Playing golf in the Algarve

[byf]

Hi,

Im going to the Algarve next month for a few rounds of golf.

Has anyone played over there recently?

If so were you required to produce a handicap certificate?

Reason I ask is, Im not currently a member of a course. I usually shoot around the 90 mark which makes me about 20-21 on my local course...im just wondering whether the courses over there are strict on this.

I was thinking if need be, my local course who do know me...could write me a cover note on the back of me showing my scorecard to them after a round or 3, just to cover me.

 

[Göttingen gull]

No one will ask for one of these. They are more interested in your brightly coloured euros than handicaps.

 

[cardboard]

Just make your own up, we always did. Easy and yes, we did get asked for them a lot. Especially around Vilamoura (Pinhal, Old, Millenium and Vila Sol)

 

[Bring back Bryan wade!!]

Played villa sol earlier this year no handicap certificate required. Expect to pay 60-70 euros a round

 

[byf]

Thanks for the help.

Were over in the west and will be playing courses in and around Lagos/Portomao...and maybe even as far over as Albufeira.

Prices are around £50 each plus a buggy which aint bad at all.

Does anyone reccommends a course in that area?

 

[ManxSeagull]

I have played Vale de Pinta, Silves, Gramacho, Alto & Penina several times over the past four years.

The only course to request a handicap certificate was Penina.

Penina is a very good championship course. Vale de Pinta and Gramacho are also nice courses.

I am off to Vilamoura on 1st October for a long weekend playing the Millennium, Faldo and Victoria courses.

The Victoria course should be in very good condition as the Portugal Masters is being played there 14th to 17th October.

 

[byf]

I have played Vale de Pinta, Silves, Gramacho, Alto & Penina several times over the past four years.

The only course to request a handicap certificate was Penina.

Penina is a very good championship course. Vale de Pinta and Gramacho are also nice courses.

I am off to Vilamoura on 1st October for a long weekend playing the Millennium, Faldo and Victoria courses.

The Victoria course should be in very good condition as the Portugal Masters is being played there 14th to 17th October.

Were staying right next to Alto, so will play that one. Whats it like?

Also might play Boavista and Quinta Do Vale.

Wow, your playing the pricey ones!!

Lucky man.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

I used to work on the golf brochures for a tour operator in one of my previous job incarnations. They all used to say that handicap certificates were required, but in practice only the top courses would ever actually ask, and even then not always.

The likes of Penina at Portimao, Quinta do Lago and San Lorenzo might ask, otherwise you may get away with it. Beautiful courses all and I don't even play golf

 

[BALDISBEAUTIFUL]

Contact "Golf Escapes" 01342 811777 and speak to Nick Mulgrew. They can book your golf and or your hotel for you.

 

[Jesus Gul]

they ask for them to make sure you aren't a hacker...if they insist on one just peg it up on the first and split the fairway with a 300yd + drive with a knowing smile...job done

 

[FamilyGuy]

I have played Vale de Pinta, Silves, Gramacho, Alto & Penina several times over the past four years.

The only course to request a handicap certificate was Penina.

Penina is a very good championship course. Vale de Pinta and Gramacho are also nice courses.

I am off to Vilamoura on 1st October for a long weekend playing the Millennium, Faldo and Victoria courses.

The Victoria course should be in very good condition as the Portugal Masters is being played there 14th to 17th October.

What he said - plus the Old Course, which is one of my favourites!

 

[byf]

Ive found a great discounted green fee site.

Just wondering about contacting the more expensive courses direct and asking about twilight rates.

 

[ManxSeagull]

Were staying right next to Alto, so will play that one. Whats it like?

Also might play Boavista and Quinta Do Vale.

Wow, your playing the pricey ones!!

Lucky man.

Villamoura is a freebie trip from one of our suppliers.

Alto is a good course, although fairways are narrow and lined with high trees. You need to play very stright. 16th is a 600+ yard par 5. Last time I played it was a three wood, three wood, rescue wood and two putts for a par. How you play the hole depends on how much of the corner of out of bounds you want to risk and ensure you miss the lake.

I have stayed in the hotel next to Alto, it is basic but sufficient to get your head down. Alvor is quiet at night (well is during March), few Irish bars to have a beer. Praia de Rocha (short taxi ride away) is livelier.