User Reviews
for Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course, Vale do Lobo, Portugal
Reviews 1 - 28 from 28
Nothing wrong...
Reviewed March 5, 2020
A lot of up and down, may be better to drive the course and not to walk.
Fairways is pretty good quality, greens not bad either, a bit too slow.
Design and layout not interesting enough.
Would not play again...
Original version
...old and good...
Reviewed February 7, 2024
...the course and the resort are among the oldest facilities in the Algarve.
We first put the tees in the ground here 30 years ago (1994) - at that time it was still a 27-hole system - and played these holes several times. At that time they were among the best that could be played in the Algarve. The range of golf courses was not even half as large...
The courses were planned by Sir Herny Cotten (1907-1987) and opened in the early 1970s. He also put on paper the first plans for a further development of a 36-hole system, which Rocky Roquemore realized according to his ideas towards the end of the 1990s.
Sir Henry Cotten was one of the world's top professional players in the 1930s and 1940s, won "The Open" three times in 1934,1937 and 1948, and has a total of over thirty tournament victories to his name. Even before his first victory at "The Open", he set his feet on the continent and became a pro in Belgium - Waterloo Golf Club.
After his career as a professional player, he became a golf course designer and worked in Europe and especially on British Island. We owe him more than 20 courses.
There are several works by him in golf literature, including one of the first Golf Guide for British Island from 1969...
His lifestyle was lavish, only the best and most expensive was good enough for him. He always traveled in his Rolls Royce, usually with a chauffeur. He was considered one of the best-dressed golfers.
During the Second World War he was in the Royal Air Force and trained as a pilot.
Shortly before his death, Queen Elizabeth II announced his ennoblement, which he would no longer live to see. On the day of his death he was given the title Sir.
The Ocean with its par 3 hole 15 directly on the sea, holes 11 and 14 lead there, holes 12 and 16 lead away - the IN loop was created by Sir Henry Cotten - and gives the course its name. We like this a little better than the Royal - it's a matter of taste - you play less in the rows of houses. The IN loop is sometimes very narrow and narrow, also because of the pine trees. The last nine holes - the OUT loop - were built after our visit in 1994 - we played for the first time in 2002 - are much more modern and open, there are fewer pine trees on the edge of the fairway and hardly any buildings.
It's a nice and good course, but for us it doesn't make it into the top ten in the Algarve.
The course maintenance is good overall, but a far cry from that of our previous visits - it seems as if they have forgotten some of the work - especially compared to 2002, there is a world of difference...
There are no five stars from us, they were even drawn - three or four!
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- Original version
Great place, terrible service
Reviewed October 26, 2023
We had booked two green fees for the course for October 22nd, 23 and were really looking forward to it because we know the course as one of the most beautiful in the Algarve. Unfortunately it was raining and the caddy master gave us around 20 completely rainy carts to choose from. The question whether he had a towel with which we could at least dry the seat was answered in the negative. When I asked politely at reception for a towel to dry the cart (which was booked for €50 with a green fee of €130 per person) I was told that it wasn't available and that I could buy a towel in the pro shop.
A miserable service!
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- Original version
A good round
Reviewed November 22, 2022
One of the best spots on the coast. Although it was very windy, we still played a relaxed, brisk round, the maintenance is really good.
Despite the beautiful view, the place is too easy, so only 4 stars.
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- Original version
The first nine are interchangeable
Reviewed May 28, 2022
It's not enough for 5*, the first nine holes are pretty boring.
After that, beautiful views, in March 2022 good maintenance condition.
After the round there are better places in the area
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- Original version
Highly recommended
Reviewed October 26, 2021
Course played on October 26th, 2021 A highlight of our 10-day golf trip in the Algarve!
Fairways and greens in the best condition, and that with the still very high frequency of use.
The lanes are very varied and on the Back-9 with wonderful sea views.
Not even the noise of individual houses under construction could disturb the idyll; you just have to be able to fade out and concentrate on the game, which is always an advantage with the narrow lanes. Would play the course again at any time.
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- Original version
Diverse golf course with gusts of wind and a great Atlantic view
Reviewed May 16, 2021
Golf course played in May 2021 at 22 ° C as a two-person flight.
State of care in general; good to very good.
Greens medium to slow pace.
