Parque da Floresta Golf and Leisure Resort, Lagos Golf Courses

Parque da Floresta

Considered one of the most spectacular courses in the Algarve, Parque da Floresta offers every level of golfer a true challenge of skill and stamina. As the course meanders through the undulating countryside it offers fantastic views of the surrounding villages and the Atlantic Ocean. Pepe Gancedo, one of Spain's most renowned architects, was the man who built it and his philosophy behind the design involved minimal alteration to the existing terrain.

With no two holes remotely similar, the variety and appeal of this unique course is endless, and one round will not be sufficient to appreciate its imaginative design. In recent years there has been a considerable investment put into the course including the addition of a golf academy and the redesign of several holes. The layout incorporates plenty of water, open fairways and challenging bunker-surrounded greens ensuring that an accurate tee shot is required at several holes. Finishing the eighteenth, set its own natural amphitheatre, concludes a course that will not be forgotten in a hurry.

Boavista

Boavista golf course was designed by Howard Swan, a renowned UK golf course architect. Adding a unique twist, the golf course has been split into 2 sections: the ‘Resort’ section and the ‘Country’ section. The ‘Resort’ section is made up of the 1st to 3rd and 13th to 18th holes, with some unique holes and pretty water features, attracting the local wildlife. The ‘Country’ section is comprised of the 4th -12th holes – the highlight of this section being the 6th which requires a tee shot over a ravine. The undulations of the golf course provide stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and there are plenty of unrivalled par 3’s to test your skills. The signature hole for this golf course is the part 4 7th, with the best views on the entire course; the Atlantic Ocean can be seen clearly for miles and the hills of Monchique compliment it nicely – a truly memorable hole.

Palmares Golf Course

Rated 26th in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Europe, Palmares Golf Club is known as the Jewel in the Crown. The three nine hole loops – “Alvor”, “Lagos” and “Praia” - each have their own special characteristics. With stunning river views and links style golf near the beach, Palmares Golf course offers a unique golfing experience set in a spectacular setting, with views of rare beauty. Palmares is a mixture of links and inland and is situated in a stunning location close to the historic town of Lagos. Golfers are set a challenge from the get go with a par 4, dogleg start leading to the links part of the course. Following the 6th hole, the course provides a different type of challenge as it turns back inland and towards the clubhouse featuring undulating valleys bordered by pine trees. Palmares is a fantastic option for those who are looking to play quality golf which combines a great blend of links and inland golf.

Penina Championship Course

The 18-hole Sir Henry Cotton Championship Golf Course at Le Méridien Penina Resort, previously known as The Penina, is a true test of a golfers’ skill, and has a reputation as being one of the toughest golf courses in the region. Featuring a range of streams, ditches and water hazards throughout its length and beautiful woodland areas surrounding holes and forcing players to keep their focus, this is a great test of golf for even the most proficient of players.

Penina Academy Course

The interesting 9-holes that make up the Academy golf course plays to a par of 30, and is made up of 6 par-3s and 3 par-4s. This golf course is perfect for casual, less experienced players’, however the tight greens still put an emphasis on accuracy, perfect to hone your game on before moving to one of the more challenging tracks in the area.

Penina Resort Course

The 9-hole Resort Golf Course at Le Méridien Penina Resort offers 18-tees so players can play a full round if they wish. The track is full of its own challenges, though not to the calibre of the championship golf course, that will still test players, making this a great warm-up golf course before taking your game to the main tracks.