Golf in portugal

padzer

Heading to the algarve for a week in May with the family. I'm the only one that plays golf. Been over a few times before and never got a round in, but would absolutely love to.

Have seen that place in Faro airport where you can rent clubs for a week, but im thinking a bag of clubs probably wont fit in the rental car so can clubs be rented from a course? how would i go about getting a playing partner?

If anyone has any advice on this it would be appreciated...

Padz

Bluefoam

I went to Portugal a few years back with 3 of the lads and clubs... We rented one of those people carrier cars - it was a VW & a piece of ****, but carried us all, our bags and our clubs no problem.

I also played my best round of golf ever while I was there.

PS... don't try to take a motorway exit at 120k, those cars are not meant to be driven...

Kevinmarkham

padzer wrote: »

Heading to the algarve for a week in May with the family. I'm the only one that plays golf. Been over a few times before and never got a round in, but would absolutely love to.

Have seen that place in Faro airport where you can rent clubs for a week, but im thinking a bag of clubs probably wont fit in the rental car so can clubs be rented from a course? how would i go about getting a playing partner?

If anyone has any advice on this it would be appreciated...

Padz

Most courses will rent you clubs. You can call up and book a tee time and reserve the clubs at the same time. Ask them to find you a partner/s - they probably would anyway to fill up the time slots. If you plan to play more than once then clubstohire.com is worth it (and convenient). There can't be that many cars that don't fit clubs easily.

Where are you going?

padzer

Kevinmarkham wrote: »

Most courses will rent you clubs. You can call up and book a tee time and reserve the clubs at the same time. Ask them to find you a partner/s - they probably would anyway to fill up the time slots. If you plan to play more than once then clubstohire.com is worth it (and convenient). There can't be that many cars that don't fit clubs easily.

Where are you going?

Thanks for that, ah i was just saying that with 4 adults n the youngfella and all the baggage there mightnt be room for clubs.

Staying in portimao/praia da rocha, ive seen signs for courses when out and about driving, so ill have a look on the internet.

PARlance

padzer wrote: »

Thanks for that, ah i was just saying that with 4 adults n the youngfella and all the baggage there mightnt be room for clubs.

Staying in portimao/praia da rocha, ive seen signs for courses when out and about driving, so ill have a look on the internet.

Might be a chance to test yourself with a half bag Padzer. Some lads do it on here at their home course as a practice tool.

Throw a putter, PW, 8, 6, 4, 3h, driver into a pencil bag and it may squeeze into the car.
You may be able to leave the driver at home if they are short enough courses.

Just another option for you. Not ideal but it'll take up very little room and may work.

fearruanua

OP
During a 5 day break to the algarve last year I played the silves course which is a member of the pestana group

http://www.pestanagolf.com/

I just landed up to the club house one morning and explained my situation(i had never played golf in portugal and could they do anything for me at a reasonable price) and that afternoon I played 18 holes with clubs(they were grand) included for €80.
They asked if I wanted to play with others but I declined and brought my willing gf instead as my caddy : ) and for the "walk".;)
Course was immaculate but short enough from the tees that were out the day I played.

razorblunt

I think you should be close to Elche as well which has two courses.
Renting at the clubs can be hit or miss, though I have used McGinley's crowd in Faro airport and highly recommend it.
When you book ask to be put with someone who's playing on their own too, I tried that at Parque de Floresta (closest to where I stay ~Luz) and they slotted me in with an English couple.

padzer

Thanks for that lads, that info was just what i was looking for.

That Silves course is only 20mins from where we are staying and 80quid is reasonable enough.

Looking forward to it now so fingers crossed i get a round in.

searay

Hi all, I'm heading over to the Algarve later this week with the kids so packing space is at a premium.

I'm hoping to get 18 holes in at some stage with hire clubs from the course, most likely Boa Vista or Espiche. I was wondering if I'd get away with playing in trainers rather than bringing my golf shoes.

Has anybody tried it and did you have any issues with the club managers?

Seve OB

searay wrote: »

Hi all, I'm heading over to the Algarve later this week with the kids so packing space is at a premium.

