2016 CALENDAR WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM
A warm Algarve welcome... We are filled with so much pride that – as the Algarve celebrates its 50th anniversary as a golf destination in 2016 – so many people are continuing to choose our golf-rich region and experience our distinct offering. We strive to provide the very best in hospitality, accommodation and golf experiences, and our hospitality and golf partners will continue working hard at building special memories for golfers to our shores. The Algarve Tourism’s ‘Golf4all’ campaign
showcases the Algarve as a fully-inclusive tourism destination for golfers and tourists alike. ‘Golf4all’ means a rewarding experience is guaranteed, whether you are a beginner, junior, man, woman, senior or disabled golfer – or even a non-golfing partner! The Algarve is truly one of Europe’s most welcoming golf destinations and we hope to continue growing the game of golf and broadening the destination experience for the myriad golfers who head here for sunshine golf each year.
FOLLOW US ON www.facebook.com/visitgolfalgarve www.twitter.com/vstgolfalgarve www.instagram.com/visitgolfalgarve www.pinterest.com/vstgolfalgarve
We hope you enjoy this calendar and, every time you look at it, you can be almost sure that the sun is shining in the Algarve – after all, we have more than 300 days of sunshine per year! We would be delighted if you connected with us on one or more of our social media channels, and we sincerely hope you are able to celebrate with us by teeing it up in the Algarve in 2016. Algarve Tourism
Ocean scene The Atlantic is a spectacular backdrop on or off the course.
Western Algarve The section of the Algarve where its golf revolution began, this tranquil area has some of its outstanding courses This is where the Algarve golfing revolution began virtually half a century ago with the creation of Sir Henry Cotton’s parkland masterpiece, Penina. It’s true that, since then, the central Algarve has grabbed most of the golfing limelight but the west of the region still has plenty to offer visiting golfers. Historic Penina is now ably supported by a number of excellent venues, the cream being Onyria Palmares, which was wonderfully re-worked by leading US architect Robert Trent Jones II. However, legendary Penina – which has staged numerous Portuguese Opens – remains a big attraction, with Sir Henry skilfully creating the classic parkland-woodland from a rice plantation. Penina doesn’t have any holes that stand out
above the rest, its strength is its consistency and its variety. It includes a sprinkling of water features, notably when the green at the stroke index 1 par-4 12th tantalisingly lurks just beyond a pond. Onyria Palmares just outside Lagos is the recipient of a host of awards since Trent Jones Jnr’s impressive transformation. At 23rd place in the latest Top 100 Continental Europe courses rankings, Palmares provides three contrasting loops of nine (Alvor, Lagos, and Praia). Praia (beach) features four classy coastal holes while the combination of dramatic elevated tee shots and big, bold, slick greens ensure lots of thrills on the other two nines. Thanks to the great road network, courses in this
area can be reached in under an hour from Faro airport, with other notable highlights the Oceanico Amendoeira resort, home of the Faldo and O’Connor Jnr layouts; the Pestana courses at Gramacho, Pinta (both in Carvoeiro), Silves and Alto – the last named being Sir Henry Cotton’s final design in 1991. The modern Howard Swan-designed resort course of Boavista, plotted on undulating terrain and maturing well, is well worth a visit, as are the two courses at Morgado: Morgado and Álamos. Finally, there’s the parkland layout of Espiche, just outside Lagos and the newest course in the west. Overlooked by a classy clubhouse and plotted within a scenic Ecological Reserve, Espiche
is a splendid rollercoaster of a track with plenty of spectacular elevated tees and greens as well as rolling and sloping fairways. Off the course, as a thriving tourist destination, there is inevitably much to see and do too, including golden sandy beaches that range from scenic coves overlooked by towering cliffs to seemingly never-ending sweeping stretches such as Meia Praia at Lagos. The historic port of Lagos is the Algarve’s third biggest town and boasts colourful markets, an attractive marina and vibrant nightlife with its cobbled streets full of bars, restaurants and shops. The cliffs of Cape Sao Vicente, mainland Europe’s most south-westerly point, is not to be missed.
