The Royal Golf Course is typified by rolling fairways set amidst pine trees and beautiful lakes, surrounded by wild flowers.
The course is best known for its famous 16th hole, with cliff-top carry-over. One of the most celebrated golfing images in the world, this has become the veritable symbol of golf in the Algarve. In the opinion of some professionals, the hole is rivalled only by the 17th “road-hole” at St. Andrews.
However, a course cannot rest on being known for only one hole, and there are many other challenges along its length, in particular numerous narrow fairways, bordered by age-old pine forest, which make the Royal a real test of a golfer’s accuracy and concentration. Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, exemplified by the almost island green of the 9th, heighten the challenge for golfers of any standard.
The course offers a good blend of short and medium length par-4, par-5 where only the best shots will result in a birdie and three tough par-3 with two requiring a shot over water.
Handicap limits: Men 28; Ladies 36
Other Information |
| Architect |
Sir Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore |
| Year Built |
1997 |
| Dress Code |
All players should wear socks and proper golf shoes with soft spikes only. T-shirts, jeans (of any colour), trainers and bathing shorts are not allowed and shirts must have collars. |