User Reviews

for San Lorenzo Golf Course, Almansil, Portugal

3.8 of 5 stars23 Reviews

5 Stars:
7
4 Stars:
8
3 Stars:
6
2 Stars:
1
1 star:
1
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Reviews 1 - 23 from 23

pitchmark 362 Reviews
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...almost speechless...

...it was even one of the best 100 courses in the world in the 1990s...
...now still in the top 50 on the continent...
...now still in the top 10 of Portugal...

After today's round we ask ourselves why???

Joe Lee - an American - wrote this course on paper, the on-site builder was Rocky Roquemore.

Joe Lee (1921-2003) from Florida is a very renowned golf course architect who is hardly known to the wider golf scene, but he has planned or renovated more than 250 courses worldwide.
He worked with the famous Dick Wilson - later for him.
Lee was surprisingly anonymous for his significant work until Wilson's death in 1965. The creation of five top courses long used by the US PGA Tour - Blue Moster (Doral Miami) and Bay Hill (Orlando) was purchased by Arnold Palmer in 1976; LaCosta (Carlsbad California); Cog Hill (Chicago) and Warwick Hills (Detroit) - is thanks to his work.
He built more than 70 courses in Florida and 30 in Gerogia.

His philosophy: "The golfers want challenges, but they want fair ones"
A quote from him: "I don't think there should be any tricks on the golf course"
He received the highest honors from Jack Nicklaus: "Joe Lee never built a bad golf course.

Joe Lee is still anonymous today and there is very little literature about him.

We played our first rounds here in 1994,6 years after the opening, 30 years ago. We counted ourselves among the tall and wild ones, not yet single players - with the exception of the leader - we lacked the precision and threw away a lot of balls back then...

The notes tell us that everyone had a lot of fun on this trip, especially this course. The memories are too, still alive, the notes are extensive, especially for the paper age...

Hole 8 - a par 5 with 525 meters - cost a lot back then. It is one of the best holes in the Algarve, OUT and houses on the left, water on the right - marshland and bird sanctuary - and in front of the green too. We all had balls that said goodbye, one team member deposited seven...

Now we are here again after 18 years, the reasons for the long break are varied. We won't reproduce it at this point - just saying that we had already thought about course maintenance back then.

It is still a very great course, the location is unique, the layout is very well done and the implementation too - in our eyes still one of the best on the continent.
The course maintenance can be described as very - very - modest - unfortunately!!!
This will never do justice to the reputation of the course at the moment!!!

We're honest, we're disappointed not to see anything of the previously very good or even excellent maintenance!!!
We agree with the reviews from dr fritzmaier, sand 30 and Hampe61!!!

In the ranking of the Algarve Course he is being pressed hard, Monte Rei, Palmares, Quinto do Lago and Vilamoura Old are now placed ahead of him, and he still has Vale do Lobo behind him...

There are around 90 golf courses in Portugal, half of them on the south coast, half of which are in the top list...

This one has lost its place with such maintenance, in our opinion...

If the layout wasn't so excellent - there are still a few holes today that are among the best in the world - the awarding of stars would have been without discussion and it would never have been enough for three stars...

The temporary clubhouse is the smallest problem...

The scores are worlds better than in 1994...

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Jürg 7 Reviews
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Great layout though

Played 10/2/23. Clubhouse is a small barracks because the old one burned down. Little activity, which has its reasons. Condition of care just sufficient. Too many large bunkers directly in front of the green with varying sand conditions. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the round in the beautiful nature with fantastic views and without the constant pressure of having to play quickly or wait like on other courses in the area. Nevertheless, an investment would be appropriate slowly so that this pearl does not go to waste.

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Luemmel 4 Reviews
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San Lorenzo

We also played the course with a small group yesterday. Some have played the course 15-20 years ago and it was once one of the top courses in Europe! But what we found there was a huge disappointment!!
The place is in a very unusual bad condition! The worst we have played so far! Once and never again!!!

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drfritzmaier 256 Reviews
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The old glory is fading

Only average condition of fairways and greens in March 2022. Tl. Fantastic design on the lagoon and exciting holes (18!) The clubhouse is no longer appropriate for a previously highly acclaimed facility.
You should play once despite the very high green fees.

