Vale do Lobo – Royal Course

The Royal Golf Course (Vale do Lobo) lives up to its name: a regal golfing venue and the pride of the Algarve. It’s considerably more difficult than the neighbouring Ocean Golf Course and is not only longer but has additional trouble spots in terms of water and bunkering. No doubt about the star hole – you’ll simply never forget teeing it up at the breathtaking par-3 16th where you’re asked to hit over spectacular gaping cliffs to find the green which is a mere dot in the distance!

The Royal Golf Course has rolling fairways set amidst pine trees and beautiful lakes surrounded by wild flowers. Its features include the almost island green of the 9th and the famous 16th, with cliff-top carryover – one of the most celebrated golfing images in the world, which has become the veritable symbol of golf in the Algarve

Soft spikes are mandatory

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course does not have: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course has: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 3 out of 5 there are better courses 03 October 2011

  By floyddog

  have played it 3 times now so think my mind is made up. Sometimes you get bad impression of course if you have bad round. But last time i shot Nett 3 under and still wasnt impressed with course. Other than couple of feature holes it isnt that exciting. Found the fairways and greens to be very bouncy, it was like playing on sprung floor. CLubhouse is amazing, but crazy prices, I thought I bought shares in coca cola when the bill came. Worst part was the members, well a female 4 ball to be exact. Got stuck behind womans medal, not a problem to me, but this 4 ball was slowest people i have every seen. The left bags half way down fairway to go and look for partners ball almost every hole. By 14th they were 3 holes behind but  stood and argued they had right becuase they were members. Typical british ex pat arrogance. For the money there are at least a dozen better course in area

• 4.5 out of 5 Bit of Heaven 04 September 2009

  By lairdolossie

  As someone who has been visiting VDL for the past 29 years I am rather surprised at the recent negative reports. Both courses are virtually always in first-class condition - other then when there has been prolonged rainfall - and then one is glad that buggies are confined to their path - lazy users would literally drive to the green edge and cause really nasty ruts and tracks. I've always walked both courses - and won't see 70 again! it disappoints me to see fit young golfers sitting in a cart, then zig-zagging across fairways clutching 2-3 clubs all the way round - most tiring! Yes, VDL is relatively expensive but the quality is there, otherwise I would not have gone every year to take part in their Open Golf Week - probably the best known in Europe and suitable for all classes of ability  -  from past champion Jimm Payne (+2) to moi 18+ !!   Try it next Feb. - probably 500E for a week's unlimited golf + 2 practice rounds + 2 free cocktail parties + prize-giving dinner + all you can eat and drink!!! check the site for details

• 3 out of 5 HSSGC Open 2008 Day 2 23 October 2008

  By Powdrell

  This was hyped up to be the pinnacle of our three course trip! And it promised much with the like of Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham milling about. But that is as good as it got! The course was in good condition but the reputation of this course is heavily reliant of the Par 3 16th! The course itself is very average & certainly not worth the green fees demanded. Overpriced and you'd be better playing the Ocean course which is slightly cheaper & has more attractive holes!

• 3 out of 5 Over-Rated and Over-Priced 05 October 2008

  By Andy Clem

  Hard to find. Played it in a 3 club wind but with fairways about 20 yards wide on most holes it was arduous. The worst parts of the course are the amount of construction work going on around it and, apart from first green to second tee, at least 350 yards between holes. This is way too much without a buggy, which would have cost 60 euros. Very hilly in places - I had two lies where the ball was sat above my knees, once on the fairway, once in the first cut of rough. I would happily never play here again.

• 3.5 out of 5 A one hole wonder? 20 May 2008

  By macim67

  When I think about this round I remember the 15th over the cliffs, the rest is good but forgetable. There is far too much building work going on to really enjoy the round. We had a gloriously sunny and dry day but still had to stick to the path with our buggies which is never ideal. I think in 2 to 3 years when the buidling work is complete then it will be worth a visit but it is not one I would visit agian soon.

• 5 out of 5 Simply amazing 01 July 2006

  By Anonymous

  Amazing course, wondereful condition, views fantastic and of course the 15th over the cliffs, simply amazing.Will be back again in a couple of weeks.!

• 3.5 out of 5 Superb condition 12 December 2005

  By Anonymous

  Superb condition. Very quiet. Excellent organisation pre tee off. A few fairly ordinary holes