Vale do Lobo (Ocean) - Algarve - Portugal

If you're after a fun, fast round in buggies with your mates, and you don't really care about the golf course, then Vale Do Lobo is a good place.

However, it isn't cheap, and I have no idea why. Both courses are quite average, and I honestly can't remember maybe 25 out of he 36 holes there.

On the Ocean course, the 15th is a lovely par 3 by the beach, and there are a few nice holes on the back nine too.

If you want a good golf course, I would bypass both VDLs, and visit Palmares (probably cheaper too), Penina or Monte Rei.

Played this on 9th September 2019, really enjoyed it. I've played it 2 or 3 times now and this is the best condition I've seen it in.

Offers a good mix of tree lined and open parkland holes down towards the beach with some great views. I know it is generally reckoned to be the weaker of the two Vale Do Lobo courses but during this week, not by much in my opinion.

The Ocean course at Vale do Lobo is nice, but the Royal is definitely the better of the two. There were some unusual holes on the royal that I didn't understand and thought weren't the best. For example the par 3 5th hole was just a pointless hole as it was just long with absolutely nothing to it. Although there were some not so great holes, there were also some excellent holes such as 6 which was a great par 4 with water all down the right and the par 3 15th was also a fantastic hole. Overall the course is good however there are better ones in the area!

One of two courses at the Vale de Lobo resort, maybe not as good as the Royal course but also really nice to play. Some wonderful holes with great ocean views like the par 4 14th and the par 3 15 hole. Also a lot of elevation on this course, it starts with a dwonhill tee shot and ends with an interesting uphill and really short par 5 hole.

Because of the nice ocean view I can only recommend the course but if you have a chance play also the Royal course.

A course I would play every day. Very different holes make this a real test.

Some of the views as you take your first sight of the ocean are just incredible.

Having played the Royal course too I don't think that is a patch on the Ocean course, which has been in superb condition on the 2 occasions I have played it.

Having just come back from a weeks holiday in the Algarve, this was the first course that we played (of 5).The course was in great condition, with some breathtaking views to be had on the back 9. I would recommend this course to anyone playing as one to play.

Played here in May 2015 and really enjoyed the course, holes 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 15 are all great holes, however there are a couple of holes that are just not up to it which stop me giving a 5 ball ranking. That being said this is by no means a bad course and asks a lot of you all the time. It is easy to end up with a sideways shot out of the trees so placement and accuracy is key,

Extremely poor condition. Greens outrageously bumpy, scarred and marked, fairways boggy in places, tees heavy with divots. An army of uniformed staff treat you with disdain and act as if they are doing you a favour letting you play, despite paying over inflated prices. They are definitely not interested in making your day enjoyable and I would not recommend anyone play this course.

One of my favourite courses on the Algarve - great ambience in the clubhouse (we always arrive early for a leisurely lunch on the terrace). The course is great seaside golf - the front 9 doesn't touch the coastline much (weaving it's way through the villas). However the course comes alive on the back nine where most of the holes have tees or greens with super sea views. 15, a par 3 which runs parallel to the beach is golfing paradise. Always in good condition whenever I've played it.

When travelling to the algarve we always play the Royal & Ocean courses in Vale do lobo. The fairways on the ocean are wider compared to the royal and is much easier to get your drive away, plus the distance of the course is on the short side but the whole setting of the course along the beech is great. No hole is the same and the par 5 4th is a great test if you get a good drive, then only to deal with a tough but rewarding shot over water. The whole course is manicured to perfection plus the staff in the club house are always very friendly. Only draw back was it is a bit pricey @ 110 euros.