Golf

The Golf Shack

Specialists in golf design. Absolute Zero provide all the uniforms, team wear, embroidery and merchandise that a golfer needs.

Golf – personalised! Whether you are organising a golf event, need team shirts or are looking for the perfect golf gift, we are sure to have a solution for you! We have a huge range of golf products that can be personalised with your logo, image or text printed in full colour.

We offer all major brands of golf balls including Titleist, Callaway and Nike plus a wide range of golfing attire that can be personalised with your logo, club or event. Also we have ball markers, tees and pencils that can be printed with text, image or your logo.

To complete your golf event we can even offer personalised flags and trophies.

They are now able to offer Garmin GPS watches for the golfer who would like a caddy but cant afford one.

Click on the image above to veiw the full image

Álamos

Located within the Morgado do Reguengo Resort, Álamos Golf is the second 18-hole course of this countryside retreat with the Monchique Mountains and the estate’s vineyard as backdrop.

Two large water reservoirs and an orange grove complete the scenic portrait of this golf course.

To complement it, the resort features an offer of luxurious accommodation with a hotel and apartment units, supported by a range of leisure facilities within and outside the complex. The Algarve International F1 Racetrack is just a mere 5 minute drive away.

Quinta do Vale

Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, Quinta do Vale Golf Resort features an 18-hole Championship layout including 6 Par-5´s, 6 Par-4´s and 6 Par-3´s. Marvelously integrated in the landscape and with a luxurious view over the Guadiana River, the course sits into a natural valley always overlooked from the Clubhouse. At Quinta do Vale, players will notice Seve´s creativity as well as his promise: To please everyone no matter what their handicap is. Numerous dogleg holes, wide fairways and obstacles enhance the course quality and its breath-taking surroundings…The challenge waits at Quinta do Vale Golf Resort.

If you would like to visit their official website than you can do so by clicking here.

Castro Marim

Castro Marim golf resort is located on the East side of the Algarve, only a few minutes from the border with Spain.

‘Undulating contours, interesting views, well worth a visit’ is what Algarve Golf & Property Magazine has to say about Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club.
The variety provided by the three nine hole courses – The Guadiana, The Atlantic and The Grouse – means you’ll never get tired of playing golf here.

It’s fair to say that all of the 27 golf holes are memorable. In fact, the fourth hole on the Atlantic Course features in the book ’1001 Golf Holes you must play before you die’, edited by Jeff Barr. The courses, with their Bermuda grass fairways, are always in good condition and buggies are allowed on the fairways.

If you would like to visit their official website than you can do so by clicking here.

Balaia Golf Village

Balaia Golf Village is the usual property development around a resort and golf course. What makes it different is that it’s a 9 hole, par 3, course. So playing it is all about being controlled and accurate different from the more usual 18 holes but fun for all of that, exercising different skills. Or as they themselves describe it:

The true test of any golf course is measured by requiring a player’s ability to control shot length and direction. This 9-hole par-3 course optimises these demands. With holes ranging from 58 metres to 160 metres, the ability to hit crisp approach shots and to pitch and putt well, are the secrets of good scoring on this very attractive and manicured course.

Why Golf on The Algarve?

With 36 unique Golf courses stretching over 145 km of coast it seems harder to justify a reason not to choose playing here. Adding to this a mild climate between September and May and Summer temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius from June to August, our Algarve becomes the perfect excuse to create a nice family holiday around two or three rounds of golf.

Ocean Course Algarve

The important thing to remember is that when you do play here, it’s not just an excellent standard of Courses that you’ll find. But, with it, an incomparable experience of natural wonders is unavoidable, and it completes that idea of immaculacy that will forever be associated with the Algarve in every players mind.

If you’re planning a golfing trip, or a holiday with some golf mixed between, then the Algarve is what you want. While the recent surge in tourism has forced this southern state to readapt and provide the best conditions for transport, accommodation and comfortable living, it is, today, the number 1 location in Europe for excellence in holiday and leisure activities. The recent ALLGARVE campaign resolves to reflect this fact.

Albufeira

Whatever you want for your holiday, you can find it here!

(Including 36 unique rounds of golf!!!)

Monte Rei

Monte Rei is a pinnacle in the Algarve golf project.

