The Algarve, Portugal

Jack Nicklaus Signature design in the eastern Algarve — frequently ranked #1 in Portugal. Immaculate conditioning and a peaceful, low-density resort experience.

William Mitchell design (1974), site of multiple Portuguese Opens. Pines, lakes, and the most famous routing on the Algarve. The marquee round.

The sister course at Quinta do Lago — Beau Welling redesign opened the layout up with sandy waste areas and modern conditioning. Strong complement to the South.

Jorge Santana da Silva design (2009) — the third Quinta do Lago course, set further from the headline South and North layouts in a quieter wooded valley. Less famous but well-regarded; the contemplative round in the QdL trio.

Nick Faldo Signature design at Amendoeira Golf Resort — strategic, exposed, and lined with olive and almond trees. The higher-rated of the two Amendoeira courses.

Robert Trent Jones Jr. design at Lagos in the west Algarve — 27 holes blending links-influenced ocean holes with parkland routing inland. Some of the most dramatic ocean views in the region.

Joseph Lee design routed through the Ria Formosa Natural Park — beach views, salt-marsh holes, and a regular feature on European top-100 lists.

Rocky Roquemore redesign — home of the iconic 16th, a par-3 played over the ocher cliffs. One of the most photographed holes in continental Europe.

The sister to the Royal at Vale do Lobo — Rocky Roquemore redesign with the same cliffside Atlantic views. Slightly more forgiving than the Royal, plays well alongside it for a 36-hole Vale do Lobo day.

Frank Pennink design (1969) — the Algarve's most historic course and the first built in Vilamoura. Tree-lined, traditional, and a piece of Portuguese golf history. Recently restored to its original character.

Henry Cotton's 1966 design — the first championship course built in the Algarve and host of three Portuguese Opens. Mature, traditional, and a piece of Algarve history.

Christy O'Connor Jr.'s Algarve design — more parkland in character than the Faldo course next door. The natural complement when staying at Amendoeira.

Links-style coastal routing between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra — water on most holes and a windy character that distinguishes it from the inland-pine resort courses. Popular with visitors.

Newer Lagos-area course (2012) with a sustainable, environmentally-led design — wide fairways, native grasses, and a more open feel than the older parkland resort layouts. Worth playing for the modern Algarve flavor.

Frank Pennink original (1976) — pine-tree corridors, classic routing, and a value round in the Vilamoura cluster. Often overlooked next to the Old Course and Victoria, but a reliable stop.

Martin Hawtree design at Vilamoura (2000) — the resort's modern parkland round, plays through pine forest with water in play on the back nine. Often paired with the Old Course or Pinhal for a multi-round Vilamoura day.

Mid-tier resort round at Vilamoura — flatter, links-influenced layout with water on most holes. Solid value when the marquee Vilamoura tee sheets fill up.