Golf carts are recommended due to the differences in altitude to be overcome. On the first 9 holes, however, we asked ourselves where the ocean actually is. You get a score card without a place overview (could be improved). But that changed from hole 10 onwards. All in all, due to a sudden frontal gust of wind at hole 5 (easy par 3), I had to accept a cancellation result that spoiled my mood a little, but also forced me to concentrate more, which subsequently paid off. On the other hand, holes 12 and 14 with Atlantic View were actually pleasant to play (wide fairways / relatively even headwind from the Atlantic). However, on runway 14 we had to be considerate of crossing pedestrians with dogs running freely, who suddenly showed themselves under the pine trees and set off for a walk from the adjacent villas (?). About 200 m later we found a sign that advised pedestrians to pay attention.
Hole 18 was also really great to play; Par 5 with 385m length from yellow. The hole ends with a permanently installed grandstand at the end of a mountain hill to the side of the final green within sight of the clubhouse terrace. I put the third ball against the grandstand with 2 more iron lengths due to the enormous incline and then allowed myself a freedrop and felt like a professional for a moment... hahah...
All in all, we had a lot of fun and spent a nice day of golf on an attractive golf course.
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- Original version
Simply beautiful and priced in order
Reviewed June 26, 2019
The Ocean Course we have now played in June 2019 and this early in the morning. We started at 7:20 after registering in the modern clubhouse. From the raised tee of the 1 hole you have a nice view. In my mind, I'm still at par 3 on the 7th high tee and a narrow hall to the green, which you can easily reach with some precision with the first punch. With the 8 it goes up steeply as well as with the 9. Here is to be careful at the tee and to play his ball to the right, however, to keep an eye on the watercourse. At the 11 you knock the ball off the tee and can orientate on the black / white pole in the middle fairway. At the top you can see the sea-oriented green. The 13 liked more very well because here too precision is required to reach the green which is located on a plateau. With the 14 it goes on a wide fairway towards the sea and beach and this without much difficulty. In the 15 you play along the beach and must take into account the wind blowing from the Atlantic ago. The green is protected by a bunker and over the entire length of the track, everything is out of bounds on the left side. Be careful here because you tend to keep the wind to your left but if it does not blow at that moment... the ball is in the undergrowth. Generally a great course in good condition and lined with trees along the fairways that make one or the other time headaches and yet are good for any mediocre golfer to play. After the round, I showed the rental man my rented set from the Vale de Lobo for € 45 where the putter, wedge, sand wedge handles were smooth and no trace of grip. He could not do anything here was the answer. The material would be just like that. Therefore, I can only recommend to anyone to do a control of the grips before the round and this at a price of € 45. The fairy for € 91 was fine and the staff was very nice too.
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- Original version
Great sea holes, but otherwise...
Reviewed June 9, 2019
I prefer the Ocean Course to the Royal. Fortunately there is more than a great hole (especially in the direction respectively at the sea), here the place can compete with the high class competition in the Algarve. All in all, however, the ocean course lacks homogeneity. Sometimes great, sometimes moderate, sometimes quite generous, then tight again. You can see that the space was developed in stages, that different designs were merged and partially supplemented. In the end, the impression remains that Vale do Lobo is more about selling villas and apartments than golf. Although holes 11-15 are fun, there is a more convincing golf design in the Algarve.
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- Original version
A place that is fun
Reviewed February 12, 2019
Played in February 2019 in perfect weather. Wanted to run the course eigendlich, but discovered just before the round a GolfBoard between the buggies. Short instruction from the nice Caddy Master, € 30 paid and we went. Not easy to control the thing, but for all who do not practice golf I can only say: this thing is fun.
The place itself was in good condition, but some Cartwege have just been redone, so there were slight restrictions here.
Negatively noticed is only the lack of a buggy bar or halfway house.