The course itself is entirely unique. In 11 of the 18 holes you must try to avoid dangerous water hazards, on the others, fairway interruptions coming from lines of trees play a fundamental part in your game. Make no mistake, Monte Rei will frustrate you! Read how they themselves talk about it:

Monte Rei´s vision is strikingly simple and memorably courageous to collate the very best ingredients creating a groundbreaking and world-class golf destination .
Monte Rei has sought out the best names from around the globe to head every individual element of this impressive estate with Jack Nicklaus designing his first of two “Signature” Golf Courses in Portugal and highly qualified and internationally experienced personnel ensuring the highest quality playing surfaces and service.

Apart from the course being enormously challenging, the Monte Rei Golf Academy has one of the best teaching facilities in the world. So they’ll help you as much as they can, but it still may not be enough…

Benamor

Situated between Tavira and the slight slopes of the Serra do Caldeirão, this lively course is well placed to provide excellent scenery along with a good round of proper sport while it is a construction-free zone.

Over 18 holes and 5497 metres players get to test their abilities on a variety of open and narrow fairways, which makes this course accessible to those less experienced. Here’s what the management have said about it:

The decision to build a golf course, on the land of Quinta de Benamor, in Tavira, Algarve, was made in 1986. The Owning Martins Dias family invited the late Sir Henry Cotton to make a concept design for an 18-hole course.Sir Henry Cotton was inspired by the beautiful old church next to the site of the Clubhouse and by the spectacular location.

The final result is a delightful par 71 golf course of 5.500 metres (6.100 yards), which offers a pleasant playing experience, to players of all standards. The course is undulating but not hilly. The views of the mountains to the North and the Atlantic Ocean to the South are stunning. The indigenous olive, cork, carob, fig and almond trees, many centuries old, feature aesthetically and in playing terms. Water hazards and sand bunkers are located to test the strategy and striking ability of the player. The Penn A4 greens and tees are simply superb.

When the game has finished, players can enjoy passing through the ancient town of Tavira as it rests only a few kilometres from the Benamor Course. A perfect day for play and exploration in a beautiful part of the Algarve!

Quinta da Ria

This friendly golf course extending to 6053 metres is as technically gifted as it is open and absorbing all things wonderful.

Soaked by the sands of the sea to its south, and surrounded by the region’s orange trees and vineyards, Quinta da Ria offers nothing but pleasure in paradise. This is an extract from their own description:

Designed by the well-known golf architect Rocky Roquemore, Quinta da Ria offers stunning views overlooking the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve and the Atlantic Ocean. The course is surrounded by landscape of great beauty with many ancient carob and olive tress and a large variety of wild species.

There are18 holes to be savoured, and some have rare menacing loops! These make the said 72 par target a complicated affair. But the would be game in itself is too spectacular to ruin any golfer’s day.

Quinta de Cima

As a championship-style course, playing at Quinta de Cima is surprisingly serene and relaxing.

The design itself draws through a combination of thematic streams of water that gently flow across some of the more central holes… creating a course that respects the original location and requests careful approaches with shots landing just before, and onto the greens. Have a look at what they say:

Designed by well-known golf architect Rocky Roquemore, Quinta de Cima is 6.586 metres long and it is known as the championship course. The course offers an extremely well planned layout with dog legs to the right and left undulating greens well protected by bunkers and lakes.

To beat the course an under 72 par is necessary, but on a set-up so cautiously planned as this one, that target seems too brave. But again, the layout is inviting for golfers of any handicap, high or low.

Colina Verde

A shrunken affair, made up of 9 individual holes, mostly par-3′s. Much like Balaia Golf, this place is an ideal support for beginners or professionals who aim to improve elements of their short game. A quote from their page:

Our 9 hole Executive par 3 golf course is suitable for players of all levels. Straightforward enough to be enjoyable for beginners, but also testing enough for the experienced player wishing to sharpen their ironplay and short game. With average playing time of one and a half hours, there is plenty of time if you so wish to take in one of the 18 hole championship courses in the locality the same day.

Another suitable exercise for the Colina Verde course is when professionals wish to train groups or individuals. It’s an attractive place for learning and educating. Unspoilt views of the further inland and outer sea create the perfect make-up for any amateur’s good day out.

San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo is rated among the top 10 golf courses in Europe. Many amateur and semi-professional tournaments have been held here, including the British Daily Telegraph Junior Golf Championship finals for several years.

The course has 18 holes punctured with plenty of bunkers and narrow fairways to disrupt the player across its 6238 metres of greenery.

