Where to Stay: Monte Rei Resort
This golf course is located near the town of Tavira, in the Algarve region of south Portugal. Situated close to the foothills of Barroca, you can enjoy lovely views of the mountains and sea during a round of golf.
With many golf courses in the Algarve featuring a resort and real estate, Benamor Golf is happy to promote the fact there is little construction around their golf course, which continues to be a major selling point for some golfers.
While many Algarve golf courses require you to go west from Faro Airport, Benamor Golf is to the east. The airport's journey time via the A22 is just 40 minutes, and you can book a transfer via the golf club if you do not wish to hire your own car.
Benamor Golf was first imagined in 1986 thanks to the Martins Dias family, who invited Sir Henry Cotton to design an 18-hole golf course on their land at Quinta de Benamor. With the designs in place, the course was finally finished and opened for play in 2000.
It’s said that Cotton was inspired by the old church which sits next to the clubhouse and the beautiful natural setting. Indeed, Quinta de Benamor makes a great location for a golf course, and the additional facilities are excellent.
Benamor Golf is a par-71 course short by professional golf standards, still playing to no less than 6,100 yards from the back tees. This makes the course ideal for players of all abilities giving and getting enjoyment all-around.
The course is undulating throughout but not hilly, and the mountain views to the north and ocean views to the south add to the overall experience of playing on the course. Bunkers are the main hazard, and many of the greens are heavily guarded by sand.
Water comes into play on the par-3, 17th hole but you must come well short of the green to see your ball come to a damp end. There is also a small lake between the 3rd, 4th and 5th hole but again, you need to be well off target for it to become a problem.
The course is very well maintained and can play here at all times of the year and enjoy a great round of golf. Olive, cork, carob, fig and almond trees feature around the course and combine with the playing surface's views and quality to make Benamor Golf a top choice in the Algarve.
The 18th is a great finishing hole with a long fairway and no hazards. However, three bunkers protect the green, to the sides and back waiting for any misjudged shots.
Complete with a driving range, putting green and large putting the course in addition to a golf shop, bar, and restaurant. The course has played host to several tournaments including the Scandinavian Vini Cup and their own Benamor Classic Golf Tournament.
Other courses to visit in the area include: Quinta do Vale, Castro Marim and Monte Rei.
