User Reviews
for Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course, Vale do Lobo-Almancil, Portugal
Reviews 1 - 14 from 14
Original version
...venerable and old...
Reviewed February 7, 2024
...the course and the resort are among the oldest facilities in the Algarve.
We first put the tee 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 is not even half as large...
The course was designed by Sir Henry Cotten (1907-1987) and opened in the early 1970s.
The properties on both sides of the fairways follow American models - the course is completely built up.
Sir Henry Cotten was one of the world's top professional players in the 1930s and 1940s, won "The Open" once in 1934,1937 and 1948, and has a total of over thirty tournament victories to his name.
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.
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.
Shortly before his death, Queen Elizabeth II announced the ennoblement to him, which he would not live to see. On the day of his death he was given the title Sir.
The Royal Course is considered the better, not least because of the par 3 hole 16 on the cliff, which is the only hole directly on the sea. It is also one of the most photographed holes in the Algarve.
The design language of the 1960s is still clearly recognizable, many holes are straight or have very moderate dog legs, and are sometimes narrow and narrow - and not just because of the jaws.
It's a nice and good course, it just barely makes it into the top ten of our Algarve list!
Overall the course maintenance was good, but a far cry from that of previous visits - it seems as if they have forgotten some of their work - especially compared to 2002, there is a world of difference...
The work done for the "Open de Portugal" was definitely on another level...
These were held here in 2002 and 2003.
We don't give five stars, they were even drawn - three or four!
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Only lives by the name
Reviewed January 22, 2024
Played again after years. The facilities are getting old and the sanitary facilities on the site are a disaster. The greens, even if it was January 21st, were in very poor condition and then 225 for two people. It's not worth the money just to play the par 3 over the cliffs.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Exceptional golf course
Reviewed January 12, 2023
The course is well maintained and in very good condition. It is very varied and differs from usual golf courses. The individual tracks run along magnificent villas, new and old buildings. The signature hole is undoubtedly the 16. A relatively long par 3 along the rugged cliffs. A dream setting.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Traversed
Reviewed June 9, 2019
The place is typical of the resort: old and new are mixed. All in all, the Royal Course is dominated by the old part. This also applies to the houses, which to a large extent are still from the first stages of construction and are partly built very close to the fairways. Compared to the Quinta do Lago squares everything seems rather narrow and less inviting. The new (1997 built) holes are already a bit more generous and modern. However, the Royal Course is not a unit, rather piecemeal - and in very different quality. The great par 3 above the red cliffs can not compensate. Conclusion: The place lives from the prestige of earlier times and from an impressive hole. Too little for the price.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Fantastic golf course!
Reviewed November 2, 2018
We played the Course Royal on 27.10.18 with a couple from London. We were thrilled, well maintained and very varied. Challenging, of course, are the different par 3s over the water. A feast for the eyes is the hole 16, a 4er par to the sea and of course the hole 17, a par 3, over the cliffs and great view to the sea and beach, but strong wind from the sea. We'll be back, even though you often have to drive over roads to the next hole.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Once is enough!
Reviewed April 16, 2018
The individual holes may be ok, but the price as such is not very appealing. Long paths between the fairways, the constant crossing of streets and the back and forth between the houses definitely leave an ambiguous impression.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
You can lose yourself from hole to hole
Reviewed December 24, 2017
Field without much complication and little fun the most fun and a beautiful hole on 16 deserves to make the journey just to play that par 3 of 190 m.
The rest nothing interesting, from hole to hole very ugly you have to go through many times by callles etc.
The field was made to sell the villas that are in the urbanization.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Very nice
Reviewed September 27, 2017
I must contradict the other judges. This is a great place. OK, the range is a joke, but everything else is very nice.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Much too expensive to play 16 holes
Reviewed October 24, 2015
In fact boring. Have run the place without any problems, even with 60 well-kept property Top Shop and restoration. The Ocean Course is compared by a multiple exciting designed. This place can be, but you must not have played in the Algarve.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Pure boredom!
Reviewed April 27, 2014
Up to 16 dead boring! Totally overpriced and not recommended. Never again!
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Great!
Reviewed March 24, 2014
Thanks to the previous reviewers "Oranje", because of him we have taken a cart. And that was a good decision.
Have Twighlight played from 15h, and it has just enough so. Despite many Flights in front of us, a round of 4 hours was possible. Place in good condition, varied holes. Would the place like dpielen again.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Beautiful but exhausting
Reviewed February 8, 2014
Played in january. Walk this place is no picnic. But as beautiful as the absolutely victorious joy. 16 hole course makes for completely skin. But the whole place was absolutely great. Care status for january top. This place must have played.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
Consists not only of the 16 Green
Reviewed January 23, 2014
Here spräzises game is called, otherwise the ball is in the pool. Pretty beautiful plant, the fairways and greens were in very good condition when we played the square end of January 2014. Good clubhouse with beautiful views of the 18th Green of the Ocean Course. Staff very friendly.
Translated by Google.
- Original version
The archetypal golf hole in Portugal
Reviewed December 22, 2013
Vale do Lobo Royal, hole 16 is probably the most famous in Portugal! But besides that, the course is very demanding and varied - lots of hills, lots of good (but fair) plaziertes water, and care top condition!
Translated by Google.