Despite its obvious sporting attraction for golfers from all over the world, the course is also enriched by the scenic offerings of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve that bathes its southern side. Have a read through their own description:

The San Lorenzo Golf Club is a famous award winning golf course in Quinta do Lago, Algarve. One of the most famous golf courses in the Algarve, available exclusivley to guests of Dona Filipa Hotel, Amarante Formosa Park hotel, and of course to those who are lucky enough to be private members. 18 holes that lie in the unspoilt Southeast corner of Quinta do Lago, bordering the Ria Formosa Estuary and salt water lagoons. A golf course with beautiful Bermuda grass fairways that provide perfect playing conditions.

So, with a combination of golfing excellence and nature, playing at San Lorenzo is guaranteed to be a delightful experience for any golfer.

Pinheiros Altos

Another excellent production from within Quinta do Lago. Pinheiros Altos is a 27 hole, 72 par, golf course located right along a nature reserve. This means an incredible presence of exotic wildlife around the area.

The 27 holes are divided into 3 groups of 9 holes, each of which is named after a different indigenous tree: Pines (Pinheiros), Olives (Oliveiras) and Corks (Sobreirios). Like they say:

Pinheiros Altos is established as one of the most prestigious and successful premier golf and leisure resorts in Europe.The original 18 holes were designed by the respected American architect Ronald Fream and the additional 9 holes, created by the highly regarded Portuguese golf architect George Santana da Silva, opened in 2007.The now 27 hole

Championship Pinheiros Altos Golf is presented in three contrasting nine hole formats.

Along with other fauna and flora from the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, these trees can be found throughout the course of play, perfecting a lively round of golf.

Quinta do Lago North

Very much like it’s southern companion, the north course captures what is most natural and unique to playing golf.

When there is a length of 6126 metres to be conquered, the 18 holes must justify the effort, they need something soothing and satisfactory for the player’s golfing palate. Here, not only is the course carved by divine architecture, the bunkering is world-class… This is what they say about themselves:

Quinta do Lago North course has two architects. William Mitchell designed holes 1 to 5 and 15 to 18 in 1974. These holes (as with the other course) share a unique character. The terrain is typical of the area: sandy and strewn with pine trees, heather, gorse and wild flowers. Holes 6 to 14 were designed by Joseph Lee with the collaboration of Rocky Roquerome, both from the USA, and opened in 1989. The terrain is superb, sandy and littered with umbrella pines. In the spring, the rough is covered with a blanket of wild flowers. The greens are sown with Penn Bent Grass guaranteeing high quality putting surfaces all year round. Fairways and tees are covered with Bermuda 419 hybrid, which provides year-round, top quality swards.

Narrow but fair, get ready to indulge…

Quinta do Lago South

Quinta do Lago is world-renowned for luxury and fine living, and in a golfing manner this course emulates that quality.

For over 6488 metres every hole emphasizes what makes the sport of golf so fantastically pure and exciting. Read what they said about themselves:

Designed by WILLIAM MITCHELL from the USA and opened in 1974, Quinta do Lago South Course hosted the “Portuguese Open Championship” eight times; 1976, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 2001, and many other important professional and amateur championships. The favorite of many tour players, Quinta South is a par 72 with 6,500 metres set in a natural setting surrounded by umbrella pines, lakes, wild vegetation and with the stunning Ria Formosa in the backdrop…

Each hole has generous landing areas off the tees and well-defined routing amongst the woodland pines’ setting. This layout encourages the average player to hit their drivers, but calls for accurate driving and fairway shot precision to reach the greens in regulation. The players will discover a good variety of doglegs and strategically well located hazards obstructing the line of play for anyone who strays far from the optimum line. The front nine favour a draw, whilst the back nine a fade from the tee. Holes 8, 15 and 18 are the most testing for the scratch player whilst holes 3, 12 and 17 offer the best possibilities to see more birdies putts.

An the best aspect about this course!?

It’s suitable for players of all capacities!

Royal Course

A Vale do Lobo located piece of excellence. Undeniably an 18 hole, 72 par course created with that flavour of holiday peace.

The true sweetness comes at the cliff-top 16th hole (see image below), where it is the easiest place on earth to get lost in observing pure magic. Here’s an extract from their website:

The Royal Golf Course has rolling fairways set amidst pine trees and beautiful lakes surrounded by wild flowers. Its features include the almost island green of the 9th and the famous 16th, with cliff-top carryover – one of the most celebrated golfing images in the world, which has become the veritable symbol of golf in the Algarve. The Royal Golf Course was designed by top American golf architect Rocky Roquemore, based on original drawings made by Sir Henry Cotton. It was inaugurated in 1997.

