Vilamoura – The Old Course

Like its counterpart at the Home of Golf, there’s something extra special about teeing it up at Vilamoura Golf Club (The Old Course). It’s just one of those golf courses you’ve got to play…preferably over and over again. And, no matter how many times you play it, the hairs on the back of your neck will almost certainly be standing on end as you seek to thump that opening drive between the densely-populated rows of timber flanking both sides of the downhill, par-4 1st. It’s a test of what is to come and, make no mistake, if you haven’t brought your A-game with you – particularly off the tee – then you’ll be severely punished and in for a long round which, actually is par for the course for this incredibly busy venue. Everybody wants to play it. No wonder…

Click here to find out where Vilamoura ranks in Golf World's Top 100 Courses Europe

Situated in the heart of the Vilamoura seaside resort a mere 20-minute drive from Faro airport, this Frank Pennink designed parkland style layout is one of the oldest in the region and renowned all over the golfing world.
Often described as the Grande Dame of Algarve courses, it meanders throughout impressive pinetrees - the principal hazard - over gently undulating natural terrain. Although it opened in 1969, the course was completely renovated and modernised 27 years later although no major changes were made to the magnificent layout.
In addition to raising the Vilamoura Old Course to new heights of quality, an attractive new clubhouse and adjacent putting green were also built at that time. As with all Vilamoura courses, environmental protection practices are strictly adhered to by means of detailed management systems in line with guidelines established by ISO 14001 standards, Green Globe and Committed to Green programmes.

Soft spikes mandatory

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: 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

• 4.5 out of 5 must play 03 October 2011

  By floyddog

  the old lady of algarve still has some bite. If you manage to beat par on this course you should be on tour. Reckon you need draw of 6 tees and fade of 6 others. Even in middle of fairway you have trees in front. I have played this 5 times now and any birdie feels like a lottery win. Isnt just stuck in holiday complex like many other courses, so you dont have lot of noise around. Club house isnt as modern as others but staff were easily the nicest.

• 4.5 out of 5 Brilliant 12 November 2009

  By shagster330

  Played beginning of October 2009.  Bearing mind it was the end of the summer the course was still in great nick.  You get looked after like royalty at this course, from being picked up from the car in a golf buggy and your clubs whisked away and put on electric trolley or buggy.  If there is one course I would recommend in the Algarve this is it

• 4 out of 5 What a Course! 05 October 2008

  By Andy Clem

  Like Vila Sol, another "must play course". Tree lined fairways require well positioned tee shots to make your approach shot easier. Light rough in the trees means it is easy to find your ball when you hit it in them. I played 3 courses in a week, and the thing that impressed me most was how green the courses are with great definition from the orange scrub land not in play. It gets your attention, and I love it. This course was just fantastic.

• 4 out of 5 An established gem! 20 May 2008

  By macim67

  A great welcome and lovely clubhouse. This is a very tight course were you need to position your ball well in the fairway. I will revisit his course, no problem. I found out that you get what you pay for in this area and this course is worth every penny. A must.

• 3.5 out of 5 very hard 28 April 2008

  By bmac007

  most difficult course in area, really need to be able to shape ball in all directions. how come pros always find gaps in trees? clubhouse a bit old looking.

• 4.5 out of 5 Top Notch 29 January 2008

  By olliebilham

  Great setup. When you arrive you and your clubs are taken straight to the clubhouse. Then the course. Amazing. Some immense holes such as the 4th are simply stunning. This course must be played when travelling to Vilamoura on a golfing venture.

• 3.5 out of 5 Great course ! 07 January 2008

  By ian broadbent

  Superb course layout. Some fantastic holes ! Last course of our hols and the best. Birdied the last to leave with atleast a smile !

• 4.5 out of 5 A True Test on a CLASSIC COURSE 01 January 2008

  By mdennis11

  A real classic among many great courses. Benits the straighter hitter as there are plenty of trees. Superb greens and a classic layout.

• 4 out of 5 Superb! A real must 28 August 2007

  By Adam Hughes

  Not the easiest of course to find but when you arrive you arer greeted by a porter who takes your kit and you to the clubhouse. This sets the tone for the hole round. A magnificently designed course that is a real luxury to play. With long par 3s and narrow 4s and 5s a real golfing challenge.

