Where to Stay: Magnolia Hotel or Hotel Quinta do Lago
The Algarve has emerged as one of Europe’s top destinations for golf holidays. With golfers arriving at Faro Airport travelling from numerous countries worldwide, it’s straightforward to reach this region of Portugal and enjoy the many available activities, the most popular golf. This course features in our Ultimate Guide to the Best 9 Holes of Golf in Portugal.
When playing golf in the Algarve, one course which should be firmly fixed on your radar is Laranjal, at Quinta do Logo. The course is part of the Quinta do Logo Golf Resort and open in 2009, as the newest of the current property courses. Designed by Jorge Santana da Silva, the fairways at Laranjal are routed through orange groves, and this is where the name of the course comes from. Playing at over 7,000 yards from the back tees, this is a golf course that has been set-up with tournament golf in mind, and it does not disappoint. That being said, there is a choice of tees to play from, so it is suitable for all abilities.
Some of the par-three holes can play very tough, especially if the wind is up and some players will find themselves resorting to their five or four wood to reach the green. However, they remain enjoyable, and the 11th hole is a real favourite. There is a lake on the right side of the hole and a bunker that leads down into the water, like a beach. It’s a unique design that really captures the imagination at Laranjal.
Quinta do Lago Laranjal, although was the third course to be built this fantastic 18 Championship gem sits just 4 kilometres inland from Quinta do Lago and Ria Formosa Nature Reserve.
For those who love to let rip with the driver, the 5th hole is perfect. The elevated tee box is set back amongst the trees and invites you to step up and unleash your most powerful shot. Due to the tee's position, the ball seems as though it is sailing through the air for several minutes before dropping to the fairway. Catch your tee shot right on this hole, and it will give you tremendous satisfaction.
The 9th and 16th holes are the par fives' picks, and each of them features more than one water crossing. Take a deep breath and keep your ball in play for the chance of a birdie or perhaps something even better for those with the required distance.
The one thing everyone was talking about around the course was the quality of the fairways and greens. The latter of which was in tremendous condition, playing true and very fast. There are plenty of hazards around the course in terms of sand and water, making accurate shooting off the tee crucial for getting a low score. However, it is on the green where your scorecard will be most affected. Often large, undulating, and quick, accurate approach play is crucial to giving yourself a good chance of putting in one. Anything else and you may have a tough read on your hands, leaving yourself happy to escape with a par.
Laranjal golf club is a very well kept golf course, which offers a good challenge to players of all abilities. Despite being the newest course at Quinta do Logo, it is fast building a reputation as one of the best golf courses in the Algarve.
Nearby Golf Courses in the Vale do Lobo Area:
Vale do Lobo Royal Course is a five-minute walk away.
Other courses include San Lorenzo Golf Course, Pinheiros Altos Golf, Quinta do Lago North and Quinta do Lago South are also within ten minutes drive.