If you are planning to play this one, make sure the weather is crisp and your time isn’t restricted!

Ocean Course

A remarkable golf course. Along with its sister (Royal Course) the design beams luxury and divine peace, as straight fair ways lead onto sandy shores and calm seas.

But seas mean another thing as well… windy and challenging strokes. The aim needs full concentration for well measured shots, avoiding bunkers and tricky out of bounds possibilities. Look at how they describe it:

The Ocean Golf Course features undulating fairways which run alongside nature reserve, before leading gently down to the shores of the Atlantic. Its emblematic holes are two challenging and spectacular Par 4s, the 11th and the 14th – which treat golfers to some of the most spectacular views in the Algarve – and the Par 3 15th, which runs alongside the beach. The Ocean Course is composed of two of the original 9-hole golf courses designed by Sir Henry Cotton, which were opened in 1968 and 1972. His plans for the merged course became reality in 1995, after his death.

Remember, patience and time to absorb the privileged surroundings and make the great finish the course deserves.

Vila Sol

In 1992, just over six months after its inauguration, Vila Sol played host to the Portuguese Open.

In 1996, the complex itself was awarded the Green Flag in recognition of its environmental standards.

In 2001, Vila Sol was crowned the Best Golf Development.

In 2011, with 27 holes, a 72 par with a choice of 3 in-play skill levels: Prime (3032 metres), Challenge (2943 metres) and Prestige (2903 metres); this historic build ranks among the finest in Europe. Now, have a read of what they say about themselves:

The Vila Sol Vilamoura Spa & Golf Resort occupies 150 hectares in a truly revitalising natural setting. The fabulous 27-hole golf area, designed by the architect Donald Steel, occupies a valley sculptured by nature and it is divided into three courses of different levels of difficulty: Prime/Challenge/Prestige. Golfers are able to enjoy, in a unique natural setting, excellent conditions from the first to the last shot. A vast team of professionals is at your disposal from the 1st tee to the Clubhouse, to ensure that each moment is an unforgettable experience. The Clubhouse is the starting and finishing point for each one of the 9-hole courses; the 1st course extends to the east, the second to the west and the 3 extends to the south. You can practise on the 300-metre driving range next to the Clubhouse.

If given the chance to play on it, take it!

Victoria

Having on offer the choice between 5 to 6 tees per hole, this course is optimal for international competitions and players of varied abilities.

Open in 2004 with playable 18 holes, the design beautifully incorporates olive, carob and almond trees, and the terrain was carefully structured to conserve the favourable conditions of the soil already existent.

It’s fair to assume how Victoria carries the reputation it has gained. Created with a particular intention towards sophistication and fable, the clubhouse, fairways, lakes and greens are simply a wonderful place to spend the day. Currently the home of the Portugal masters.

What the management has said about it:

The Oceanico Victoria , which covers some 90 hectares, is the most recent golf course project of Arnold Palmer in Portugal. As one of the best and most sophisticated golf courses in Europe, every care has been taken to ensure the preservation of the wetlands and the typical vegetation of carob, olive and almond trees. Several lakes, occupying 13 hectares, provide mirrors of water and strategic reservoirs for irrigation. The course features 5 or 6 tees per hole; wide, undulating fairways; extensive water hazards and cleverly positioned bunkers. In addition there is an exceptional driving range and a putting green of some 2,500m². The Oceanico Victoria golf course is an 18-hole, par 72 championship layout, measuring 6609m from the back tees. Opened in 2004, Oceanico Victoria is a unique, unforgettable experience for all who play there.

Millennium

Attractive, lovable, splendiferous. The Millennium may be all of these things… if you want.

Or you could golf on it instead. In which case you’ll be playing 18 holes over 6176 metres of land to achieve a par 72. Look at what they say:

This conventional par 72 course opened in the year 2000, although the original back nine was formerly part of the 27-hole Laguna Course. Refurbishment to the existing nine holes commenced in May 1999 and included the complete rebuilding of the tees, greens and bunkers, particularly for holes 8 and 9, the only ones on this loop with water hazards, with the aim to simplify the strategy of the course to make it more golfer-friendly. The renovated 9 holes were joined together with the new 9-hole loop to offer a layout of different character, style and playing quality. The work was undertaken by the well-established UK golf Architects Hawtree & Sons which culminated in the creation of the new, exciting 18-hole Oceanico Millennium golf course.