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sand30 108 Reviews
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Golf course in the middle of a nature reserve

We played the course at the beginning of November 2021 and were very impressed by the fairways, which are varied and sometimes challenging (hole 18). Pine forests, water hazards and views of the sea alternate successfully. The holes 5,6, 7,8, 13,15 and 18 are particularly beautiful. Unfortunately, the condition (tees and fairways) leaves something to be desired. However, the greens are impeccable - fast and on track. The paths between the holes are very, very bumpy and uncomfortable for trolleys and buggies. If you are in the area, you should still play the course!

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Hampe 61 95 Reviews
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A little disappointed

Place played on 10/26/21 From the layout (as mentioned several times) smooth 5 stars: varied and with several discounts towards the sea; beautiful!

First (star) deduction: Fairways in poor condition. It had to be played partly on bare earth; unworthy of the proud starting price. The 4 Dom Pedro courses, which were played in the same week, were (for less money) in clearly better condition!

Second (star) deduction: the service all around was also poor. Starting with the starter, who only appeared briefly at the start control and then disappears again without comment, on to the missing drinks trolley on the way to the service in the restaurant: service had to be called several times, menu card kept very short and payment was only possible on request: For the high price, I clearly expect a lot more!

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Dottorebernardo 45 Reviews
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Beautiful golf experience

The first impression makes the ambience appear somewhat neglected. The range is small but complete. The staff friendly. There is still no birdie book / stroke saver, which is uncomfortable for players who don't play the course often. The layout is interesting, with some really challenging courses, especially in the lagoon area. The greens are fast and on track. The rest of the space is well maintained. The numerous birds near the lagoon are enriching on the one hand, on the other hand their legacies are "a hindrance". All in all, a course that enables a beautiful golf experience.

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reiner2304 488 Reviews
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Varied

Played on 21.11.2018. The 18-hole course in Quinta do Lago / Vale do Lobo offers a varied layout, with some challenges such as well-placed bunkers and water hazards. Strategic game is needed! Higher HC should have some extra balls in the bag. There are some increased haircuts, some with views of the Atlantic. Two tracks are more or less separated from a lagoon by the sea. There are also offered by Bällesammlern "stray" balls. You can run the course well despite the one or the other height difference, so that a cart is not absolutely necessary. You play some beautiful tracks along a large lake with many waterfowl (storks, among other things) and if it were not for the occasional planes, the idyll would be perfect. Also the one or the other artisan activity, at the villas, which were / are built along the fairways, can disturb. The condition was ok. The greens are perfect, loyal and fast. The green fee (with online booking 132, - €, without cart or trolley) is already steep. The clubhouse, to my astonishment, compared to other clubs in the region and the price range is very simple and a bit old. The sanitary area is not really inviting. The secretary and the starter were very friendly. Despite the high green fee, the start times are well booked, a reservation is recommended. On the homepage you can easily see the bookings. I started at 7:30 clock and was able to enjoy alone and in peace the round, but one must of course by the time still arangement with the Geenkeeping. The offer is completed by a large driving range. My recommendation to play at least once, since this is also a resort place, but this does not appear so strong due to the beautiful surroundings.

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Golfisthenewblack 3 Reviews
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Always beautiful

For me, this place is one of the most beautiful in Europe - views of the Ria Formosa - Flamingos inclusive. Nice and friendly staff! A must for every golfer

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Rolo67 30 Reviews
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Super nice - great loud

A picturesque course, the waterways spectacular! But the noise in the area is just awesome. Cart completely naked (no GPS etc.). Very friendly people.

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francesco 41 Reviews
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Great Place

A really nice place with many very varied holes. Nature and coastal views are sometimes spectacular. The club has a time-honored touch, but is still a bit old. The training facilities are rather average, as is the restoration. Despite a few flaws, the place can be recommended at any time

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OPA JOHNNY-der GOLFPLATZ-SAMMLER 17 Reviews
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Missing the Algarve...

Always recommended by golfers, this time it worked to play the San Lorenzo. Fortunately with two nice ladies from D., who were able to play "really well". Thus, the round and the place was really fun.
Always a recommendation and worth a visit!

