Algarve Golf

If a prize were offered for the Algarve’s premium golfing resort, then Vale Do Lobo would doubtless be in contention. Boasting two championship courses, it really is a byword for quality and distinction. With frequent tournaments and unrivalled facilities, both members and visitors are sure to feel privileged to be part of Vale Do Lobo.

Although the slightly shorter of Vale Do Lobo’s two courses, The Royal Course is considered by many, the sterner test of the two. Originally a conception of the celebrated Henry Cotton, the course ended up being a timeless collaboration between the Golf course architect, Rocky Roquemore and the former.

Many of the breathtaking holes, run adjacent to the equally prodigious Atlantic Ocean. This feature is no more abundant, than on the world famous 16th hole. A yip inducing 205-metre par 3, fraught with the danger that is the famous red sandstone cliffs. Even a single figure handicapper on form, will do well not to get the shakes, with this stern test.

The 6th hole, a 395-metre par 4, brings a potential watery expense into play on one side of the green, and a plethora of bunkers, the other. Great accuracy and an iron nerve are needed to escape the 6th without blackening that scorecard.

You would be forgiven for assuming that a 330 metre par 4, as a closing hole is a sure fire par at worst. This simply isn’t the case though. A fairway that is awash with towering pine trees on both sides, demands preciseness, in order to be left with an approach to a hazardous green that falls away almost exaggeratedly to the right.

Should you be in pursuit of a real golfing challenge, they don’t come much tougher than The Royal at Vale Do Lobo.