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- Original version
Nice place, nice view, good price
Reviewed December 2, 2018
After we played the Royal Course in 2009 with the famous hole over the Algarve cliffs, this time we decided on the 27.11.2018 for the slightly hilly (Cart not necessarily required / Carts have seen better days) Ocean Course. The 36-hole course is located in the midst of the villa town of Vale do Lobo directly on the coast. Just like the Royal Course but actually only one train (15 / PAR 3) leads directly to the sea. But from a few other tracks you have a very nice view of the sea or play on it. All in all, the course has a resort character and you also pass some villas, but not too big or disturb. It also beats some increased discounts (eg Bahn 1,3,9,10). But it can also lead to blind strikes. There are a few water hazards, otherwise most tee-offs are open. The condition was absolutely fine, due to the many rain lately but many wet spots in the fairway. The greens top fine, loyal and fast. The game mode is quite active and you should reserve early or rather play in the afternoon. The green fee in November for both places equal with 87 € when online booking through the homepage is compared to the region for example Quinta do Lago seats, almost cheap. And from 13:00 clock the green fee is reduced again to 57 €. The green fee you pay in the apparently just rebuilt modern clubhouse at the golf counter. The staff at the counter, the starter and the Marshall were all very nice. All in all a diversified round on a pleasant course, therefore definitely worth a recommendation.
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- Original version
Scenery
Reviewed August 29, 2018
Really picturesque setting, we were almost alone at the end of August, but people are still as rude as last year. Very tall horse. But great place when he obviously has his best years behind him. Cart naked without anything (GPS, automatic brake, racquet washer, all not off).
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- Original version
Expensive, but worthwhile with great views
Reviewed July 18, 2018
So yesterday we were able to enjoy the Ocean Cours. For us as enjoyment golfer it was a really great experience here. Quality of the system is top in every way.
Especially the luxury villas everywhere on the fairways and of course the views of the Atlantic Ocean at the holes 11,14 and 15 were very impressive. Slightly sloping were the holes 5 and 6, which act a bit pieced.
Very friendly and courteous the entire staff was on the modern luxury resort.
Of course, a bit steep is the green fee of almost 100 euros in the "cheap" season, so we would not necessarily play the place so fast again.
But in fact we are glad to have done it at least once.
It was worth it.
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- Original version
Worth
Reviewed December 27, 2017
Easier than the Royal but more difficult to walk with a trolley, if you are not strong think about it, it has many slopes and quite large.
Very nice course, wide streets and not many zones of conflict, a couple of greens next to the beach, and in general very good maintenance, if you miss the next green tee to the next tee, remember that when you finish the 8th until the 9 there is a lot of distance, it seems you missed, but you will not reach 9.
If you can play it, you will have a good time.
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- Original version
Spectacular with small beauty flaws
Reviewed September 28, 2017
Very nice place, great ambience, cool clubhouse, good food. What bother me a bit is the elitist attitude (my - crisp - woman should close the upper button of your blouse, while others flaunt their Schwabbel free), but then you get a buggy without GPS (crass, there you are lost in many holes), without pin, without sand, without bat washer. But obviously the store is running anyway, so why improve something?
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- Original version
Good, but
Reviewed April 5, 2017
We played the course on 4/4/17 and were quite satisfied with the maintenance state of the fairways and greens. Also, the terrace and the clubhouse sufficient higher claims. Dissatisfied but we were using the railway infrastructure for the buggies. They were very bumpy and should be urgently overhauled.
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- Original version
Beautiful views and great location
Reviewed March 18, 2017
We played the course in March 2017th The course is a high-priced, predominantly inhabited by British resort and is lined along all fairways of spacious villas.
Pleasant acts that they are not separated as in many other places with high walls from the square, but are all very open along the fairways.
Many holes offer wide views to the countryside or the sea, such as hole 14 and 15. Scenic sure the highlights of the place.
The driving range, as already described in other comments, is certainly worth a visit.
Created from the idea, on 2 floors, certainly very nice. But here come from state care in the years and so short that you can play only iron, so as not to endanger the players on the opposite Chipinggrün.
The condition of the other place was good with no cause for criticism.
Clubhouse and terrace offer pleasant stay quality and the menu offers plenty of choice for everyone.
The regular green fee is based on the general certainly Preisniveuau the resort and moves for the offered at the upper end.
If you book the place as a packet and it therefore at approx. 100.- € is, but it's worth it to play in any case.
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- Original version
Overrated
Reviewed November 24, 2016
I played the course on 20 November 2016th The receptionist is friendly and helpful. The buggy is handed to me without score card, tees, pencil, sand bottle and drinks - not bad for this green fee... The driving range, which does not even worthy of the name is, rotting, unkempt and shabby. Barely the iron 9 can be knocked off. The balls are mostly completely worn without dimples and many have notches / slots. The place is ok, but not more. Again, I realize that is only superficially maintained. Some tee boxes resemble a camel... it is not easy to find a flat place. The greens are well maintained. Overall, the place in my opinion, for the few really beautiful holes along the sea is completely overrated, and the green fee a joke. For the infrastructure, the operator should be ashamed. Here one lives the reputation of yesteryear. Investments - see driving range equipment - is long gone here. Save yourself the time and money. In the Algarve there are many good golf courses - this is not among them!
