Can anyone comment on the condition of the local golf courses? We were over in Dec/Jan when most were playable but rathter wet, have things improved? Have never played Penina Championship course so would welcome any obervations on it's condition. Coming over again mid March and looking to play Pinta, Gramacho, Palmares, Boa Vista, Salgados and poss Penina. Many thanks in advance for your comments.

Much improved. I was out there two weeks ago and played Alto and Boavista. Green fees have increased over last year. Palmares 75 Euros, Alto 70, but Boavista only 55. However Alto were offering a special 'weekend' deal of 62.50 Euros for two players and a buggy - amazing! I played Penina (Championship course) two years ago - great course.

March is a busy month for golf so imagine they must be pretty good at the moment. I'm leaving on Friday for 5 days and playing Pinta & Gramacho next week. Penina is an excellent course. If you are not booked up already I'd sort something asap. I had problems getting tee-times about a month ago.

I haven't played Alto, how does it compare to the others?

Cheers

Jason

Thanks both for your useful comments, on the strength of these have now booked Gramacho, Pinta, Palmares and waiting on replies from Salgados and Penina. You were right Jason, March was very busy and I was only offered 7.30 or 1.45 tee times in some cases. Will plan further ahead next time.
Coming over with hubbie on Thursday for 6 days but have not made bookings, will take what golf we can. David plays off 11 and personally did not rate Alto as it is very tight. I enjoyed it perhaps because I beat him! Have played Boa Vista three times since it opened and always enjoyed it, the greens are very slick, lot of walking but we enjoy that too.

Whilst making the bookings for 'the girls' for mid March, Palmares offered 3 rounds for 177Euros but we are going with the golf passport again which works out at excellent value at 225 Euros for five rounds of golf but you can only play each course once. Have to pay a supplement of another 25 Euros for Penina if we get it but worth it I think.

10 day weather report shows rain until Wednesday, Jason. so hope it improves for us getting there later in the week. Enjoy your golf.

Hi Mo,

I've only recently (last year) started coming to the area for golf. I was wondering who you booked your golf with, an agent or direct with club? I booked my 2 games next week with an agent and its been a complete shambles.

Shame we didn't make contact a few weeks back, coming out with my wife and parents and I was looking for a couple of respectable golfers to make up a 4 ball with me & Dad. We play off 5 & 11.

We are sort of feeling our way with this too having bought over there in November 2001, anyone more experienced reading this may be best placed to comment? Personally I have found the passport the cheapest and for this I book direct with the golf courses but have been asking what offers they may have on and how booked ut etc just for info and future ref. Found it easy to book when in Portugal for Nov for instance, still plenty of availability but March does seem much busier. We used Richard Ballington at Algarve-Golf.co.uk, he was very helpful and we had no problems at all but you need to check out others for their prices too. Must dash - ladies morning!

You will find Alto a very pleasant place to play. It is not over long but like most other good golf courses you need to hit the ball accurately to score well. All of the holes are tree lined, there's views over the sea and as far as Lagos and the super new clubhouse is open.
Give it a try.