Golf in Portugal

Algarve - Golf Royal Course

Golf in Portugal > Algarve > Royal Course > Bookings

The 6,175 metre long Royal Golf Course has championship tees, and is a lot more difficult than the Ocean Course. This is because of its more interrupted terrain, the amount of water and sand obstacles and its generally longer holes However the original design is by Sir Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore's design trademarks are visible along the course. The US architect, very active nowadays in Portugal, has been responsible for the enlargement of the "yellow" course. The high point of the Royal Golf Course is its famous Par 3, one of the most photographed in the world because of its unique conditions. To play this hole from the championship tee, one needs a 218 metre stroke over three spectacular cliffs to reach the green after crossing a lake. Water is also part of the game in holes 6, 16 and 17. Nearest Accommodation: Hotel Meridien Dona Filipe, Vale do Lobo de Luxe Resort I Accommodation Algarve Nearest Golf Course: Ocean Course

Pro´s Playing Tips The opening holes are a soft introduction to some testing later ones. The par-4 sixth, for example, at 395 meters, has water on the left of the green and bunkers on the right. A good drive to a narrow landing area still requires a bold approach to the protected green. The 3-par ninth (155 meters) features a near island green. However, Roquemore has set the trees in a wide arc in front of the picturesque lake, making club selectiondifficult. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more delicate approach, a safe passage exists to the right. The eleventh, a par-5 of 485 meters, is a good test. It is essential to get a good drive away because the second shot will be to a narrow landing area between a lake and a steep bank. Only from this point is it possible to expect a comfortable approach to a green protected to its left and in front by water. The sixteenth (formerly the seventh of the yellow course) is the spectacular par-3 of 205 meters across the red sandstone cliffs for which Vale do Lobo is famous. Views from each of the tees are out along the length of the coastline westwards. And so to the last hole, with a fairway sloping off to the right, it is advisable to drive to the left. However the fairway is lined on both sides with pines which are constricting in the mind's eye. At 330 meters, this closing hole is not particularly long, but the green has raised banking to the left and the ground falls steeply away to the right. The approach shot must be committed and well positioned if you are to have the satisfaction of the ball remaining firmly on the green.

Course Data Architect: Sir Henry Cotton & Rocky Roquemore Opened: 1997 Holes: 18 Par: 72 Length: 6.050 meters Pro: Stephen Walker Requirements: A Handicap Certificate. Strict dress code Facilities: Driving Range, Putting Green, Pitching Area (with bunkers),Trolleys, Buggies, Club Hire, Pro-shop, Roving Buggy Bar, Restaurant, Bar.

Score Card
Hole C M L Par Stroke 1 430 370 330 5 9 2 290 280 270 4 13 3 390 380 315 4 3 4 315 295 230 4 15 5 470 455 380 5 7 6 395 375 335 4 1 7 150 120 100 3 17 8 385 360 295 4 5 9 155 135 110 3 11 out 2980 2770 2365 36	Hole C M L Par Stroke 10 330 315 305 4 18 11 485 465 405 5 8 12 335 305 260 4 16 13 365 350 320 4 2 14 355 330 310 4 4 15 295 275 245 4 10 16 205 185 115 3 14 17 370 350 330 4/5 6 18 330 305 270 4 12 in 3070 2880 2560 36/37
C M L Par Total 6050 5650 4925 72/73