I'm hoping to get 18 holes in at some stage with hire clubs from the course, most likely Boa Vista or Espiche. I was wondering if I'd get away with playing in trainers rather than bringing my golf shoes.

Has anybody tried it and did you have any issues with the club managers?

I don't see why not? Golf shoes just give you a bit of grip, trainers won't. In fact they are a disadvantage. I've worn trainers at times when forgotten my shoes at my home club and also over in Spain.

rrpc

searay wrote: »

Hi all, I'm heading over to the Algarve later this week with the kids so packing space is at a premium.

I'm hoping to get 18 holes in at some stage with hire clubs from the course, most likely Boa Vista or Espiche. I was wondering if I'd get away with playing in trainers rather than bringing my golf shoes.

Has anybody tried it and did you have any issues with the club managers?

Boavista is expensive for hire clubs, but there's a French woman owns a shop up the coast a bit that will do a day hire for €25. I'll look it up if you're interested.

If you're up to the drive, you could also pop back to Faro on your own and pick up clubs from clubstohire.com and they also hire shoes.

Haven't tried Espiche, but Boavista is lovely and not too long. They do a twilight deal of €56 for two with a buggy from 16:40 - 19:40 in the evening. Three hours is a bit of a push, but I've got through sixteen holes in that time as a two ball.

searay

Thanks for the info on the courses. We aren't hiring a car so will have to hire the clubs at the courses. I can't see us playing more than twice so won't bother with clubs to hire. Hopefully will be able to haggle at the clubs.

sky6

Most of the Golf Shops will hire a set of Clubs for a Week for the same price as the Courses charge for a days hire. The Golf Courses are not into bargaining as the prices are set by Management and the Counter staff don't have any leeway.
Gramacho and Pinta are two nice courses near Portimao well worth playing.
Playing in Trainers is also not a problem.

razorblunt

I can confirm that trainers in Boavista isn't a problem. You could also get the Twilight deal but chance going out 20mins earlier and see what they say.

Heading over myself in August but not bringing clubs and not renting a car, alas no golf for me :-(

Charlie Charolais

hi all,

heading to Lagos next week, looking at boavista, espiche + palmares, how strict are they on the presentation of a handicap cert. before playing?

razorblunt

Charlie Charolais wrote: »

hi all,

heading to Lagos next week, looking at boavista, espiche + palmares, how strict are they on the presentation of a handicap cert. before playing?

They're not at all. Played 2 of those 3 and was never asked, of the other 2 courses I played I wasn't asked there either. I had an awful drive on the 1st in Boavista in front of the Starterand I thought "uh oh we'll get asked for certs now", the Starter had a big grin on his face and said "don't for one second blame the rental clubs I hear it everyday".

Just a thought, if I had a choice between Espiche and Parque de Floresta (about 12 mins past the turn off for Espiche, I'd choose PdF everytime).

sailing

Myself, my brother and Father played in the Algarve last year (6 rounds) at various clubs including the Victoria course where the Portugeuse Open is played. They are both good golfers (low single figures). I on the other hand only play a couple of rounds a year and no longer hold an official handicap. Not a single club asked us for a handicap cert during the week, nor did I see any other golfers asked for theirs. TBH the impression I got is that they are happy to take your money and for you to go out and enjoy yourself. It's also considered low season at the moment due to the summer temperatures. If you appear to half look like a golfer when you are signing in you'll be fine. No one will bother you at all. We got a little telling off on one of the courses by a green keeper for leaving a flag on the green whilst putting instead of resting it off the green which I felt was a little over the top but then it is their course. Apart from that everything was fine. We thoroughly enjoyed our few rounds down there last year.

Seve OB

I have played golf all over, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal and USA and a heck of a lot in Ireland.

I was only ever once asked to produce a handicap cert. I just showed them my GUI card and it was grand. The ironic thing is, it was a 9 hole public course in puerto banus... the one under the motorway, with floodlights on it!

newport2

I've played about 10 courses in Portugal and the only time handicap certs were asked for was once at The Old Course. I'm quite sure they won't be asking anywhere in current times.

