Championship GOLF Courses in Portugal
Portugal’s golfing scene is adorned with some of the finest championship courses in Europe. These are not just fairways and greens; they are works of art crafted by the world’s leading golf architects. A visit to any of these courses provides more than a round of golf; it’s an experience to remember.
1. Oceanico Victoria, Algarve
Host of the Portugal Masters
- Location: Vilamoura, Algarve
- Architect: Arnold Palmer
- Highlight: Known for its challenging layout, myriad of water hazards, and beautiful umbrella pines, Oceanico Victoria challenges both professionals and amateurs alike.
- Visitor Information: Offers packages for visitors to play the course and watch professional tournaments, including VIP experiences.
2. Oitavos Dunes, Cascais
Ranked among the top courses in Europe
- Location: Cascais, near Lisbon
- Architect: Arthur Hills
- Highlight: Nestled within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Oitavos Dunes offers breathtaking sea views and a unique blend of parkland and links styles.
- Visitor Information: Golfers can enjoy amenities like golf simulators, a top-tier practice facility, and various dining options.
3. Monte Rei North, Algarve
A gem in Portugal’s golfing crown
- Location: Vila Nova de Cacela, Algarve
- Architect: Jack Nicklaus
- Highlight: With its meticulously maintained fairways, strategic bunkering, and stunning mountain views, Monte Rei North is often hailed as one of Portugal’s finest courses.
- Visitor Information: Apart from golf, Monte Rei offers luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining experiences, and a dedicated Golf Performance Centre for those looking to hone their skills.
Tips for Playing Championship Courses in Portugal
- Book Early: Championship courses are popular, so it’s wise to book your tee times well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Dress Code: Adhere to the dress codes, which often include collared shirts, tailored trousers, or golf shorts, and soft-spike golf shoes.
- Take a Caddie: Consider hiring a caddie, as their local knowledge can add to your enjoyment and understanding of these unique courses.
- Consider the Weather: Coastal courses can be breezy, so pack appropriate clothing and be prepared to adapt your game to the conditions.
Upcoming Tournaments on Championship Courses
Portugal’s championship courses are regularly graced by professional tournaments, bringing the world’s top golfers and golf enthusiasts to these magnificent venues. Here’s a glimpse of the major events to look forward to:
Tap Portugal Open at Oceânico Victoria, Faro
- Date: 14 to 17 October 2023
- Location: Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura
- Prize money: €1.5 million
- Tournament format: 72-hole stroke play
- Defending champion: Min Woo Lee (Australia)
The Tap Portugal Open is a professional golf tournament on the European Tour. It is played annually at the Oceânico Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura, Portugal. The tournament was first played in 1983 and has been held every year since then, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tap Portugal Open is a popular tournament among players and is known for its challenging course and beautiful setting. The course is a par 72 and measures 7,239 yards. It is a links course with a variety of holes, including some that are long and challenging, and others that are shorter and more forgiving.
Ticket Information: TBA (To Be Announced – Want to be notified )
Portugal Masters at Dom Pedro Victoria, Faro
Date: 29 April to 2 May 2024
Location: Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura
Prize money: €1.5 million
Tournament format: 72-hole stroke play
Defending champion: Thomas Pieters (Belgium)
Details: The Portugal Masters is a professional golf tournament on the European Tour. It is played annually at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura, Portugal. The tournament was first played in 2007 and has been held every year since then, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Portugal Masters is a popular tournament among the players and is known for its challenging course and beautiful setting. The course is a par 72 and measures 7,239 yards. It is a links course with a variety of holes, including some that are long and challenging, and others that are shorter and more forgiving.
The Portugal Masters is a great opportunity for players to win a significant amount of prize money and to boost their world ranking. The tournament is also a popular event for spectators and offers a variety of activities and entertainment.
Ticket Information: TBA (To Be Announced – Want to be notified )
Ladies European Tour Open de Portugal
Date: May 12 to 15, 2024
Location: Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura, Portugal
Prize money: €250,000
Tournament format: 72-hole stroke play
Defending champion: Anne Van Dam
The Ladies European Tour Open de Portugal is a professional golf tournament on the Ladies European Tour. It is played annually at the Oceânico Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura, Portugal. The tournament was first played in 2017 and has been held every year since then.
