Golf in the Algarve It was the great Sir Henry Cotton that took golf to the Algarve, in the 1960's, leading to a feast of golfing pleasure from Quinta Do Lago to the wonderful courses in the west, such as Palmares. The first golf course, in the Algarve was a small rudimentary layout built in 1920 but because of lack of fresh water it became extinct a decade later. Sir Henry Cotton, in the 60's, designed the first proper course, called Penina, laid on land originally used for growing rice but now has an abundance of eucalyptus trees and has enjoyed the recognition of the Portuguese Open being held there in 1998 and 1999. During the 1970/80/90 golf courses mushroomed along the coast of the golden Algarve. We are going to give details of a selection and please remember that on most of the courses strict dress code applies, such as shorts, must be tailored, men's shirts must not be sleeveless. The wearing of jeans is prohibited. Also required is the knowledge of course etiquette, handicap certificate and soft spikes.
	Palmares - 5km from Lagos 18 holes par (sss) 71 (72) 5961 meters Playing this course is a treat with spectacular views over the Bay of Lagos combining links-style golf on the first 9 and the second 9 slightly more hilly.
Parque Da Floresta 18 hole 5670 meters and par 72. Designed by Spanish champion Pepe Gancedo (architect of the famous Torrequebrada course in Spain and described as the Picasso of golf courses). The first 9 holes are very testing and daunting for beginners but the greater the challenge the better the reward. The facilities at Parque Da Floresta are amazing, horse riding, gymnasium, fitness testing, green bowling, archery, amazing spa, luxury heated pool, beautiful outdoor pool, tennis courts with a choice of floodlit, hard or grass courts.
	Pinhal - Vilamoura 18 holes par (sss) 72 (71) 6300 meters Very impressive pine trees lined fairways short game requires accurate play. Greens are excellent and very tough.
The Old Course - Vilamoura 18 holes par (sss) 73 (72) 6254 meters Designed by Frank Pennick in 1969 and given a facelift in 1997. The fairways became narrower due to the umbrella pines on the fairways growing extremely large over the years both upwards and outwards, therefore demanding a higher degree of accuracy.
	Vale De Milho, Golf Course, Carvoeiro The course was inaugurated in 1960 and designed by Ryder Cup Player, Dave Thomas who has built more then forty courses in the UK and other locations throughout the world. The course is a nine hole and is a scaled down version of a full sized course. 926 metres long providing a challenge for all standards. There are several holes where water comes into play. There is an 18 metre driving bay with four tee mats and a well appointed Club House with bar. Vale De Milho has a golf swing laboratory, which is a state-of-the art teaching system. Video playback system and computer, allowing the pupil to observe and make corrections. The tape can be taken away by the pupil. Green Fee 2002/2003: - 9 – Hole 20.50 Euros 18 – Holes 32.40 Euros Junior Rates (under 18) 9 – Hole 14.40 Euros 18 – Holes 22.70 Euros Telephone: 00351-282 358 502
Vale Do Lobo - Quinta Do Lago Estate 2 x 18 holes As Judith Chalmers said Vale do Lobos courses are amongst the best in Europe the 16th hole on the Royal course is the most magnificent I have ever seen and is the most photographed in the world.
	Vila Sol - Vilamoura (near to) 27 holes (there are 9 hole loops each par 36) Sprang to fame by hosting the 1992 Portuguese open eight months after opening in 1991. Designed by English golf architect Donald Steel in 1996 and was awarded a green flag for its high standard of environmental management. It also has an excellent clubhouse over looking the 18th green.