Where to Stay: Monte Rei Golf Resort
The fantastic award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Monte Rei Golf Course is located in the Eastern area of the Algarve near Tavira. Just 25 minutes or so from Faro International airport, this Portugal golf course sets new standards. This course features in our Ultimate Guide to the Best 9 Holes of Golf in Portugal.
Measuring over 7,000 yards from the back tees, the par-72, Monte Rei North is a Nicklaus Signature Championship course where water features heavily throughout. In fact, there are only seven holes on the course where water does not come into play. So if you get nervous when playing around with water hazards, be prepared for a good test. There is a mix of holes, with eight par-4’s, five par-5’s, and five par-3’s, each designed to flow into the rolling terrain.
Each hole comes complete with its own character and challenges, with fast greens protected by bunkers and water and tree-lined fairways. There are extensive views of the golf course and the surrounding area throughout your round. No hole, on the course plays the same, you must be on your game, to attempt to tame this course.
The 13th hole is a downhill par-4 with a fairway that has several bunkers in your ideal landing area. Accuracy off the tee here is paramount hitting a wayward shot, and you will face a challenging second shot. The green approach is tough enough without playing from the sand, water in the guise of a large lake guards the green. Once on the green, the test continues with an undulating and fast surface making putting that little bit more complicated.
Water continues to come into play on most of the back nine the 18th hole is no exception. This par-5 18th hole, which is reachable in two for the longer hitters, has a lake in play for both the second and third shots. Spoiling your card on the final hole is not ideal, and many players opt for the safety-first approach and play down the left side, in an attempt to altogether avoid the water.
The Monte Rei experience does not end on the 18th Green the clubhouse awaits. This impressive clubhouse offers an extensive array of luxurious facilities and delicious dining options and 19th Hole drinks. Monte Rei North is slightly more expensive than the average Algarve golf course, but who wants to play on average every day? Well worth every additional Euro, and a golf course that continues to win the best golf course in Portugal, year after year. Once played, you can experience for yourself why?
A top-rated golf course amongst our new and returning clients with a Signature golf course includes a Buggy and latest state-of-the-art GPS all included in your green fee. Clients love to play this gem of a course whilst on an Algarve golf trip.
Situated in the hills close to the town of Tavira and the Spanish border. Upon arrival, you know you are in for a fantastic day of golf, and the attention to detail and service is excellent. The driving range is arguably the best in Europe and the perfect way to loosen up before stepping onto the first tee.
