Golf in Vale do Lobo

‘Today’s Golfer’ award to the Algarve

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The Algarve has been named the golf destination with the ‘best value for money’ in Europe, in awards run by the British magazine ‘Today’s Golfer’.

The Algarve region received 32% of the 3,276 voters, next was Turkey with 19% and Spain’s Costa Brava was third with 11% .

Also in the categories of ‘Best Golf Course in Portugal’ and ‘Best Hotel/Resort in Portugal ‘, the Algarve won again with the Oceanico Old Course in Vilamoura, and the Hotel Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort, in Vale do Lobo, leading with 31.31% and 15.44% of the vote respectively.

‘We are very proud to receive the news that the Algarve was once again chosen for the quality of its golf product, especially as the prizes are awarded by a publication from the United Kingdom, which remains our main market for tourists’ said the chairman of Tourism of the Algarve, António Pina, who added that ‘businesses in the golf industry are to be congratulated for the excellent service they have developed.”

Today’s Golfer magazine reaches over 200,000 British golfers every month and since 2010 is has been approved by IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators).

Vale do Lobo Ocean – Saturday 8th October ’11- Weekly Competition

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When we last played Vale Do Lobo Ocean in May the Society said it would return back later in the year. October is ‘high season’ and with the closure of the Oceanico Victoria course for the forthcoming Portuguese Masters it is getting busier on resort.

Situated on the very edge of the coastline with fairways running down to the beach it really is a spectacular course. Remodelling a few years ago has seen the course improve and special note must be made of the 9th hole. Crafted from nothing this new hole is a fabulous addition with its cascading water on the right ready to trap any stray ball to a narrowing double tier green.

Perfect weather greeted the ensemble of 24 players made up of many new players and some faces the Society have not seen for awhile. Pace of play was slow but what better place to enjoy the scenery than the spectacular Ocean course. Individual stableford was the format of play with a Nearest the Pin and a 2’s competition this week though only one was achieved on the day.

1st: Carlos Ferreira (h/c 12): 32pts

2nd: Bob Hill (h/c 18): 28pts

3rd: Shane Hall (h/c 8): 26pts

Nearest The Pin: Carlos Ferreira

2’s club: Carlos Ferreira

Pinheiros Altos – Saturday 24th September. Weekly Competition

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The Society welcomed two new players this week Debbie Wilson & Clare Daniel who drove up to the Algarve after playing La Manga the previous week so as to make our ensemble to 11 players, at Pinheiros Altos.

Our last visit in May saw the Society play the Oliveiras & Pinheiros loops, on this occasion it was Oliveiras (Olives) & Sobreiros (Pines). For those still unfamiliar with the names ‘Oliveiras ’was the original 1-9 lakes holes whilst the ‘Sobreiros’ holes consist of a re-sculpted 6th & 7th, four of the new holes and finishing off with original 7th, 8th & 9th.

Should you find yourself in the new part of the course take care; it is very easy to play the wrong holes and out of sequence!. In tournament play this would result in disqualification. The course was in fine form apart from a couple of tees and the greens their usual quick pace. ‘We’ll definitely be back!’ says Debbie.

Once again we returned back to Parkies Bar for post drink refreshments and some fresh pizza. Next week we return back to Vale Do Lobo.

1st: Shane Hall (h/c 8) – 34pts

2nd: Robin Prescott (h/c 14) – 32 pts

Nearest The Pin (Oliveiras 8th) – Mary Strutt