Vale do Lobo Royal

 

The course winds its way through villas and trees with the opening 9 settled nicely in the surroundings. There is a great stretch of holes at 7, 8 and 9. The 7th is a pretty short par 3 over the water to a sloping green. This is quickly followed by uphill dog leg left par 4 measuring over 400 yards. Then you reach the gorgeous 9th hole which is almost an island green par 3, hopefully you are playing well and you hit the green here to complete a very pleasant front 9 holes.

 

It is on the back 9 where this course really ignites. There is the beautiful and long par 5 11th  which has water running up the left of the fairway to the front of the green offering protection from those looking to get home in two.

 

A little later on in the round you reach one of the most iconic holes in the Algarve the 16th a par 3 which measures over 230 yards from the tips, over a ravine along the cliff top. From here the views are incredible until you realise you have to play your tee shot which brings you back to the reality of the situation.  Take a deep breath and remember you can always bail out to right of the green and try to get up and down for you par as I did.

 

This course is a great addition to any trip with tees for all abilities, we would highly recommend adding the Vale do Lobo Royal course to your itinerary.