Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course, Algarve Portugal

Image Courtesy Vale do Lobo

Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course, Algarve Portugal
Central Algarve Region, Par 73, 6137 metres, 1968
Green Fee Guide: €€€
Overview: The Ocean Course is next to the Royal Course at the prestigious Vale do Lobo development in the central Algarve. The Ocean Course combines inland and beachfront holes in a very scenice setting. The course is a combination of holes designed by Sir Henry Cotton and later Rocky Roquemore. The photo shows the delightful 11th green.
Reasons to play Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf: The back-nine sweeps down to the beach and includes some of the most visually-stunning holes in the Algarve. The facilities and setting of the course are excellent.
Factors to consider at Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf: There are two steep uphill holes, one of them the 18th, which are quite hard work, so many players will want a buggy. But buggies are expensive in the peak Spring and Autumn weeks. Lower price green fee deals are available in winter and summer.
Degree of difficulty of Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf: The front-nine is quite forgiving. The back-nine is tighter and more exposed to winds off the ocean. Generally the Ocean Course is a little easier than the Royal Course next-door.
Our overall verdict: We can't give the Ocean quite as high a recommendation as Vale do Lobo's Royal course, mainly because of the 8th hole. It's sharply uphill and the approach shot is blind, you can't see the green at all. But apart from that, this is a beautiful course, so don't forget your camera. Recommended