Seve OB

newport2 wrote: »

I've played about 10 courses in Portugal and the only time handicap certs were asked for was once at The Old Course. I'm quite sure they won't be asking anywhere in current times.

was not asked for ours there 6 years ago

newport2

stevieob wrote: »

was not asked for ours there 6 years ago

They asked everyone one of the days I was there. They didn't other times.

Dublin72

Charlie Charolais wrote: »

hi all,

heading to Lagos next week, looking at boavista, espiche + palmares, how strict are they on the presentation of a handicap cert. before playing?

Played Palmares and Boavista twice in July 2012. No request for handicap certificate at either course. Really enjoyed Palmares - Fantastic track.

Charlie Charolais

Thanks guys,

is there need to book on-line now or just show up?
hope to get 2 rounds in, lets go for Parque de Florest & one other;
of boavista, palmares, + Espiche, can you recommend one?
we're very amateur, non handicapped....

searay

Hi, I'm over in the Praia da luz area until Thursday week. I'm not going to play but spotted the attached offer in a local bar and thought the rates are good.

Haven't booked with the guy and not affiliated in any way but it might suit you. Temperatures are very hot from 11 to 4 so playing early or after 5 when there's a breeze would be best.

rrpc

searay wrote: »

Hi, I'm over in the Praia da luz area until Thursday week. I'm not going to play but spotted the attached offer in a local bar and thought the rates are good.

Haven't booked with the guy and not affiliated in any way but it might suit you. Temperatures are very hot from 11 to 4 so playing early or after 5 when there's a breeze would be best.

Courses close relatively early there, so after 5 is usually a twilight deal. I know Boavista charged €56 for two with a buggy from 4:40 to 7:40 (closing time).

razorblunt

Charlie Charolais wrote: »

Thanks guys,

is there need to book on-line now or just show up?
hope to get 2 rounds in, lets go for Parque de Florest & one other;
of boavista, palmares, + Espiche, can you recommend one?
we're very amateur, non handicapped....

I can't answer for Palmares, Boavista is ok, last three holes are a bit boring, some holes feel quite squeezed in with the apartments looking on, but that might be due to me not being used to it.

jackal

Played palmares in june, it was an interesting experience.

The cons: Quite expensive (true of all the courses there), plus you will need a buggy, its very hilly, and you do not want to be walking the course in August heat. Its also quite hard to find the first time, about 15 mins drive out past meia pria from Lagos. I would budget something like €120 to play, hire clubs and a buggy, assuming you can find a partner. The rack rate for green fees is about €80 at all the courses.

The pros: Absolutely gorgeous setting, down in the dunes or up on the bluff, lots of the holes are stunning. There was about 3-4 holes where you are teeing off from a good 50-100ft above the landing area, and on one in particular... if you get the right bounce... making the green on a par 5 is possible! Clubs that they have to hire are excellent, a brand new (looking) set of top of the range clubs, taylormade driver etc. No apartments or any development encroaches on the course, you don't have to worry about breaking someones window!

There are 27 holes, nine of which are along the coast and are links (of a sort). The links are extremely difficult, with large waste areas on narrow fairways, where you will probably lose your ball. I was foolish and hit driver where there was no need and lost any chance of a good score. The other 18 holes are really, really pretty, full of old trees, dramatic elevation changes, really inviting tee shots and well bunkered greens.

I would say if you can get reception or someone locally to ring up and try and organise a deal, that would be the best bet. Don't book online, if you go and its 35 degrees out, the course will be empty anyway.

Loire

Hi,

I'm heading to Lagos in 3 weeks time and have persuaded herself to let me out. Thinking of playing Boavista, but just wondering about the heat - anyone play in August? I'd be happy to head out there early and play away, coming in if it was too hot. Also, is it a handy enough course - don't feel like a challenge really, just something to enjoy!

Loire.

Brewster

I've played there last two summers in August, even teed off at 1pm to get the cheap rates! Once you have a buggy and lots of fluids it is fine. It is not an issue.