Pestana Gramacho www.pestanagolf.com
Central Algarve Home to most of the superstar names on the Algarve golf scene as well as a vibrant and varied scene in the evening The central Algarve and the so-called ‘Golden Triangle’ between Quinta do Lago, Almancil and Vilamoura is a golfers’ paradise. Taken together, there are 40 courses in the Algarve and the majority of them are within the Triangle. First to arrive on the scene in 1969 was the Frank Pennink-designed Oceanico Old Course, which majestically meanders over gently rolling terrain between mature pine trees and is often affectionately described as the ‘Grand Dame’ of Algarve courses. The combination of beaches and golf mean the
region reigns supreme as a holiday destination. The Golden Triangle is no more than 20 minutes from Faro airport and boasts all kinds of accommodation options – from modest selfcatering to luxury hotels and resorts. There are also a cluster of golf specialist hotels willing to transfer you to and from the courses. The golf courses all happen to be located within 15km of the coast and there’s not only quantity but quality with the likes of San Lorenzo, Oceanico Old Course and Quinto do Lago’s South, Laranjal and new-look North being rated among Europe’s finest.
The Ocean and Royal courses at Vale do Lobo have long been a key attraction in the area, with the dramatic clifftop par-3 16th on the Royal being one of the most photographed holes in Europe. Elsewhere, there are a further four courses in Vilamoura: Pestana Vila Sol and three more Oceanico layouts (Millennium, Pinhal and Laguna). Another Oceanico venue, Victoria, is now the home of the Portugal Masters. West of Vilamoura there are two more terrific courses: perched atop the red cliffs at Falesia, the nine-hole Pine Cliffs is a delight while Amercian-style Salgados is a good test.
Indeed, the hardest part of taking a central Algarve golf break is deciding which of the brilliant courses to play. It’s a tough choice – but means no matter what you select, it will not disappoint. Off the course, in addition to the peerless beaches, you are also spoiled for choice when eating out. Seafood lovers especially will be in sheer heaven – the fresh, locally-sourced fish dishes literally melt in your mouth. The bustling marina at Vilamoura is a popular attraction, offering everything from vibrant karaoke bars to classy restaurants. It bursts into life at night.
Pine Cliffs www.luxurycollection.com/golfalgarve
Eastern Algarve The Algarve's lowest-profile section, but it's where its top-ranked course is located – plus an excellent support cast Within an hour’s drive east of Faro airport you’ll find some tremendous golf – including one of the best courses in all of Continental Europe. For the jewel in the east Algarve’s crown is the stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed Monte Rei, ranked as the country’s no.1 course in 14th place in the latest Top 100 Continental Europe rankings. Monte Rei is a modern masterpiece, an immaculately-conditioned rollercoaster of a layout providing with water hazards featuring on 11 holes. It provides sweeping views of the Serra do Caldeirao mountains and Atlantic and has been taking visiting golfers’ breath away since opening in 2007. The legendary Nicklaus is spot on when he
Castro Marim www.castromarimgolfe.com
describes it as “an extraordinary golf course”. The East’s other bright star is Quinta do Vale, a thrilling Seve Ballesteros layout with a great mix of holes – Seve’s trademark six par 3s, six par 4s and six 5s. Sitting next to the Guadiana river with views towards Spain, it demands skill and patience to negotiate streams and lakes. Meanwhile, Benamor is conveniently located on the outskirts of Tavira and is a par-71 Sir Henry Cotton design and another solid challenge with lots of water and bunkers. The two contrasting courses at Quinta da Ria – the Ria and Cima – offer further depth to the eastern Algarve's offering.
Plotted within Ria Formosa Natural Park, the Ria has several beachside holes while the Cima is a more technical design further inland. Quinta da Ria was designed by Rocky Roquemore and provides breathtaking sea views while good course management is essential to get around neighbouring Cima, which has a particularly testing finishing stretch, concluding with an intimidating stroke index 1 par-4 finale. Castro Marim, a 27-hole venue, should also feature on your itinerary. It is cleverly and precariously perched on a scenic hillside and offers three loops of nine (Guadiana, Atlantic and Grouse) and tends to reward accurate rather than long play.
This is the 'real Portugal', so generally speaking it’s uncrowded, quiet and peaceful: Monte Gordo is the sole resort town and the place to head for nightlife. So too, though, are the narrow cobbled streets of charming, unspoilt Tavira which, as well as its ancient hilltop castle, Roman bridge and a smattering of Gothic and Renaissance churches, also boasts a plethora of bars and restaurants. There are also pretty gardens and shady plazas as well as a small fishing port and a modern market. There are plenty of beautiful beaches around and wildlife enthusiasts should check out the headquarters of the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve at Quinta Marim.
