Lift the Vale
Tony Jimenez visits the Algarve and his dream golf courses
The east of Scotland boasts the “Home of Golf ” at St Andrews, California has Pebble Beach, while the iconic Vale do Lobo belongs to the Algarve.
A trio of spectacular venues, all are must-do experiences for any true golf aficionado.
Privileged to have spent 40 years reporting on golf around the world, I have previously visited St Andrews and Pebble Beach for various events.
Now it was time to complete the golfing set by venturing down to the southern tip of Portugal.
Tony Jacklin, 78, who gave the Ryder Cup the kiss of life with his captaincy skills in the 1980s, told me of his love for the golf courses there.
“I have good memories,” he said. “The area reminds me of the great Henry Cotton, who won The Open three times in the 1930s and 40s.
“Henry lived in Penina and I spent a lot of time there with him in 1970, the year of my US Open win. The umbrella pine trees you see a lot of on the Algarve always come to mind for me – if your ball lands underneath one it is particularly difficult to escape because you have to keep your ball so low.”
There are certainly lots of umbrella pine trees on the two championship layouts at beachfront Vale do Lobo resort – the Royal Course and the Ocean Course, with its sea view.
Based on a concept by Cotton and redeveloped by US golf architect Rocky Roquemore, Vale do Lobo has twice hosted the Portuguese Open European Tour. The par-72 Royal Course is quite short at 6,059 yards but is played along the cliff ’s edge.
Set among lakes, wild flowers and the umbrella pine trees it has a good mix of short and medium length par-four and par-five holes.
My preference, though, is for the three tough par-three holes, two of which need tee shots over water.
The 215-yard 16th is the standout. Running along the shore the tee is perched on a cliff top and, if you are a weekend hacker like myself, you need to steel yourself before taking on the ravine immediately ahead.
The hole is reminiscent of two of the most famous short holes in world golf, the seventh at Pebble Beach and the 16th at its California neighbour Cypress Point.
Much as I enjoyed “trying” to play the Royal Course, I found the Ocean Course more entertaining.
Running beside a nature reserve, its water features and rolling fairways paint a pretty picture, especially when you hit the brow of the hill at the 11th.
The 198-yard fifth was a particular favourite, with a lake occupying the entire length of the right side of the hole and four bunkers perched on the left and at the back of the green.
As for the five-star Vale do Lobo complex itself, it was the first resort on the Algarve when founded in 1962.
Ideal for those who adore the outdoor lifestyle and a warm climate, it is the largest luxury resort in the country and houses 1,500 residential and holiday properties.
A self-contained safe haven in a landscape of native pine trees where everything is at hand from boutique shopping to medical care, it was voted the best resort in Portugal by Today’s Golfer Travel Awards in 2019.
Sitting between Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura, the complex offers a beach stroll of more than a mile backed by red sandy cliffs, and spectacular sunsets. In the evening, residents and guests head for The Praca, the resort’s central square surrounded by restaurants and bars. Pick from 15 places for diverse dining, including an Oriental teahouse, Mediterranean at Spikes, and sushi at new beach club restaurant Well.
What makes Vale do Lobo stand out, says
director of golf Hernani Estevao, is the resort appeals to all age groups.
“We like to bring the community together,” he says. “We try to make the lives of visitors as easy as possible.”
Which means even parents can plan a week of relaxation. While the kids are splashing about in the pools, or running around the playground or tennis academy, grown-ups can unwind in the resort’s expansive spaces, take a yoga class on the lawn, or escape to the Royal Spa with its hydro massage and steam baths.
Or spend quality time together at The Partee Family Park which offers mini-golf, family yoga, crafts and movie days. The Aqualand waterpark is just a short drive away.
Vale do Lobo also offers specialist activities such as stargazing, pottery painting and scenic bike rides – so you can quickly swing into action.
‘‘ If you’re a weekend hacker like myself, steel yourself for the ravine