Loire

Brewster wrote: »

I've played there last two summers in August, even teed off at 1pm to get the cheap rates! Once you have a buggy and lots of fluids it is fine. It is not an issue.

Thanks for that.

razorblunt

Bumping this rather than start a new thread, heading over for a few days in March for 4 days of golf, plan is to play Parque de Floresta on one day, leaving three days still to be filled, not a huge fan of Boavista so I was thinking of Pestana and picking 3 courses.
What three would be deemed to be the best?

Also, does anyone know where I could get a golf only package for the courses? We have accommodation sorted and are hiring clubs at the airport so just need green fees and a buggy. I've already emailed Pestana direct to see if they could offer something, waiting to hear back.

Cheers.

Benicetomonty

Can't help with your request Razorblunt, but hoping to get some advice of my own!

I'm heading to Cascais in late July and looking likely I'll get a day pass to play somewhere! Oitavos Dunes seems to be the place to go although not cheap. Would appreciate some advice on courses around the area, as well as info re: club rental etc..

Thanks in advance!

sky6

razorblunt wrote: »

Bumping this rather than start a new thread, heading over for a few days in March for 4 days of golf, plan is to play Parque de Floresta on one day, leaving three days still to be filled, not a huge fan of Boavista so I was thinking of Pestana and picking 3 courses.
What three would be deemed to be the best?

Also, does anyone know where I could get a golf only package for the courses? We have accommodation sorted and are hiring clubs at the airport so just need green fees and a buggy. I've already emailed Pestana direct to see if they could offer something, waiting to hear back.

Cheers.

Pinta and Gramacho are both nice courses close to Alvor.
Salgados is lovely and flat if you like a links type course.
If you don't mind travelling over to 'vale de lobo the royal and ocean courses are lovely. vilasol is lovely but tough, plenty of Trees. You can join a Society called golf for greys for 50 Euro.
They run Comps every week all along the algarve with special green fee rates. If you wanted a competitive game.

razorblunt

Thanks sky6, Gamacho seems to be popping up again and again.

I'll be back in Vale de Lobo later in the year with herself so I can hit those courses then, we're staying in Luz so anything around Alvor is ideal.

Don't fancy Espiche at the moment either as the driver is still erratic.

sky6

Gramacho is nice although a bit hilly in places. Played it once in a comp and the greens were so icy that you couldn't get your balance to putt. but cleared by the 3rd hole.
Morgado up in the hills towards Monchique is a nice coarse also. similar to some of our parkland courses.

mike12

Used these for Spain not sure if they do Portugal as well.
http://www.golf-service.com/

ForeRight

Any reviews/tips for the vale de lobo ocean and royal course?

Brewster

ForeRight wrote: »

Any reviews/tips for the vale de lobo ocean and royal course?

Played the Ocean; excellent course and well worth the 55e odd if you play after 3 pm. Royal has a great reputation, hope to play it in June.

Dublin72

I stayed in Praia Da Luz in 2012. Played golf in Boavista which I thought was an average course. Also played Palmares which I thought was a spectacular course. 27 holes overlooking the Bay of Lagos.
We booked through greenfeesdirect.com. I have used them a few times and never had any issues with them.

sky6

ForeRight wrote: »

Any reviews/tips for the vale de lobo ocean and royal course?

Lovely course with the famous signature par 3 16th i think.
All carry across an inlet where the ocean comes in a long way due to erosion over the years. You actually have to hit out to Sea 45 * to the Green to allow for the wind to carry it back.
Most people don't allow enough and end up right of the green in either a Bunker or a Gorse bush. a great Hole.
However a few Holes are between Homes which are a little tight for some.
Still on of my favourites though.

sky6

Benicetomonty wrote: »

Can't help with your request Razorblunt, but hoping to get some advice of my own!

I'm heading to Cascais in late July and looking likely I'll get a day pass to play somewhere! Oitavos Dunes seems to be the place to go although not cheap. Would appreciate some advice on courses around the area, as well as info re: club rental etc..

Thanks in advance!

