The Algarve has been a mainstay of the European Tour since 1973. That year – the second official season of the newly-branded, modern-day tour – Penina in Portimão hosted the Portuguese Open, an event dating to 1953
The tournament changed its guise over the years, but was played mostly in the Algarve (with a few trips to Lisboa and northern Portugal in between). From 1999 to 2011 it was permanently marketed with Algarve branding and held at various courses in the region.
After a five-year hiatus it returned to Portimão (at the Morgado course) for one more edition (2017) before being rescheduled the following year as a European Challenge Tour event. In 2019, the 57th Portugal Open continued to be held at Morgado (mid-September), where Adrian Meronk made history by becoming the first Polish winner on either the Challenge or European Tour.
Meanwhile, the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura has become the country’s premier European Tour stop, first played in 2007 and next month (24 to 27 October) being held at the Dom Pedro Victoria golf course for a 13th consecutive season. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer in 2004, the course has also hosted the World Cup (in 2005).
Last year, Tom Lewis won his second Portugal Masters title, seven years after his debut European Tour victory on the same golf course; while Oliver Fisher became the first golfer to card a round of 59 in the Tour’s 47-year history.
Golfing Paradise in the Algarve
The Algarve is one of Europe’s premier golf destinations, with several top championship courses designed by leading international figures, a superb all-year-round climate to play the sport, impeccably modern amenities, a relaxing ambience, superbly maintained fairways and greens… and the Algarve’s stunning surrounding scenery. As tourism authorities proudly note, “Golfers will be in golfing paradise in the Algarve.”
The Algarve is an especially popular option for travelling U.K. golfers, and the region ensures ongoing investment in golf tourism with the development of new golf resorts and courses. Currently, there are more than 40 top courses along the Algarve’s picturesque and pristine coastline of coves, bays, inlets, beaches and Atlantic waters. They are conveniently located for golfers keen to test their skills on a variety of courses during a week-long or more extended stay, and magnificently complemented by other leisure activities and attractions for après-golf, non-golfers and family members.
Whether you are travelling to the Algarve to play golf or are visiting as a non-golfing partner or companion, there is plenty to enjoy away from the fairways. Check out our Area Guides section to help plan your holiday schedule.
