Royal Golf Course
Vale do Lobo’s Royal Course boasts some spectacular holes, not least of which is the cliff-top 16th hole which has effectively become the face of golf in the Algarve.
Although it is a par-3, the green is set some 238 yards away on the opposite side of a series of plunging cliffs and standing on the tee facing the stunning sandstone cliffs, with a gleaming white sandy beach and the Atlantic Ocean to your left is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating experiences in world golf.
The legendary Sir Henry Cotton’s design has been revised by Rocky Roquemore in recent years, and continues to delight visitors year after year thanks to its amazing surroundings and the sweeping elevation changes that define the layout and provide much of the challenge, in addition to of course, the tight fairways that are bordered by mature umbrella pines that are so indicative of golf courses in the Algarve.
Course Information
| Par | 72 |
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| Designed by | Sir H. Cotton/R. Roquemore |
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| Opened for play | 1997 |
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| Did you know? | The only two ‘hole in ones’ on par 4’s on the Royal Course were both achieved in 2000: by Mr Geoffrey Widdowson on the 376 yard 4th and by Mr Francesco Vazzana on the 442 yard 17th. |
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Tees
| White | 6,626 yards | SSS 73 |
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| Yellow | 6,208 yards | SSS 71 |
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| Red | 5,368 yards | SSS 73 |
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Signature Hole – No. 16: Par 3, 234 yards (White Tees)
There is little question that the 16th on the Royal Course at Vale do Lobo is the course’s signature hole and it is arguably the signature golfing experience one can enjoy in the whole of the Algarve. This is a brute of a par 3 which can be played one of two ways. Either take on the forced carry over the cliffs to the large green or, if you don’t have the required firepower, take the long way around, utilising the small patch of fairway the right right. This might be the more sensible option for many but few will be able to resist having a crack at the green on such an iconic hole.
The Vale do Lobo Royal Course is ranked as one of the best golf courses in Portugal
Ocean Golf Course
The Ocean Course differs greatly to its neighbour; while the cliff-top Royal demands accuracy above all else, the Ocean allows golfers to use their creativity to great effect. Many of the holes run alongside a nature reserve, before the course winds down to the shoreline, where you can enjoy unparalleled views up and down the coast. The Ocean is a combination of two nine hole loops designed by Sir Henry Cotton & Rocky Roquemore who added the newer nine in 2003, and is a gem of a course that will satisfy even the most demanding golfer.
Perhaps seen as the “second” course at Vale do Lobo, the Ocean might not get the praise it deserves as it’s an excellent course in its own right, and a handful of the holes take you as close to the sea as you’re going to get in the Algarve. These holes, which come towards and middle of the round and into the back nine, are the truly memorable holes on the course and the 15th in particular is a stunner, almost rivalling the famous par 3 16th on the Royal for wow factor.
Course Information
| Par | 72 |
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| Designed by | Sir H. Cotton/R. Roquemore |
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| Opened for play | 1968 – Updated in 2003 |
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| Did you know? | Football Manager Louis Van Gaal once said of the Ocean Course: ‘I love playing the Ocean Golf Course as I always seem to play better on there! The views are also outstanding and you can feel the sea air wafting around you as you take in the scenery and enjoy the greens.’ |
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Tees
| White | 6,712 yards | SSS 74 |
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| Yellow | 6,116 yards | SSS 71 |
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| Red | 5,494 yards | SSS 74 |
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Previously hosted: The Algarve Golf Open (1971), Portuguese Golf Open (1976, 2002, 2003), Open Foursomes Golf tournament (Since 1983), Portuguese Golf Ladies’ Open (1985, 1987).
Practice Facilities
Vale Do Lobo also provides a golf academy, with two distinct areas. There is a netted area for the instruction of beginner golfers, which is also used as a warm up area. A short game practice area with bunkers is also available. This can be used by golfers to warm up before a game and as an instruction area used by the expert Vale Do Lobo Golf Professionals.
At the Clubhouse
Vale Do Lobo’s clubhouse is home to Spike’s Restaurant & Bar. The terrace overlooks a pretty sculpture garden, making it an environment which both golfers and non-golfers can enjoy from breakfast through to late at night. Spike’s offers a range of snacks and club sandwiches as well as some traditional Portuguese dishes.
Other Information
The Vale do Lobo Golf Club is home to a branch of Nevada Bob’s Golf, an established global network recognised as the world’s largest chain of specialist golf stores. All of the chains outlets carry over 2,500 products including all the major brands such as Mizuno, Ping, Callaway, Taylor-made and Titleist. The golf shop will cater for every day needs such as golf balls, gloves and soft spikes, while also providing top of the range sporting apparel.
A fully equipped Fitness centre is also on site, with a physiotherapist specialising in golf injuries. Club, buggy and trolley rental and changing facilities are also available.
Vale Do Lobos dress code requires golfers to wear golf shoes with soft spikes as well as collared shirts and golf trousers or tailored shorts.