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Enjoy Golf 65 Reviews
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Disappointing

Of course, the holes along the lagoon are special and the last two holes are too. The rest, however, is boring compared to other top courses in the Algarve (motorway golf). The condition of the fairways was very weak, December can not be considered an excuse, because other places in QdL and VdL are in good shape. The greens were good and very fast. Conclusion: Was about 20 years ago among the best in Europe, today not worth the trip.

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Hewo 97 Reviews
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Super place in the Algarve

After many years, we have now but once played the place because it was the last 18-hole course, which was still missing.
The reputation has been fully confirmed. The first eight holes are difficult without prior knowledge. After some normal tracks coming up to 18. The 18th hole is again a hammer.
Annoying I found the walkers and cyclists on the sea. Because of the flood, people were running on the fairway edge without the danger to be aware.
Overall a great day of golf. After Monte Rei and with Victoria, Faldo and Palmares certainly a top spot in the Algarve.

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Birdie Hunter 10 Reviews
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All the best

I played the course on Monday 21 November 2016th Even if you drive onto the grounds of the golf club, it is found that there are professionals at work. In the parking lot I'm instructed, the golf bag is taken from me and brought to the Caddy Master. I log in and I informed the receptionist about everything. Everything is well organized. The driving range is generous, the putting green and chipping area are ok. The place is very nicely decorated and everything is wonderfully maintained. Numerous holes with great views of the sea and the lagoon. Varied and challenging fairways. It is playing an experience here. In my opinion worth the money. I am very happy to come back.

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Stephan1602 1 Review
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Golf Course top - flop Management

A scenic golf course really special! View from Tea 5 & 6 simply dreamlike state care consistently well, faithful greens, rich fairways!
Management and Service unfortunately only embarrassing!!
The booked tee time was awarded at the same time to 3 additional flights!! Completely overwhelmed the starter, the management had also "forgotten" nor a golf group! Due to the total overcrowding we played 4.5 hrs. For 13 holes!!! The round was stopped us and our front Flight!
The management in the pro shop, unfortunately without any understanding & responding even naughty and completely uninterested!
For now we have a very very disappointing day of golf.

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manfredf 39 Reviews
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Necessarily play!

A wonderful place, not in vain on every list of best courses in Europe at the forefront.

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matthias H. 31 Reviews
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Not a must!

Pleasant reception and very friendly service. Good maintenance! Huge greens, but unfortunately very slow.
4-5 impressive fairways, otherwise rather average.

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2 Lefties 44 Reviews
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Well

So for us this is not true value for money. The place has indeed from the 5 to 8 some very nice holes (landscaped with lagoon), but the enthusiasm has its limits. Have Twighlight played around 13:56 for 120 € + Cart. But it was too much for the space. On some discounts it has no grass, fairways overall very sandy. The greens are ok.
A Marshall would have been good, we have unfortunately good five hours needed for the Flights in front of us and are just so came in with the darkness. Elsewhere much rather pay.

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Berggolfer 6 Reviews
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Very beautiful place with varied holes in the bird sanctuary

Very nice place in the bird sanctuary. Fair Greens direct face-off, the greens is possible since the ball remains also lie. 1st nine holes get past the lagoon. The second nine are in the interior, in November to get directly at the storks over. (Schäbelgeklapper of storks can be heard) Tip of our troops - the discount on the elf for too long - then the Green's easier to play - is behind it! from.
Food Club restaurant is not so good-it certainly changes with the chef. The snacks are the same but much better prepared at Dona Filipa.

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dottore bernardo 1 Review
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Beautiful and challenging course

A very beautiful and sometimes very challenging course. Especially the holes 5-8 and 17 + 18 with a view of the sea and the lagoon are impressive. Very good solution is the integration of the well manicured golf course in the seemingly pristine natural landscape of the lagoon.

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pggolfer 7 Reviews
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Mandatory Course

Extremely well maintained and super beautiful location, with beautiful trees. Like me have the holes on the waterfront. Pleasant: the clubhouse is not pretentious, as found in many other squares in this league. We have played the afternoon, and had the place almost for ourselves. Necessarily recommended.

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Brause Bär 4 Reviews
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The situation...!

Produces outstanding location of the place in a nature reserve with several fairways directly on the Atlantic in as easily I would (Handicap 11) does not describe the place, good maintenance condition, service, and offer the clubhouse british good fairy without the hotel u / o discounts too high, in any case, but a worthwhile PLatz;

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