Conrad Algarve*****

The Royal Golf Course has rolling fairways set amidst pine trees and beautiful lakes surrounded by wild flowers. Its features include the almost island green of the 9th and the famous 16th, with cliff-top carryover – one of the most celebrated golfing images in the world, which has become the veritable symbol of golf in the Algarve.  “My favourite hole is the 16th on the Royal, which has to be one of the most challenging shots in the world if the wind is against. (...) Furthermore, I don´t know of another resort in Europe that caters so well for its members, residents and guests.” Jarmo Sandelin, European Tour Professional and former Ryder Cup Player The Royal Golf Course was designed by top American golf architect Rocky Roquemore, based on original drawings made by Sir Henry Cotton. It was inaugurated in 1997. 

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.

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.

The North Course was totally redesigned in 2014, by renowned architect Beau Welling, in conjunction with former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. The new layout has been built to the highest specifications with emphasis on precision and strategy.   
All the greens, tees, bunkers, irrigation and drainage systems and cart paths have been re-built using innovative technology. Four sets of tees have been introduced on each hole to accommodate players of all levels. Golfers are challenged by a combination of undulating greens, well-positioned bunkers and water hazards.
A low-cut Bermuda grass approach has been introduced around greens to create recovery shot options, therefore encouraging all levels of play. Through the introduction of seasonal rough grass and the planting of specimen trees, the aesthetics and environmental impact of the par-72 course has significantly improved. The renovation has allowed for water recycling, solar energy while the grassy areas will encourage new ecosystems.

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.