Eastern Algarve Courses
Benamor
A few minutes drive from Tavira,
Benamor is set in groves of olive, cork, carob and almond trees on the lower
slopes of the hills and there are striking mountain and sea views. The rolling
terrain and widely varying holes provide an interesting test of your game.
There are many strategically placed bunkers and water hazards so precision
off the tee and on the approach shots is an absolute must. A big plus point
is the absence (to date) of holiday villas and apartments. The course length
is modest, so Benamor offers a gentle, peaceful and fairly undemanding round.
Designer: Henry Cotton/Howard Swan/Raymond Jones
Fairways: Bermuda
Greens: Penn A4
Par: 71
Length: 6017 yards
Green fees Nov 07 - Oct 08: £38
Quinta da Ria Bordering the Ria Formosa estuary,
the impressive Quinta da Ria must be a candidate for one of the most beautiful
golf settings in the Algarve, with spectacular views of the mountains and
coast. It's built on flattish terrain with greens that are slightly undulating
and well guarded by bunkers and, on 6 holes, man-made lakes. Beware of the
reeds that have sprung up around all the water hazards, and steer clear of
the 300+ mature olive and carob trees that were transplanted to the course
during its construction. Definitely not to be missed if you're staying in
the area.
Designer: Rocky Roquemore
Fairways: Bent Crenshaw
Greens: Bent Crenshaw
Par: 72
Length: 6700 yards
Green fees Nov 07 - Oct 08: £51
Quinta de Cima On the other side of the road
from Quinta da Ria, there's Quinta de Cima. Although they're very close together,
the two courses offer very different challenges. They do have one thing in
common though - they're both golfing gems. Quinta de Cima only provides distant
glimpses of the sea and is hillier, longer and tougher than its neighbour,
with lots of bunkers and very tricky greens. A stream with a number of small
waterfalls crosses the 4th, 5th, 6th and 13th fairways and turns into a lake
on the signature 18th.
Designer: Rocky Roquemore
Fairways: Zoysia
Greens: Bent Crenshaw
Par: 72
Length: 6950 yards
Green fees Nov 07 - Oct 08: £51
Castro Marim Castro Marim is carved out of
predominantly pine woodland and set in rolling terrain against a hilly backdrop.
There are impressive views of the nearby River Guadiana and the Atlantic Ocean.
The course designer, Terry Murray, has used the natural ground cleverly and
visitors are advised to be wary of a sometimes deceptive landscape. The clever
layout demands accurate play and astute club selection. Opened in 2000 as
the first phase of a luxury resort, we're sure Castro Marim is destined to
become a firm favourite with UK golfers. Buggies recommended.
Designer: Terry Murray
Fairways: Bermuda
Greens: Penn A4
Par: 72
Length: 6010 yards
Green fees Nov 07 - Oct 08: November - May, 16 September - October £29; June-15 September £25