The pride of Europe On and off the course, you will struggle to find fault with the Algarve. From every angle, it’s the perfect destination… Wherever you are in the Algarve, you are never too far away from a great golfing experience. The region boasts around 40 courses – 14 of which are ranked in the Top 200 in Continental Europe – and the overall level of quality is astonishing. But there’s much more to the attractions of the Algarve than merely great golf courses. Firstly, it’s really easy to get to. There are flights from virtually all UK regional airports into Faro international airport, which is no more than an hour from all of
the region's courses, and often a lot less. Secondly, the weather is terrific all year round, so you can comfortably play 365 days a year. Thirdly, in terms of where to stay, you’re spoilt for choice with the countless accommodation options ranging from budget guest houses and apartments to luxury five star hotels and resorts. A fourth off-course attraction is the chance to savour food that is to-die-for – and wherever you venture you'll encounter terrific service.
It also happens to boast one of the most attractive shorelines to be found anywhere in Europe; the Algarve is 150 miles of small coves, bays and inlets, all with pristine, golden sandy beaches, constantly washed by the surf of the crystal clear Atlantic. No wonder, then, that the Algarve won the 'Best European Destination' prize in last year’s annual TG Travel Awards. Arrange a visit here and your toughest decision is to choose which of the 40+
courses you should play. As tempting as it is to return to old favourites, we'd advise widening your scope to play new names – the quality is that good. Over the page we help you arrange your trip to the Algarve with a guide to the basics of your next memorable golf break on Portugal's south coast.
Benamor www.benamorgolf.com
The essentials for your Algarve break WHEN TO GO
It’s a year-round destination, with mild and sunny winters – although rain can fall, it shouldn’t be prolonged enough to ruin your golf break.
HOW TO GET THERE Flight time into Faro is about three hours and, being such a popular all-round holiday destination, there’s plenty of flying options from all over the UK including Monarch, British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and Norwegian.
HANDY TIPS The Algarve is in the same time zone as the UK so jet lag and changing your watch is avoided!
●
The Algarve boasts some of Europe's most stunning coastlines.
If you spot plenty of cars parked up next to a remote roadside bar/restaurant, try it out – it’s likely to mean the locals rate the fare on offer… ● When you collect your rental car, pay the €13 up front, enabling you to use the motorways stressfree. The toll fees can quickly tot up and this way you avoid a potential fine or two a few weeks later. ●
OFF-COURSE HIGHLIGHTS There really is something for everyone – starting with arguably the best beaches in the world. ● There’s fun for all the family at Zoo Marine near Albufeira and thrilling water parks. ● Wine tasting at one of the area’s most celebrated makers is savoured at Quinta do Barranco Longo. ● You can hop on a Catamaran to the remote ●
paradise of Deserta island and savour dinner at the unique Estamine restaurant. ● Vilamoura’s marina – bristling with loads of bars and restaurants – is a great place to browse. Then visit the casino featuring 500-plus slot machines, 14 gaming tables, a restaurant and three bars. ● History buffs will love the historic port of Lagos where Prince Henry the Navigator launched his fleet in 1415 to capture Ceuta in Morocco. Lagos also boasts colourful markets, an attractive marina and vibrant nightlife – its narrow, bustling cobbled streets are full of bars, restaurants and shops. ● Charming Sagres literally set explorers Vasco da Gama and Fernão de Magalhães on their way and nearby is the stunning clifftop location of Cape Sao Vicente, the most south-westerly point of mainland
Europe and which has long been known to mariners as the ‘End of the World.’ ● Alvor, a pretty coastal town, has superb beaches and an Estuary that is heaven for bird watchers.
FIND OUT MORE To help you plan your next golf trip to the Algarve, visit www.visitgolfalgarve.com And also check out... www.facebook.com/visitgolfalgarve www.twitter.com/vstgolfalgarve www.instagram.com/visitgolfalgarve www.pinterest.com/vstgolfalgarve
Monte Rei www.monte-rei.com
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
27
28
29
30
31
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
Happy New Year!
