Algarve Golf Courses - Hotel Quinta do Lago

Laranjal was originally an orangery but today is the third top class golf course at Quinta do Lago.

The fairways are rolling and narrow with mature orange trees, cork and umbrella pines lining the edges. There are 5 lakes on the layout and the greens are planted with Penn A4 grass type to ensure excellent putting surfaces all year round.

The North Course is the newest addition to Quinta do Lago’s five-star golf facilities, the totally revamped course has been one of the most talked about golf projects in 2014 and is set to be one of the new stars of European golf - and the new number one course at Quinta do Lago!

Redesigned by renowned American architect Beau Welling in close collaboration with European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, the new layout has been built to the highest specifications with a €9.6m investment.

A low-cut Bermuda grass approach has been introduced around greens to create a myriad of recovery shot options for increased satisfaction on all levels of play. The aesthetics of the par-72 course have also significantly improved through the introduction of a cool season rough grass and the select planting of native grasses and specimen trees to help the environment.

The Quinta do Lago South championship course, set in undulating hills and pine forest, has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times.

A truly wonderful course, ideally designed to test the scratch golfer but can also be enjoyed by the handicap golfer, the layout favours the long hitter but correct placement of shots is needed to score well.

Strategic bunkering, occasional water hazards and large, contoured greens are the main challenges. The signature hole is the beautiful par-3 15th with a long carry (190 metres) over a large lake to a well-guarded green set amongst pine trees.

San Lorenzo golf course is one of the very top courses on the Algarve, and previously ranked as the second-best course in Europe. Available to members and guests of Dona Filipa Hotel and Penina Golf Resort Hotel.

The first five holes are relatively benign, with undulating fairways through a pine tree forest, before the golfer is faced with the unique views and exciting challenges of the extensive Ria Formosa lake/lagoon and bird sanctuary along which several holes border.

The course finishes strongly - the 18th is a 440-metre par 4 with expansive water along the left side and an approach shot to a semi-island green.

Situated within the fantastic Vale do Lobo resort, the Sir Henry Cotton-designed Vale do Lobo Ocean Course is a lush layout of pine and fig tree-lined fairways that sweeps down to the Atlantic.

The course has been altered by renowned US architect Rocky Roquemore and has previously played host to the European Tour’s Portuguese Open.

The Vale do Lobo Royal Course is rated as one of the best in Europe and sits dramatically on the cliff’s edge over the Atlantic.

The famous 16th is one of the most photographed holes in Europe and requires a shot of more than 180 metres over three spectacular cliffs. The wind plays an important role and even long hitters frequently require a good one-iron.

The Royal is a very enjoyable course, with attractive holes lined with umbrella pines and fig trees. A buggy is recommended, though, as there is a lot of walking between greens and tees.