Tivoli Marina Vilamoura *****

At the time of creation, the Victoria Golf Course was hailed as the most ambitious golf project Portugal had ever witnessed. Covering some 90 hectares, the venue encompasses one of the most complete golf complexes in Europe, and features an exceptional driving range and a putting green of some 2,500 m2.
All of this has made it the obvious venue of choice for many of the top international tournaments to visit Portugal in recent times. Indeed, it has served as the host venue to the Portugal Masters on every occasion since 2007, while the World Cup Championship was staged there in 2005.
The Par-72 Championship layout, measuring 6.651 meters (7,273 yards) from the Palmer tees, incorporates and has ensured the preservation of natural wetlands on-site, as well as the typical vegetation of carob, olive and almond trees. A significant proportion of Victoria’s acreage is occupied by lakes, forming hazards to be avoided but which also have a strategic purpose in providing reservoirs for irrigation.
A number of teeing options on each hole (often as many as six are offered), accompanied by wide but undulating fairways, provide a fair test of golf, although water and cleverly-positioned bunkers pose a constant threat.

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.

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.

Monte Rei is one of the most exclusive developments of its kind - featuring a unique championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, set in over 1,000 acres of glorious countryside in Portugal’s Eastern Algarve.Located in the unspoilt countryside between the dramatic Serra do Caldeirão mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the landscaping has been carefully designed to ensure that the Algarvean landscape is preserved and enhanced.To experience the lifestyle at Monte Rei, a choice of beautiful villas is available for short term rentals, making the ideal accommodation for families, small business groups or friends who want to enjoy a world-class resort in a unique Algarvean setting.