The Ladies European Tour Open de Portugal is a popular tournament among the players and is known for its great atmosphere. The tournament is also a popular event for spectators and offers a variety of activities and entertainment. The defending champion of the Ladies European Tour Open de Portugal is Anne Van Dam from the Netherlands. She won the tournament in 2023 with a score of 273, 11 under par.
The 2024 Ladies European Tour Open de Portugal is sure to be another exciting tournament. The field is expected to be strong, and the course will be a challenge for all the players. I am sure it will be a great event for the players, the spectators, and the city of Vilamoura.
Ticket Information: TBA (To Be Announced – Want to be notified )
Other Notable Tournaments
Comporta Golf Trophy
Date: 6 to 11 November 2023
Location: Comporta Golf Club
Description: This 3-day tournament is open to amateur golfers of all levels. The course is set in a beautiful natural setting and features stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cost: €1,010 per person
Quinta do Lago Golden Golf Tournament
Date: 18 to 25 November 2023
Location: Quinta do Lago Golf Courses
Description: This 5-day tournament is also open to amateur golfers of all levels. The courses at Quinta do Lago are some of the best in Portugal and offer a variety of challenges for players of all abilities.
Cost: €1,047 per person
Dona Filipa XXIII International Amateur Golf Tournament
Date: 25 November to 02 December 2023
Location: Vilamoura Golf Courses
Description: This 4-day tournament is a more challenging event for experienced golfers. The courses at Vilamoura are some of the most demanding in Portugal and are sure to test even the best players.
Cost: €1,017 per person
Sotavento Golf Trophy – 1st Edition
Date: 10 to 14 December 2023
Location: Morgado Golf Course
Description: This 3-day tournament is a new event on the Portuguese golf calendar. The Morgado Golf Course is a challenging links course that is sure to provide a good test of golf for players of all abilities.
Cost: €425 per golfer
XXV Dom Pedro International Golf Classic
Date: 13 to 20 January 2024
Location: Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course
Description: This 5-day tournament is a popular event for amateur golfers of all levels. The Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course is a beautifully landscaped course that is sure to provide a challenging and enjoyable round of golf.
Cost: €864 per person
East Algarve Golf Trophy 2024
Date: 3 to 10 February 2024
Location: Benamor Golf, Quinta do Vale, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Castro Marim, Quinta da Ria
Description: This 5-day tournament is a great opportunity to play some of the best golf courses in the Eastern Algarve. The courses are all challenging and offer a variety of challenges for players of all abilities.
Cost: €929 per person
JJW International Amateur Senior Tour 2024
Date: 18 to 25 February 2024
Location: Vilamoura Golf Courses
Description: This 4-day tournament is specifically for amateur golfers over the age of 50. The courses at Vilamoura are some of the most popular in Portugal and are sure to provide a fun and challenging round of golf for all participants.
Cost: €1,018 per golfer
2024 Spring Amateur Golf Tournament at San Lorenzo
Date: 23 to 30 March 2024
Location: San Lorenzo Golf Course
Description: This 5-day tournament is a great way to start the golfing season in Portugal. The San Lorenzo Golf Course is a beautiful course that is sure to provide a relaxing and enjoyable round of golf.
Cost: €1,163 per golfer
Iberdrola Open de Portugal
Date: 23 to 26 March 2024
Location: Millennium Golf, Vilamoura
Prize money: €250,000
Tournament format: 72-hole stroke play
The Iberdrola Open de Portugal is a professional golf tournament on the Challenge Tour. It is played annually at the Millennium Golf, Vilamoura, Portugal. The tournament was first played in 2018 and has been held every year since then.
Plan Your Visit
Visiting during a tournament is an exhilarating experience, but it does require careful planning.
Here are some tips:
Book Early: Tournament weeks can be busy, so book accommodations and tickets in advance.
Know the Etiquette: Familiarise yourself with the spectator etiquette during professional tournaments.
Explore the Surroundings: Many of these courses are set in beautiful regions of Portugal. Make time to explore the local culture and attractions.
Conclusion
Championship courses in Portugal offer an unmatched golfing experience, blending challenging layouts with stunning landscapes. Whether it’s the thrill of playing a course graced by the legends of the game or enjoying the luxurious amenities that accompany these top-tier venues, a visit to Portugal’s championship courses promises a golfing adventure that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
These havens of golf are not just for the professionals; they welcome all lovers of the game, from avid enthusiasts to those simply seeking a unique and memorable experience in the sport.