Amendoeira O'Connor Jnr Course

Location

Situated on the same expansive estate as the Faldo layout, the Amendoeira O’Connor Jnr Course offers a more flowing, resort-friendly challenge with wide fairways, strong water features and a layout that suits every level of golfer. It has become a favourite course for Algarve golfers, especially if you enjoy a more relaxed rhythm to your rounds. If you want to explore a different part of the coast after your game, the lively waterfront in Portimão adds plenty of choice for food, views and atmosphere.

Amendoeira is 45 Minutes from Faro Airport in the Algarve. The golf course is based in Alcantarilha, about 20 minutes from Albufeira.

Where to Stay: Amendoeira Golf Resort

Guests who stay here can use the floodlit par-three academy course.

Designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr, this course complements the neighbouring Faldo Course and takes full advantage in a valley.

Numerous water features, including lakes and watercourses dispersed throughout the course, demand precision and testing from all players. The rich topsoil has been beautifully groomed and planted with mature palm trees, creating a lush, attractive environment reminiscent of an enormous oasis.

Holes 7, 8, and 9, all average length par 4s, present a unique challenge because they all run alongside lakes, requiring golfers' focus and precision on tee shots and approaches. The third and seventeenth holes are also good par threes.

Two successive par 4s, the 14th and 15th, with great rolling greens, are difficult to overcome at this crucial point of the round. The concluding hole, 356m off the white tee, necessitates a precise drive to set up the approach to a two-tier green benched into the hillside. Finally, Christy's 18th hole, a moderate ascent with the river running along the right-hand side, brings the course to a spectacular close. 'This is a humdinger; once you come up here and gaze down on the golf field, you will feel blessed.'

The tees of the O'Connor Jnr course are typically connected to the fairways. Still, the challenge comes from the longer total distance, water hazards, and large greens.