Laguna

Built in two different dates. In 1990, Laguna golf course opened with 9 holes available to play on. Today, these make the first 9 holes of its 18 hole, 72 par, design, after the other 9 were created in 1993.

The overall land is mostly flat and open, contrary to other Vilamoura courses. Strategy is in demand for play over various bunkers and potential water hazards. So we suggest this one to the experienced and learnt or, at least, to those less likely to rage on the course… Please don’t embarrass us…

Here’s a direct description from them:

Laid out over low lying coastal terrain, this course, with its many water hazards and few trees, is considerably different from the other ones in Vilamoura and many of its holes convey a links atmosphere. U.S. golf architect Joseph Lee designed this course which opened in 1990 and many previous visitors will recognise it as part of the former 27 hole Vilamoura III course. It has been subject to continual improvements over the years. Measuring 6121m from the white tees, the par 72 course includes several lakes which influence play on a total of 11 holes. In addition to acting as hazards and emergency water reservoirs, these lakes serve a useful purpose in attracting a variety of aquatic birds, both resident and migratory, as well as amphibians, otters and terrapins.

Pinhal

Mainly drawn through pine trees, as the Portuguese name suggests, Pinhal has a dividing form between its two rounds of nine holes. The first 9 press by exclusive residences. While holes 10 to 18 are enclosed by this pinewood that the course is famous for.

As a 72 par stretch over 6353 metres, the real success comes to those able to work with smaller greens, meaning tighter accuracy, straighter hitting… Here is an extract from their own description of the course:

Several refinements were incorporated over the years, the most significant one by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1985. The course is typified by rolling parkland terrain covered with numerous umbrella and Atlantic pines that line many of the fairways and a few even stand out on fairways or near greens.

Ponds and a stream come into play on five holes but are not serious threats to above-average golfers. To keep up with modern technical advances in clubs and balls, several holes have recently been lengthened and the par 72 course now measures 6353m off the white tee markers.

But don’t fray if you are not such a flexible player, the course is specifically designed to improve your mindset and handicap!

Old Course

First open in 1969, and re-open in 1997 when several alterations were made to keep this course modern and competent, including the addition of a new clubhouse. Today, it eternally sits in the mind of all those who have played it, and the unique character of its straight fairways, and abundance of pinewoods, allow this old venue to stand out to the regular onlooker.

Smoothly working its way across the natural land form hole 1 to 18 (a distance of 6254 metres), it becomes an opportunity too goods to turn down for any enthusiastic player.

Skill and thought are obviously required, yet there is something essential to this par 73 that brings out the best in ever golfer. Have a read about what the organizers say:

Often described as the Grande Dame of Algarve courses, it meanders throughout impressive pine trees – the principal hazard – over gently undulating natural terrain. Although it opened in 1969, the course was completely renovated and modernised 27 years later although no major changes were made to the magnificent layout.

Pine Cliffs

9 holes over 2274 metres means perfect solution for short holiday practice.

As a par 33 overseeing the Atlantic Ocean, blessed with pine trees throughout the course itself, this tidy, almost romantic complex seeks to satisfy all sorts of golfers’ needs. Like they themselves say:

The 9-hole golf course developing through the pine grove requires precise play. The ‘Devil’s Parlour’, famous throughout the world, is a challenging PAR 3 crossing the chasm below the cliffs and offering sumptuous views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Its academy is flooded with PGA Professionals and currently holds residency to Portugal’s Number 1 Female Professional golfer, all in all to help you improve your game. Great facilities for practice and real play, you are sure to enjoy the layout of this nicely sized place.

Salgados

Originally the location of an aircraft landing strip and wetlands, Slagados Golf is now an 18 hole par 72 course that demands great attention and skill.

Over the 6080 metres players will encounter evidence of its watery past still in place. This means narrow fairways and little room for mistakes… Those with lower handicaps are in favour here, while others are forewarned.

Whatever the quality of golfer, the fabulous display of fairways and surrounding lakes have to be admired, aspects that make this course resemblant of a traditional links set-up. Somewhat unorthodox, thoroughly worthwhile. Read what they say:

The CS Salgados Golf Course is located near Albufeira, within a protected, Natural Wildlife Reserve. This setting provides golfers with a unique experience, since the course gives shelter, water and food to a number of bird species, some of them nearly extinct. The beach is within walking distance and the sea view from the course adds to this scenic golfing experience.

