Memorable Golf in Portugal

Don't let the stunning scenery distract you from your golf in Portugal!

There are over 70 golf courses on mainland Portugal and the islands of Madeira and the Azores. You can find out more about a particular course here. The courses are justifiably popular and every year 250,000 visitors play over 1 million rounds of golf in Portugal. They are also award winning, with accolades including:

Best Golfing Destination in the World
International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
The Algarve 2006
Lisbon Golf Coast 2003

Best Golf Destination in the World
Rheingolf Magazine
The Algarve

Best Golf Destination in the World
Golfers' Today Magazine
Portugal 2006

Best European Golf Destination
International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
Lisbon Golf Coast 2007

Best Golf Course in Portugal and Spain
Golf Digest Magazine
San Lorenzo, Quinta do Lago

European Golf Resort of the Year Award
Praia D'El Rey Marriot Golf and Beach Resort

Top 100 Golf Courses in the World
Golf Digest
The Old Course in Vilamoura
San Lorenzo in Quinta do Lago

Portugal's golf courses regularly host professional international tournaments including the Portuguese Open, Ladies Open, the Seniors Open and the World Cup. While its amateur tournaments are open to all golfers and could be the perfect holiday challenge!

So what makes the golf in Portugal so special?

The short answer has to be a combination of outstanding courses, beautiful surroundings, lovely weather, excellent infrastructure, quality instruction and the sheer convenience of a top European destination.

The quality of the courses
Portugal's reputation for great golfing is due to its world class, innovative courses designed by amongst others Robert Trent Jones, Sir Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore, Arnold Palmer, Frank Pennick and Donald Steel. It is a lovely place to get away from it all and enjoy challenging and intelligent courses in beautiful settings. As the Portuguese take pride in attracting top golfers the courses are generally attractive and well kept with up-to-date facilities. They welcome visiting golfers with a handicap certificate and adhere to the rules of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the United States Golf Association.

The surroundings
Portugal is a country of diverse and striking landscapes and golf is an excellent way to enjoy them. Lots of Portugal's golf courses are located in coastal regions where on sunny days bright green fairways shimmer against the brilliant blue of the ocean. In fact the Algarve boasts Europe's most photographed hole, one of several with breathtaking clifftop locations. Further inland courses nestle in wooded valleys, amongst rolling hills and even in tranquil nature reserves. The courses themselves are carefully landscaped to make the most of the countryside and its views, often incorporating features such as fountains, lakes, streams, palms and ancient gnarled trees. New courses are designed to protect nature and Portuguese courses were amongst the first in Europe to gain environmental certificates.

The weather
Portugal enjoys over 3000 hours of sunshine a year so when the rain spoils play at home you know you're only a short plane ride away from clear blue skies. Although you can play golf in Portugal all year around spring and autumn are particularly popular with golfers as the days are sunny and pleasantly warm but not hot. On hot summer days you are best off playing in the mornings or evenings and enjoying the pool or Portugal's indoor attractions during the heat of the day.


The excellent infrastructure
Many of Portugal's golf courses form part of luxury resorts with top class hotels, restaurants, spas, pools and other sports and leisure facilities. These resorts are very popular with golfers and investors alike. In fact with so many golfers falling in love with Portugal villas and apartments with golf views are quickly snapped up for holiday homes or rental properties. If you can drag yourself away from the golf or are travelling with non-golfers there are lots of other sports, cultural activities and trips available and Portugal has a great nightlife with delicious food and lively bars.

Qualified, friendly instructors.
Whether you are new to golf or just want to improve, most golf courses employ multilingual teaching professionals to give private and group lessons. There are also golf academies throughout the country where you can have expert tuition and try out the latest, most sophisticated golfing gadgetry. Then back home you can surprise your friends with your new found expertise!

Convenience
Portugal is a great destination for golfing breaks as it is only a few hours flight from the UK, Ireland and other European countries. It is a small country and a lot of its most popular courses are located in two regions. Lisbon's golf coast has 24 courses, while there are over 30 in the Algarve. So you could play a different course every day of your holiday and you'd still want to come back for more!
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Rules and Tips for Playing Golf In Portugal

Golf in Portugal follows the rules of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the United States Golf Association. Visitors are also expected to understand golfing etiquette.
Visitng players should have a handicap certificate and usually the average maximum handicap is 28 for men and 36 for ladies.
Golfers should dress smartly and appropriately and use soft spike footwear. Jeans and trainers aren't normally allowed. These are general rules but it is best to check the specific regulations with each course before you play.
At busy times of the year the courses do get booked up and we can pre-book your tee times for you at discounted prices. You can also buy 'golf in Portugal passports' where you can play five rounds of golf in either the Algarve or the Lisbon/Estoril area playing at a different course every day for a reduced price. Please contact us for more information.

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