Name of course
Vale Do Lobo - Ocean Course
Type of course
Parkland
Location
Vale Do Lobo Resort
Number of holes
18
Par
73
Length
6137 (White tees) 5638 (Yellow tees)
What year was the course opened?
1968
Who was the designer?
Henry Cotton
What type of golf club is it?
Privately Owned, Members’ Club.
Handicap required - men 28, women, 32
Guests welcome
Teeing-off times
Members have priority times but with two courses (Vale do Lobo also has the Royal Course) there are usually tee times available for guests as long as you pre-book.
Dress code
Tailored shorts, polo shirts
Golfing facilities
Golf pro
Driving range
Buggies
Caddies (on request)
Hire clubs
Why do you like it?
Stunning views over the ocean, well maintained, good variety of holes.
Best hole
11 - requires a good tee shot to position yourself for a downhill approach to the green, with the beach and ocean as a backdrop. Inspiring.
Signature hole
As above, but also 15 - a long par 3 running parallel to the beach.
Level of challenge
Moderate. Some really challenging holes, but there is often more ‘room’ than appears from the tee. The greens are undulating in places and well-paced.
Who plays there?
There’s a younger and older generation of membership. The older members tend to be retired ex-pats, but there’s also a group of younger players, either holiday property owners or visitors to the Algarve.
When to go
High season - March-May and September-October. It’s quieter outside of these periods.
Food options
Spikes Clubhouse. Plus a range of other restaurants on the resort.
Non-golfing facilities
Spa
Tennis academy
Gym
Pool
Mini golf
Plus all the facilities of a luxury family resort
Inside knowledge
For group bookings, liaise with Hernani Estevao, Golf Director at hestevao@vdl.pt
Cost
Membership - €2,655 (residents), €5,890 (non-residents)
Joining Fee - €2,700 (5 years)
Green Fees - €190
Opening times
7am- dusk every day
Reviewed by:
Daniel Henderson (‘scratch’ golfer)
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