!

“The course was tough but fair, and as the heat of the day set in the greens got quick and lost some hold.....it was a great challenge for my short game.”

​​​​

Gramacho Golf Course

A course that’s a little different every time you play. The 18 holes are built around 27 greens, so each player can choose their own tee points and play at their own level. But no-one gets off lightly here – wherever you tee from, it won’t be a breeze!

“The course was tough but fair, and as the heat of the day set in the greens got quick and lost some hold.....it was a great challenge for my short game.”

​​​​

Amendoeira Golf Academy

The academy includes a great mixed ability course, where each of the nine holes offers a choice of three tees. If you’re feeling brave, you’ll find some tricky obstacles like teeing off over water. Or relax and take the gentle route to each hole, while your friends do it the hard way…

“The academy sits between the stunning Faldo and O’Connor Jnr courses and has been built to the same exacting standards as the main courses.”

​​​​​​​​​​​

Amendoeira Golf Academy

The academy includes a great mixed ability course, where each of the nine holes offers a choice of three tees. If you’re feeling brave, you’ll find some tricky obstacles like teeing off over water. Or relax and take the gentle route to each hole, while your friends do it the hard way…

“The academy sits between the stunning Faldo and O’Connor Jnr courses and has been built to the same exacting standards as the main courses.”

​​​​

Amendoeira Golf Academy

The academy includes a great mixed ability course, where each of the nine holes offers a choice of three tees. If you’re feeling brave, you’ll find some tricky obstacles like teeing off over water. Or relax and take the gentle route to each hole, while your friends do it the hard way…

“The academy sits between the stunning Faldo and O’Connor Jnr courses and has been built to the same exacting standards as the main courses.”

​​​​​​​​​​​

Pine Cliffs Resort Golf Course

If you can make a 197-metre stroke from a cliff edge, across a sheer drop to the green, you’ll take your game to new heights on the 6^th hole of this unique, elevated course. The 9 holes sit 60 metres above a clear water beach, with obstacles that will put all your skills to the test.

“Great little course with some very challenging greens. Great views along the cliff tops and an amazing and unique 6th hole! The beer wasn’t too bad either...!”

​​​​

Pine Cliffs Resort Golf Course

If you can make a 197-metre stroke from a cliff edge, across a sheer drop to the green, you’ll take your game to new heights on the 6^th hole of this unique, elevated course. The 9 holes sit 60 metres above a clear water beach, with obstacles that will put all your skills to the test.

“Great little course with some very challenging greens. Great views along the cliff tops and an amazing and unique 6th hole! The beer wasn’t too bad either...!”

​​​

Pine Cliffs Resort Golf Course

If you can make a 197-metre stroke from a cliff edge, across a sheer drop to the green, you’ll take your game to new heights on the 6^th hole of this unique, elevated course. The 9 holes sit 60 metres above a clear water beach, with obstacles that will put all your skills to the test.

“Great little course with some very challenging greens. Great views along the cliff tops and an amazing and unique 6th hole! The beer wasn’t too bad either...!”

​​​​

For Intermediate Golfers

You’re in a hard place: too advanced for the basic courses where you honed your skills, while knowing the biggest challenges will be a step too far. So where will you find a course that will stretch you…without crushing your spirit?

Kingsman Recommends

For Intermediate Golfers

You’re in a hard place: too advanced for the basic courses where you honed your skills, while knowing the biggest challenges will be a step too far. So where will you find a course that will stretch you…without crushing your spirit?

Kingsman Recommends

For Intermediate Golfers

You’re in a hard place: too advanced for the basic courses where you honed your skills, while knowing the biggest challenges will be a step too far. So where will you find a course that will stretch you…without crushing your spirit?

Kingsman Recommends

Dom Pedro Pinhal Golf Course

This course will really stretch you. Hit a long, straight ball and you’ll find the open fairways. But with a maze of pine trees scattered across the 18 holes, errors can be costly – especially on the 4^th, where you’ll face a nest of bunkers and a gaping lake at the edge of the green.

“Forgiving even if you go off the fairway - you can play through or over the Pines. A good course to ease in or finish off a golfing trip.”

​​​​

Dom Pedro Pinhal Golf Course

This course will really stretch you. Hit a long, straight ball and you’ll find the open fairways. But with a maze of pine trees scattered across the 18 holes, errors can be costly – especially on the 4^th, where you’ll face a nest of bunkers and a gaping lake at the edge of the green.

“Forgiving even if you go off the fairway - you can play through or over the Pines. A good course to ease in or finish off a golfing trip.”

