Vale do Lobo – Ocean Course

A decent no.2 layout at the outstanding Vale do Lobo complex. Surprise, surprise the The Ocean Course (Vale do Lobo) sits next to the sea and offers pleasant playing conditions with its undulating fairways built in a sandy terrain running alongside assorted trees, including pine, olive and orange.

The Ocean Course (Vale do Lobo) was originally an 18-hole layout designed by Sir Henry Cotton. But in 1972 another loop of nine holes was added while recent work has given it yet another dimension: the various loops have been redesigned and divided into two 18-hole golf courses (The Ocean and the more famous Royal).

Soft spikes 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 not worth money 03 October 2011

  By floyddog

  dont know what lairdolossie is on about, perhaps been out in sun too long. COurse has 4 good holes at best, the rest could be anywhere. Spongy fairways in middle of summer, arrogant members. best memory was amazing house on the shore. Played 3 times and wont be back, now days you can get victoria or old course for cheaper and dont have to pay £6 for a small cola

• 4 out of 5 Bit of Heaven 04 September 2009

  By lairdolossie

  please see my comments on the Royal - as the Ocean is every bit as enjoyable. can be expensive but if you check out the golf shop deals you will find that you never have to pay the rack rate - even for arguably the best  quality on the Algarve - otherwise I and friends plus many other groups of keen golfers of all abilities would not return year after year to the club's long established Open Golf Week (30years+) =-  and yes ladies are most welcome and have their own section!

• 3.5 out of 5 Was it worth the money? 02 April 2007

  By jemhorn

  The course was in really good condition but not any better than the Quinta courses. Fantastic views by the Ocean and the properties around the course were something special. It was an experience that we all enjoyed but agreed that it was really too expensive.

• 5 out of 5 Fantastic 09 September 2006

  By Anonymous

  Fantastic again

• 2.5 out of 5 Over-rated 01 September 2006

  By Anonymous

  Perfectly nice and some lovely views, but not as special as the price requires. Some other courses charge similar and justify it, but this is an average course that should be left to residents only. Go and play Quinta, San Lorenzo or Vilamoura for better value

• 5 out of 5 Delightful 01 August 2006

  By Anonymous

  We were made very welcome at reception and the staff were very professional. The course is a delight to play with some very special views by the sea. Overall condition was very good and a nice welcome in the clubhouse after our round for drinks. Only one minor niggle, we always have buggies and were not told that they were not allowed on the fairways at all unless with a doctors certificate. This did not detract from a lovely experience and we have booked to go back next year to play both courses.

• 4 out of 5 Fantastic views 01 October 2005

  By Anonymous

  There are 2 good courses at Val do Lobo. It is difficult to choose between the two but I would lean towards the Ocean. The views are maginally better on the Ocean. The course allows you to "go for it" on some drives but on others you have to be more accurate. It is a course that you need to plot your way around. Condition is always good but in high season it can get crowded at certain tims of the day. Good food available at Spikes Bar.

• 3 out of 5 Average 29 August 2005

  By Anonymous

  Rather average... really!

• 4 out of 5 Fantastic scenery 01 August 2004

  By Anonymous

  The staff were very friendly and attentive when we arrived. The course was in fantastic condition, quite difficult but if you are quite a high handicapper you could still enjoy the round. Tight in places & wide in others. Probably the best par 3 in Europe goes over the cliffs with fantastic scenery. The food afterwards was also incredible, if not a little expensive, but who cares!