Hilton Vilamoura Hotel *****

In the heart of Vilamoura lies the Grande Dame of Algarve courses, The Old Course Golf Club. As one of the first-established layouts in the region, the Frank Pennink-design is well regarded throughout the golfing world. Although it is but a mere 20-minute drive from Faro Airport, the course finds itself situated amongst impressive pine trees and set out over gently undulating terrain. There can be no argument that, for all who are lucky enough to play here, this is a golf course that lives long in the memory.  The modernisation programme preserved the challenge of this magnificent layout for future generations and raised the quality of The Old Course Golf Club to new heights. An attractive new clubhouse and the putting green adjacent were the finishing touches to this renovation in the final years of the last millennium and still add much to the golfer’s experience.  As with each Vilamoura course, detailed management systems ensure environmental protection practices are strictly adhered to.

South Course is the crown jewel of Quinta do Lago. Designed in 1974 by William Mitchell, who introduced American-standard greens, tees and bunkers to the Algarve. Soon the course gained a prestigious reputation and became a flagship in the European Tour Course. A favourite among European tour players, the 6,500 metre par 72 is set among umbrella pines, lakes and wild flowers, overlooking the serene Ria Formosa National Park.
South Course has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times, including Colin Montgomerie’s win in 1989. Having won 24 under par, he finished 11 strokes ahead and broke the world record with a round of 63.
Its championship status however does not deter the amateur golfer. While the 8^th, 15^th and 18^th are testing holes for low handicap players, the course’s varying difficulty challenges golfers of all levels and abilities. Accurate tee shots are essential for reaching the greens, as the variety of doglegs and strategically located hazards increases the course’s difficulty. The front nine holes, which wind their way through the parkland, favour a draw. While the back nine, which loop around the lake, favour a fade from the tea.

Laranjal opened in 2009 and was voted Best Golf Course at the 2011 Portuguese Travel Awards. Originally an orange grove, the par 72 championship course is situated 2 km east of the resort, in the Ludo Valley. Boasting spectacular fairways and well-defined greens, Laranjal is renowned for its five beautiful lakes, umbrella pines, cork-oaks and orange trees. At 6,480 metres in length, the challenging course demands the highest level of concentration and accuracy. Its distinctive rolling terrain has been expertly designed and manicured to provide a world-class golfing experience.
Featuring five par 5s, eight par 4s and five par 3s, the course is sown with Bermuda grass on the fairways and Penn A4 on the greens, ensuring excellent putting surfaces throughout the year.
At 6,480 metres in length, the challenging course demands the highest level of concentration and accuracy. Its distinctive rolling terrain has been expertly designed and manicured to provide a world-class golfing experience. Comprised of five par 5s, eight par 4s and five par 3s, the crown is sown with Bermuda grass on the fairways and Penn A4 on the greens. Throughout the year, we guarantee excellent putting surfaces.