Best place to hire Clubs is at the airport. They stock all the leading brands. Last summer 35 Euro for a Week as opposed to 30/40 for a day in the Golf Clubs. Best to order early as they often run out despite having over 2000 sets available.
A great service and a credit to McGinley.

Benny Cake

Benicetomonty wrote: »

Can't help with your request Razorblunt, but hoping to get some advice of my own!

I'm heading to Cascais in late July and looking likely I'll get a day pass to play somewhere! Oitavos Dunes seems to be the place to go although not cheap. Would appreciate some advice on courses around the area, as well as info re: club rental etc..

Thanks in advance!

I was in Cascais 2 years ago and played a good number of courses in the area. The best by a distance is Penha Longa http://www.penhalonga.com/en/Golf its about 20 mins from Cascais. I found Oitavos pretty uninspiring tbh, 70 euro for the buggy on top of the round is extortionate.

Benicetomonty

Thanks very much lads! Don't know if we're hiring a car just yet, but renting weapons at the airport seems to be the way forward. Looking forward to it!

searay

Car hire charges in Portugal can be crazy, particularly from mid June to mid September. Taxis aren't plentiful in some of the resorts too.
Booking a shuttle service can be a good idea especially if you've booked teetimes in advance and you know when you'll want it. Plenty of contacts can be found online.

razorblunt

Thanks lads, that golf service site, seems like a winner. Going to book Morgado and one of the Pestana courses.
Pestana got back to me too, listing prices that was more expensive than what I was looking at on their online booking page!

Looks like the 4 courses will be: Boavista, Morgado, Pestana Course and Parque da Floresta.

FYI bit the bullet and booked Boavista as they had a pretty decent package including range balls, bacon rull and lunch with buggy included.

MuddyDog

Thinking of flying into Faro on 12th March and staying for 5 nights with 4 rounds of golf. Darren Clarkes golf site has 5 nights and 4 rounds at Tivoli or Salgados at 195 pounds per person. Seems quite reasonable. Has anyone used his site or been to Tivoli or Salgados before? Flights will be about 150 return and then 250 euro for accommodation and golf so 400 all in pretty much.

millerj

MuddyDog wrote: »

Thinking of flying into Faro on 12th March and staying for 5 nights with 4 rounds of golf. Darren Clarkes golf site has 5 nights and 4 rounds at Tivoli or Salgados at 195 pounds per person. Seems quite reasonable. Has anyone used his site or been to Tivoli or Salgados before? Flights will be about 150 return and then 250 euro for accommodation and golf so 400 all in pretty much.

I know there are a few people on Boards such as Ras Trent, Meredith the Austrailian and Grip N Rip who plan holidays to Portugal quite a bit and swear by teetimes.pt to organise the whole trip. I went last year and must admit everything was superb. Might be worth a look. We are actually due to travel again this year and booking with the same company.

MuddyDog

Thanks Miller. Will bear that site in mind when it comes time to book it either next week or the week after!

idle

Heading to Vilamoura in June and looking for course suggestions please. Was there 2 years ago and played the Old Course, Victoria, O'Connor and Laguna. Might play the Old Course again so looking for 3 other good courses to play. Any advice appreciated

Dbu

idle wrote: »

Heading to Vilamoura in June and looking for course suggestions please. Was there 2 years ago and played the Old Course, Victoria, O'Connor and Laguna. Might play the Old Course again so looking for 3 other good courses to play. Any advice appreciated

I would go,
QUINTA north and South
Laranjal
and maybe Vale de lobo royal and ocean

on you tube Mark crossfield has played most of them, so definately worth a look

the greatest game

idle wrote: »

Heading to Vilamoura in June and looking for course suggestions please. Was there 2 years ago and played the Old Course, Victoria, O'Connor and Laguna. Might play the Old Course again so looking for 3 other good courses to play. Any advice appreciated

Would not bother with the Victoria being honest, I do not know what the fuss is about that course.

you Can get good packages with the Christy O'Connor and Faldo courses, part of the amendoira resort, 30 mins or so from Villamoura..
Great deals there.