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- Original version
Great Place
Reviewed September 23, 2016
Great layout with average care status. Very varied with breathtaking views. Part large distances between the tracks - Cart should be mandatory - often waiting times, which controlled the flow of the game to a halt... Nevertheless, we will definitely come again!
Mustapha
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- Original version
Super place, but sorry to say: "rip off"
Reviewed June 21, 2016
Played on 20/06/2016, hdc. 23.1 and 26: Excellent place, very good condition, the last 9 holes are a delight. The place is very fair to play well, for not
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- Original version
Class course
Reviewed September 9, 2015
Great Place with partly truly breathtaking views. Pro shop with huge selection, great clubhouse.
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- Original version
9 holes very nice, average 9
Reviewed March 31, 2015
These rather below average staff.
The second 9 are actually almost all very nice, from the first 9 only 1 and 9. Since a beautiful 18-hole course was very blatantly ripped and inflated with 2 times weaker 9 holes to 2 locations.
The condition was last week also unconvincing.
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- Original version
Lives by the splendor of the past
Reviewed October 25, 2014
The site has some nice holes, but was on the fairways and greens pretty zerknackt and broken. Too expensive for what it offers.
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- Original version
Too expensive
Reviewed February 23, 2014
Driving Range in poor condition, grass tees a field.
20 Range Balls 3 euros.
Buggy 50 Euro, 30 Euro twilight.
Place to play nice but way too expensive. 100 euros would be enough!
Attention Algarve there are also other places beautiful places at a fair price.
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- Original version
Great Course
Reviewed January 25, 2014
For me, one of the most beautiful places in the Algarve. Compact space which is suitable for wearing. Beautiful holes with plenty of water and some directly on the Atlantic Ocean. The view is better than on the Royal. About a Partner Hotel also green fees is ok.
Gladly again.
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- Original version
Great Course - far more fun
Reviewed December 12, 2012
The place has some really great tracks. The condition is - compared to other squares in this price range - rather average. For nearly 100 € because I expect a bit more. The club house is really nice - the staff...
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- Original version
Beautifully landscaped course with spectacular holes
Reviewed October 18, 2011
The club house and the entire system is excellent applied with typical natural stone paving roads. Well organized.
Unfortunately, the driving range was not open, which I already felt as a major shortcoming, especially when you're on vacation by renting a racket.
The space but compensated accordingly! Some very schhöne elevated tees or highly elevated greens. Care was good to very good condition.
Some spectacular sea views, alluded directly in front of the beach from an elevated location such as a par 3 green or parallel to the ocean.
Sprawling complex - Cart therefore mandatory. The cart was unfortunately not previously vorbuchbar.
Cart for zus were 45, - due, for a Callaway Leihschlägersatz (3 years old) for an additional 45, -. That was almost as much again as the pre-booked green fee of 98, -.
Nevertheless, I would come back because the space and the overall feeling of the green fees are all value. But would the racket before renting at the airport of Faro (week 35, - to 45, -).
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- Original version
Scenic & very sexy and athletic top neat place.
Reviewed June 6, 2011
So the Vale do Lobo Oceanic Curse is for a player like me, the only plays the second season so far has played golf and German courts, a real dream, snow-wise and "fluffy" bunker sand from which it is a pleasure herrauszuspielen.
Well maintained large greens, but usually without much Ondulierung where I got my London flight partner (who is a member here) was amazed by many Einputts and good short game.
This gives it a little rough, but many beautiful trees, hassle Ball Search is passé and, if necessary, leave for good match between the trees the fairway.
Well placed water hazards where you can abbreviate solid with precise long drives, if it succeeds then.
Impressed with the scenic trees (pine / cork) and the Green background with palm tree and ocean.
A long step waterfall gabs.
There are some blind tees and cope quite some altitude, the already exact a little, schlieslich have here already twice held the Portuguese Open.
The only drawback for me was the driving range was still created Duplex, but after about 30m and ended in a network with 3 euro for 20 balls did not meet my expectations.
The green fee was a bit high, but quite appropriate for matched performance.
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