Overview:

Vale do Lobo is the Algarve’s oldest golf resort. The Royal course at Vale do Lobo, designed by Henry Cotton, is one of Portugal’s best golf courses. The Royal can stretch to 6792 yards and is included in many Portugal golf packages. The original three loops of nine holes have been incorporated into two 18-hole courses (one called Royal and one called Ocean). The Royal is the more famous course and is known for the par-3 sixteenth hole over the cliffs, a hole somewhat reminiscent of Cypress Point’s #16 and the most photographed hole in Portugal. The final 9 at Vale do Lobo, designed by Rocky Roquemore, was completed in 2003. These newer holes, making up part of the Ocean course, are more open. This adds even more variety to a course that includes several holes running along the coast as well as several inland holes flanked by pine and eucalyptus trees.