Golf in Vila Sol, Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal

Golf in Portugal
Algarve - Golf
Vila Sol

Golf in Portugal > Algarve > Vila Sol > Bookings

Situated at the heart of one of the Algarve's most developed resort areas between Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago, Vila Sol is a picture postcard of Portuguese golf. Though opened only in July 1991 the course already shows a considerable degree of maturity as a result of its excellent upkeep.

This course, winding through an immense pine wood, in which fig trees, oaks and almond trees also feature, is the work of the famous English architect Donald Steel. It is a typical inland golf course of the British school, posing a test of the golfer's strategic skills. Its narrow fairways demand accurate driving. The player also has to face several obstacles during the game - lakes and bunkers - as well as fast grass on the greens. A low overall score will be the fruit of early successes on the first four holes, reckoned to be the most difficult on the entire course.

Vila Sol earned high marks in its most challenging test - hosting the Portuguese Open in 1992 and 1993 - when the invigilators were Europe's top professionals. These golf stars heaped praise upon the excellent playing conditions and the quality of its greens, which they considered as good as the best in Europe.
Nearest Accommodation: Vila Sol I Hotel Altantis I Ampalius I Marinotel I Vila Galé Marina
Nearest Golf Courses: Old Course, Pinhal, Laguna, Millenium

Pro's Playing Tips
The opening hole (381 meters, par 4) is actually somewhat complicated with a very tall pine tree about 50 meters before the green, making the line in difficult. The green is humpbacked and fast. A par here would really be a nice start. The sixth is an elaborate par 5, with views inland to the Loulé hills. The championship tee has been extended and elevated, making this hole a real challenge for pro's and low handicappers. A good drive here will be short of the lake which cuts into the middle of the fairway. The second shot must then carry the water - a distance of some 130 meters. The "safe" way round is to drive to the right, avoiding the fairway bunkers potentially within reach.

In the second nine, the fourteenth is a difficult par 5. With a good drive and second shot, the green comes into view, but so, too, does the lake which protects it. The green is two tiered, inclined towards the direction of play and protected by overhanging trees. At the eighteenth, the drive is blind, and should take you over the plateau seen from the tee. Too far left and the second shot to the green is over the trees - even over the top of the hospitality tent. Hole nineteen - the first of the new nine holes - is 488 meters. The fairway is relatively narrow, continuing Steel's architectural concept for Vila Sol. The massive par-5 twenty-third is 524 meters, wending its way through intrusive pines. The finishing hole is a par 4. It skirts two lakes in its dog-leg left approach to a substantial green. It is a golf hole worthy of Steel's innovative skills.

Course Data
Architect: Donald Steel
Opened: 1991
Holes: 27 (18 + 9)
Par: 72
Length: 6.189 meters +
Requirements: A Handicap Certificate.
Max. Men=27, Ladies=35. Soft Spikes
Facilities: Driving Range, Putting Green, Pitching Area (with bunkers), Trolleys, Buggies, Club Hire, Pro-shop, Restaurant, Bar, Terrace cafe.