​​​​

Dom Pedro Pinhal Golf Course

This course will really stretch you. Hit a long, straight ball and you’ll find the open fairways. But with a maze of pine trees scattered across the 18 holes, errors can be costly – especially on the 4^th, where you’ll face a nest of bunkers and a gaping lake at the edge of the green.

“Forgiving even if you go off the fairway - you can play through or over the Pines. A good course to ease in or finish off a golfing trip.”

​​​​

North Course, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club

Designed by the great Jack Nicklaus, this incredible 18-hole course is consistently rated number one in Portugal. Every hole is a unique test, as you weave through mature trees and valleys. And with spectacular mountain and ocean views, you’re sure to love it…whatever your score.  

“A beautiful course with lots of great elevated greens. Well bunkered, and the wind is always a challenge. I will be back many times!”

​​​​​​​​​​​​

North Course, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club

Designed by the great Jack Nicklaus, this incredible 18-hole course is consistently rated number one in Portugal. Every hole is a unique test, as you weave through mature trees and valleys. And with spectacular mountain and ocean views, you’re sure to love it…whatever your score.  

“A beautiful course with lots of great elevated greens. Well bunkered, and the wind is always a challenge. I will be back many times!”

​​​​

North Course, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club

Designed by the great Jack Nicklaus, this incredible 18-hole course is consistently rated number one in Portugal. Every hole is a unique test, as you weave through mature trees and valleys. And with spectacular mountain and ocean views, you’re sure to love it…whatever your score.  

“A beautiful course with lots of great elevated greens. Well bunkered, and the wind is always a challenge. I will be back many times!”

​​​​​​​​​​​​

For the Golfing Maestro

If you’re at the top of your game… if you can’t help smiling when someone asks your handicap… if you’ve played the most stubborn holes on the world’s premier courses… where do you go from here?

​​​​​​​

The Algarve is teeming with championship courses that will stretch you like never before…

Kingsman Recommends​​​​​​​

For the Golfing Maestro

If you’re at the top of your game… if you can’t help smiling when someone asks your handicap… if you’ve played the most stubborn holes on the world’s premier courses… where do you go from here?

The Algarve is teeming with championship courses that will stretch you like never before…

Kingsman Recommends​​​​​​​

For the Golfing Maestro

If you’re at the top of your game… if you can’t help smiling when someone asks your handicap… if you’ve played the most stubborn holes on the world’s premier courses… where do you go from here?

​​​​​​​

The Algarve is teeming with championship courses that will stretch you like never before…

Kingsman Recommends​​​​​​​

Quinta Do Lago South Course

Colin Montgomerie rewrote the record books here, shooting a 63 to win the Portuguese Open in 1989. On a championship course of this calibre, that’s hard to beat - but we dare you to try! Whichever of the four 18-hole combinations you choose, it’s going to be brutal.

“The course was in top condition, and the setting will just take your breath away with some of the most stunning golf holes I have ever had the chance to play.”

​​​​

Quinta Do Lago South Course

Colin Montgomerie rewrote the record books here, shooting a 63 to win the Portuguese Open in 1989. On a championship course of this calibre, that’s hard to beat - but we dare you to try! Whichever of the four 18-hole combinations you choose, it’s going to be brutal.

“The course was in top condition, and the setting will just take your breath away with some of the most stunning golf holes I have ever had the chance to play.”

​​​​

Quinta Do Lago South Course

Colin Montgomerie rewrote the record books here, shooting a 63 to win the Portuguese Open in 1989. On a championship course of this calibre, that’s hard to beat - but we dare you to try! Whichever of the four 18-hole combinations you choose, it’s going to be brutal.

“The course was in top condition, and the setting will just take your breath away with some of the most stunning golf holes I have ever had the chance to play.”

​​​​

San Lorenzo Golf Course

Consistently voted one of Europe’s finest, this 18-hole course promises the ardent golfer “something truly magical”. With glorious fairways, woven through saltwater marches and freshwater lagoons, it’s a sight to behold. But don’t be deceived…it all makes for a hazardous round.

“It tests every aspect of your game: long holes needing course management, short target holes, well-placed traps…honestly, an incredible test of golf”.

​​​

San Lorenzo Golf Course

Consistently voted one of Europe’s finest, this 18-hole course promises the ardent golfer “something truly magical”. With glorious fairways, woven through saltwater marches and freshwater lagoons, it’s a sight to behold. But don’t be deceived…it all makes for a hazardous round.

