Dona Filipa Hotel *****

The Ocean Golf Course features undulating fairways which run alongside nature reserve, before leading gently down to the shores of the Atlantic. Its emblematic holes are two challenging and spectacular Par 4s, the 11th and the 14th – which treat golfers to some of the most spectacular views in the Algarve - and the Par 3 15th, which runs alongside the beach.  “The Royal and the Ocean are 2 great courses. On the Royal, you have to hit the ball straight - you´re going to be in trouble if you don´t. The Ocean is different, it forces you to shape more shots and I really enjoy that.” António Sobrinho, 11 times Portuguese National Champion The Ocean Course is composed of two of the original 9-hole golf courses designed by Sir Henry Cotton, which were opened in 1968 and 1972. His plans for the merged course became reality in 1995, after his death.

The San Lorenzo Golf Course was opened in 1988 and takes advantage of wonderful topography on the Quinta do Lago estate, winding its way gently over undulating pine woodland. The 18 holes lie in the unspoilt South east corner of Quinta do Lago, bordering the Ria Formosa Estuary and salt water lagoons. The course was designed by the American golf architects Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore, with beautiful Bermuda grass fairways provide perfect playing conditions.

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.

Pinheiros Altos Golf Resort, located in the Ria Formosa National Park in Quinta do Lago, is one of the most prestigious and successful premier private golf and leisure resorts in Europe... and features a 27 hole championship course, offering exciting challenges and varying degrees of difficulty.  Each of the nine holes; The Pines, The Corks and The Olives are a par 36, all of which have their starting and finishing points close to the impressive clubhouse.