Portugal Golf

One of the best places to play in the world is Portugal and to be more precise, the Algarve. The Algarve is about three hours from most European capitals and has been a hidden spot amongst golfers all around the world for nearly 30 years. Portugal's southern province is also famous for it's beautiful scenery and spectacular coastline. The main golfing season is from autumn to late spring. Winter are quite mild and golfers from all around can enjoy the warm, sunny days and keep their swings smooth when their home courses are unplayable. Here is a great place to check out the Algarve and other great places to golf in Portugal.

Henry Cotton who put the Algarve on the world golf map in the mid-sixties, at Penina, designed the first proper grass course here. It was one of three he created in the Algarve and a place he loved and made his home for almost 30 years.

During the 1970's and 1980's and the beginning of the 1990's, golf in Portugal really took off all along the southern coast of Portugal. What's peculiar is that none of these courses are more than 10 miles from the coast. The terrain her varies from steep hillsides of Parque de Flroesta to the sea-level course of Vilamoura III and Salgados. These two courses alogn with Palmares, includes links-style golf also.

The Algarve countryside, familiar to summer frequenters, gives way to an oasis at each of teh golf courses thanks to the large, state-funded water catchments and distribution centers, as well as private wells which tap into the underground water for constant irrigation. There are numerous water hazards on teh Algarve courses which will give all golfers a run for their money.

All in all, the Algarve, and golf in Portugal, with it's mild climate and reasonably priced restaurants, breath taking scenery, friendly people and obviously excellent golf courses, all combine to make a visit a well worth vacation to anyone.