Silves Course

These courses seem to be getting harder and harder…

This one – located in Silves, apparently – has a natural calm feel about it, as if the only proper way to end on the 18th hole is upon a setting sun, slightly colouring the greens, fairways and trees in a farewell orange. Delightful.

Have a look at what they’ve said about it:

Silves is a serene spot at the foot of the Monchique mountain, but it is anything other than ‘a walk in the park’ – a drive at the opening hole has to flirt with water hazards on both flanks.
This course is for players – low handicaps will find it a serious challenge to come in under par. But high handicaps (with concentration) will be able to enjoy their round. Most holes offer spectacular mountain views overlooking palm trees and olive groves, the surrounding cork and citrus farms generate a true feeling of authentic Portuguese golf.

That is something else: with invading slopes and huge puddles of water swallowing your larger hit ‘n’ hopes, the idea with this one is to try sealing the day with a 70 par across 5615 metres of grass.

For the more modest golfer, perhaps…

Faldo Course

Who designed this one?

The Faldo course, also part of the Amendoeira Golf Resort (Alcantarilha), is clearly made with that level of golf expertise in mind. Don’t get the shot right, and you’ll then realize how wrong you got it. But play well, and here you’ll find the true brilliance behind the course’s form. Here’s what they’ve said:

In a modern twist of a traditional recipe, cacti and wild herbs replace the role of Sunningdale’s heather, spartan Holm oaks and ancient olive trees take the place of a lush English woodland, and desert scrub bunkers of crushed limestone replace Berkshire’s sandy tracts in a golf course that revels in the classic principles of strategic play.

Not as long as many others, 6598 metres, strategy is fundamental to a successful finish, or to at least come close to the established 72 par over 18 holes. It’s a fantastic challenge and it will measure how great a player you are, make no mistake!

O’Connor Jnr.

Part of the Amendoeira Golf Resort. This new course is hazardous if you know what I mean…

The layout is sublime in its numerous slopes and lakes that spread over the 18 holes, and despite only having a par 72, the O’Connor Jnr. will test your every bit of concentration from start to finish. Like they say:

Designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr., this course complements the neighbouring Oceanico Faldo Course and also takes full advantage of being situated in a fertile valley. Its various water features, both lakes and watercourses that are spread throughout the entire course, demand accuracy and test from all golfers, and the rich topsoil has been skillfully landscaped and planted with mature palm trees, affording a lush, ornamental setting like an extensive oasis.

Can you make 6719 metres without flickering even a speck of water?

Vale do Milho

Vale do Milho is a beginner’s course set over 9 par 3 holes, but for those more experienced it is particularly ideal for practising iron play and short game. A handicap certificate is not needed to play.

However, don’t be misguided by a short 926 metres in length. It has been specially designed to offer a challenge over bunkers, tall trees, and lakes. And I quote:

Vale do Milho is a beautiful 9 hole par-3 course, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, close to the village of Carvoeiro, in the Algarve. The course is a scaled-down version of a full sized course. It is a high quality course designed by Dave Thomas, who played in the Ryder Cup 4 times and, besides “The Belfry”, has designed over 40 golf courses. Vale do Milho has the ambience of a full sized course and is maintained to high standards all year round.With its large contoured greens, tall trees, lakes and sand traps it provides a real challenge whatever standard of golf you play.

Those interested in this small jewel can find it in Armação de Pêra, 30 minutes from Faro International Airport.

Quinta do Gramacho

Right, so this one is labelled as 18 holes par 72 with 27 varied greens to choose from. Before, it had only 9 fairways and various different tee-off spots could be chosen depending on the individual player’s ability. Now, this has changed. Quinta do Gramacho has a competent 18 fairways over 6107 metres of ground. As they put it:

The world famous star player, Nick Price, has teamed up with the well-known golf course architect, Ronald Fream, to create a uniquely designed 18 hole course with 27 varied greens that enable the golfer to play the same course several times with different greens and new challenges. The design technique has positioned the greens and protective bunkers so that an 18 hole round is a genuine challenge. The positioning of the tee markers helps to increase this variety still further. As in the case of the Pinto Course, this course is maintained at tournament standard all the year round.

In 2005, this course received the Portuguese Ladies Open. A happening that won’t surprise those who have already played on it, and surely something that should invite many of the experienced players to its shaped ingenuity and expertly placed bunkers and lakes.