• 5 out of 5 It is a must 23 May 2007

  By R0bertsonS

  Beautifully laid out tight course, with loads of spruce type trees that stop your ball dead. Wonderful reception with top draw facilities. To play the course is a must.

• 4.5 out of 5 Wonderful venue even at the cost 24 April 2007

  By markrowe

  We were unlucky to hit the worst dat of weather Vilamoura had experienced for weeks, didn't detract from the quality of the course. A word of warning - take your A1 game with you, particularly driving. Some lovely par 3's and long long par 5's.

• 5 out of 5 Brilliant 12 April 2007

  By trikkic@tiscali.co.uk

  after playing this course last year2006 it looked tired but WOW THIS YEAR WHAT A CHANGE the old course is in fantastic shape its got to be played

• 4 out of 5 Superb 24 November 2006

  By Anonymous

  What an enjoyable golf course. Par 3 4th hole is worth the green fee alone-what a picturesque hole. The mushrooms on toast in the clubhouse are worth travelling to the course just to sample. All in all a superb venue.

• 4.5 out of 5 Great condition 12 October 2006

  By Anonymous

  Course was in great condition and tested all golfers on the tour.

• 4 out of 5 **What a Course** 05 August 2006

  By Anonymous

  3 words - What a Course

• 3.5 out of 5 awesome 01 April 2006

  By Anonymous

  one of the best in every way - but be warned: hilly - I have a heart condition and found it very difficult walking.

• 3.5 out of 5 Lives up to its reputation 02 March 2006

  By Anonymous

  Everyone told me I must play this course and I had been disappointed to be unable to get a tee time on my first visit, so I booked well in advance. I was not disappointed. Despite being warned by the starter that there were problems with some of the fairways, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Fast greens with tricky slopes and umbrella pines that line most fairways and seem able to interfere with your shot even when you weren't expecting it were the memorable challenges. The meandering layout, going uphill and down, is quite charming and a pleasant distraction to the difficulties of keeping to your handicap! Any disappointments? Only the busy clubhouse staff, serving its legions of men's foursomes, didn't pay much attention to a single lady golfer.

• 3.5 out of 5 Challenging holes 01 March 2006

  By Anonymous

  Awesome, in great condition, some challanging holes

• 4 out of 5 Gave me difficulties 12 February 2006

  By Anonymous

  It's a very tight golf course. Gave me (handicap 6) difficulties staying on fairways off back tees, greens were slick, fairways were being worked on and we were warned about them not being up to scratch but were above average even then. An enjoyable course to play.

• 3.5 out of 5 Relax and Enjoy 01 October 2005

  By Anonymous

  This is one of my favourite courses, due mainly to the ambience of the place. I play off of a handicap of 12. I have played this course about 6 times and have learnt something new each time i have played it. Its not just about driving on the fairways, you must use your best course management to avoid the hazards the course has as its natural protection. (The trees for a start) The ball does not travel when it hits these trees unlike the UK. You must also ensure you take at least 1 club more than you would in the UK as the greens are very receptive and the distances are in metres. (Add 10%) A gentle opening 3 holes then a beautiful par 3 awaits (about 160 yds) this has a fountain and a lake in front mainly for aesthetics. (Unless you top it)An easy par 5 follows then it gets tighter. If you are visiting the Algarve yoou should take the opportunity of playing this old gem.

• 3.5 out of 5 Great course 01 October 2005

  By Anonymous

  A great course with the wow factor. But be prepared to meet the odd hacker who clearly does not meet their stated handicap restriction.

• 4 out of 5 a pure pleasure 01 May 2005

  By Anonymous

  I agree a challenging course, but very enjoyable aswell. Accuracy is a must, and strangely the amount of trees round the course, give it a more exclusive feel! A must play course

• 4 out of 5 Quality Track 25 March 2005

  By Anonymous

  Always a pleasure to play the Old Course. It's a bit of a players course, as it's not just about length, it requires accuracy with all shots. Condition of the course has been immaculate each time I've played it. Very tight fairways lined with trees. If you're out of position, you inevitably end up dropping a shot. An absolute quality course, must visit if you have the opportunity.