“It tests every aspect of your game: long holes needing course management, short target holes, well-placed traps…honestly, an incredible test of golf”.

​​​​

San Lorenzo Golf Course

Consistently voted one of Europe’s finest, this 18-hole course promises the ardent golfer “something truly magical”. With glorious fairways, woven through saltwater marches and freshwater lagoons, it’s a sight to behold. But don’t be deceived…it all makes for a hazardous round.

“It tests every aspect of your game: long holes needing course management, short target holes, well-placed traps…honestly, an incredible test of golf”.

​​​

Royal Course Vale de Lobo

No-one said this would be easy! This prestigious 18-hole course skirts a cliff edge, creating natural hazards like the near-island green on the 9^th hole and the iconic 16^th with its cliff-top carryover. Fail this test, and your ball is heading down to the beach…

"My favourite hole is the 16th on the Royal, which has to be one of the most challenging shots in the world if the wind is against."

​​​

Royal Course Vale de Lobo

No-one said this would be easy! This prestigious 18-hole course skirts a cliff edge, creating natural hazards like the near-island green on the 9^th hole and the iconic 16^th with its cliff-top carryover. Fail this test, and your ball is heading down to the beach…

"My favourite hole is the 16th on the Royal, which has to be one of the most challenging shots in the world if the wind is against."

​​​

Royal Course Vale de Lobo

No-one said this would be easy! This prestigious 18-hole course skirts a cliff edge, creating natural hazards like the near-island green on the 9^th hole and the iconic 16^th with its cliff-top carryover. Fail this test, and your ball is heading down to the beach…

"My favourite hole is the 16th on the Royal, which has to be one of the most challenging shots in the world if the wind is against."

​​​

That’s our shortlist. But remember…it’s only the tip of the iceberg!

Every one of the region’s 40+ courses offers a unique experience, with their own mix of quality greens, obstacles, scenic views and facilities. So it takes a local expert to find a course that really suits you to a tee!

For members of The Kingsman Circle, that’s no problem: call us and we'll connect you with someone who’ll discuss your skills and personal tastes before recommending the best courses for you. They’ll advise on physical effort, seasonal factors, busy and quiet times, and help you shape the perfect golf experience.

​​​​​​​

It’s all part of the service.

That’s our shortlist. But remember…it’s only the tip of the iceberg!

Every one of the region’s 40+ courses offers a unique experience, with their own mix of quality greens, obstacles, scenic views and facilities. So it takes a local expert to find a course that really suits you to a tee!

For members of The Kingsman Circle, that’s no problem: call us and we'll connect you with someone who’ll discuss your skills and personal tastes before recommending the best courses for you. They’ll advise on physical effort, seasonal factors, busy and quiet times, and help you shape the perfect golf experience.

​​​​​​​

It’s all part of the service.

That’s our shortlist. But remember…it’s only the tip of the iceberg!

​​​​​​​Every one of the region’s 40+ courses offers a unique experience, with their own mix of quality greens, obstacles, scenic views and facilities. So it takes a local expert to find a course that really suits you to a tee!

For members of The Kingsman Circle, that’s no problem: call us and we'll connect you with someone who’ll discuss your skills and personal tastes before recommending the best courses for you. They’ll advise on physical effort, seasonal factors, busy and quiet times, and help you shape the perfect golf experience.

​​​​​​​

It’s all part of the service.

For Mixed Ability Groups

Even with the handicap system, finding the right course can be a minefield for any party with a wide range of ability. Anyone who plays off a 2 handicap is never going to be happy on a course that’s popular with golfers playing off 20! So how do you strike the right balance?

​​​​​​​

Kingsman Recommends:

For Mixed Ability Groups

Even with the handicap system, finding the right course can be a minefield for any party with a wide range of ability. Anyone who plays off a 2 handicap is never going to be happy on a course that’s popular with golfers playing off 20! So how do you strike the right balance?

Kingsman Recommends:

For Mixed Ability Groups

Even with the handicap system, finding the right course can be a minefield for any party with a wide range of ability. Anyone who plays off a 2 handicap is never going to be happy on a course that’s popular with golfers playing off 20! So how do you strike the right balance?

​​​​​​​

Kingsman Recommends:

Everything is easier inside The Kingsman Circle

​​​​​​​Find your Algarve villa or apartment with us, and you’re an instant lifelong member of The Kingsman Circle: our private community of local home owners who enjoy the best rates and privileged access to every kind of service.

Think of us as your personal concierge - always one call away.

Whether it's a golfing question or any other matter… we're ready with recommendations and ready to arrange.

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