SATURDAY
2
ON SALE TODAY
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
JANUARY
WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
Onyria Palmares www.onyriapalmares.com
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
31
1
2
7
8
9
Let’s celebrate Carnival
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
3
4
5
6
10
11
12
13
ON SALE TODAY
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
FEBRUARY
WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
Quinta da Ria www.quintadaria.com
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
28
29
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
ON SALE TODAY
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
28
29
30
31
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
27
3
Happy Easter
MARCH
WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
Oceanico Old Course www.oceanicogolf.com
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
27
28
29
30
31
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
The Masters Augusta, Georgia
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
2
The Masters Augusta, Georgia
9
The Masters Augusta, Georgia
ON SALE TODAY
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
The Masters Augusta, Georgia
APRIL
WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
Quinta do Lago North www.quintadolago.com
SUNDAY
1
MONDAY
TUESDAY
2
3
WEDNESDAY
4
THURSDAY
5
FRIDAY
6
SATURDAY
7
ON SALE TODAY
8
9
10
11
12
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
15
The Players Championship, Sawgrass, Florida
MAY
The Players Championship, Sawgrass, Florida
13
The Players Championship, Sawgrass, Florida
14
The Players Championship, Sawgrass, Florida
WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
Penina www.penina.com
SUNDAY
29
MONDAY
TUESDAY
30
31
WEDNESDAY
1
Penina opened 50 years ago
THURSDAY
2
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
3
4
10
11
17
18
ON SALE TODAY
5
6
7
8
9
12
13
14
15
16
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
19
US Open Oakmont, Penns
JUNE
US Open Oakmont, Penns
US Open Oakmont, Penns
US Open Oakmont, Penns
WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
Vale do Lobo www.valedolobo.com
SUNDAY
26
MONDAY
TUESDAY
27
28
WEDNESDAY
29
THURSDAY
30
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
8
9
ON SALE TODAY
3
4
5
6
7
10
11
12
13
14
17
18
19
20
21
24
25
26
27
28
31
1
2
3
4
The Open Royal Troon
US PGA Baltusrol, NJ
JULY
The Open Royal Troon
15
The Open Royal Troon
22
US PGA Baltusrol, NJ
29
5
16
The Open Royal Troon
23
US PGA Baltusrol, NJ
30
US PGA Baltusrol, NJ
6 WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
Espiche www.espiche-golf.com
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
ON SALE TODAY
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
AUGUST
WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
San Lorenzo www.sanlorenzogolfcourse.com
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
ON SALE TODAY
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
1
ON SALE TODAY
25
26
27
28
29
30
2
3
4
5
6
7
Ryder Cup Hazeltine, Minns
SEPTEMBER
Ryder Cup Hazeltine, Minns
Ryder Cup Hazeltine, Minns
8 WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
Quinta do Vale www.quintadovalegolf.com
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
25
26
27
28
29
30
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Ryder Cup Hazeltine, Minns
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Ryder Cup Hazeltine, Minns
SATURDAY
1
Ryder Cup Hazeltine, Minns
ON SALE TODAY
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
OCTOBER
WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
Boavista www.boavistagolf.com
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
ON SALE TODAY
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
55
6
7
8
9
10
NOVEMBER
WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
Salgados www.nauhotels.com/ index.php/en/golfe
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
ON SALE TODAY
18
25
1
Happy Christmas
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
31
2
3
4
5
6
7
DECEMBER
WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VISITGOLFALGARVE
WWW.VISITGOLFALGARVE.COM
Plan your next Algarve trip with this map of the courses 2 Espiche www.espiche-golf.com 3 Boavista www.boavistagolf.com 4 Onyria Palmares www.onyriapalmares.com 5 Penina www.penina.com 6 Pestana Alto www.pestanagolf.com 7 Morgado www.nauhotels.com/index. php/en/golfe
8 Alamos www.nauhotels.com/index. php/en/golfe 9 Pestana Gramacho www.pestanagolf.com 10 Pestana Vala da Pinta www.pestanagolf.com 12 Pestana Silves www.pestanagolf.com 13 Oceanico Faldo www.oceanicogolf.com 14 Oceanico O’Connor www.oceanicogolf.com
15 Salgados www.nauhotels.com/index. php/en/golfe 17 Pine Cliffs www.pinecliffs.com 18 Oceanico Victoria www.oceanicogolf.com 19 Oceanico Millennium www.oceanicogolf.com 20 Oceanico Laguna www.oceanicogolf.com
21 Oceanico Old Course www.oceanicogolf.com 22 Oceanico Pinhal www.oceanicogolf.com 23 Pestana Vila Sol www.pestanagolf.com 24 Vale do Lobo Ocean www.valedolobo.com 25 Vale do Lobo Royal www.valedolobo.com 26 Quinta do Lago South www.quintadolago.com 27 Quinta do Lago North www.quintadolago.com
28 San Lorenzo www.sanlorenzogolfcourse. com 30 Quinta do Lago Laranjal www.quintadolago.com 31 Benamor www.benamorgolf.com 32 Monte Rei www.monte-rei.com 33 Quinta de Cima www.quintadaria.com
34 Quinta da Ria www.quintadaria.com 35 Castro Marim www.castromarimgolfe.com 36 Quinta do Vale www.quintadovalegolf.com