Such is the popularity of the region with the golfing public that a record 1.2m green fee rounds were played in 2015, and early indications suggest 2016 is set to continue on a similar path.
Venues such as the legendary Penina – Sir Henry Cotton’s iconic layout that started the golf boom in 1966 – and the much-loved San Lorenzo, which is ranked in the top 30 in Europe, are just two highlights. The five courses of the Pestana Group – including Vila Sol and Pinta – are also hugely popular, so too the Vilamoura courses of the Oceanico group.
Along with the famous Old, the jewel in the Oceanico crown is the stunning Arnold Palmer-designed Victoria layout, which last month hosted the Portugal Masters. The tournament is one of the most popular stops on the European Tour circuit, with players enjoying both the challenge of the Victoria course and the off-course attractions of the Algarve.
To mark its 50th year as a golf holiday destination, all of the Algarve’s top courses will feature specially-commissioned commemorative golden tee markers. Each visiting golfer will be invited to play their part in marking the milestone by playing from the new golden tees and will then get the chance to register their details on a dedicated website for an opportunity to win 50 green fees.
President of the Algarve Tourism Association, Carlos Luis, said: “We are honoured to be able to mark the 50th anniversary of golf in the Algarve this year and hope golfers will be part of the celebrations with us. It’s just another perfect reason for golfers to visit us in 2016 as the Algarve golf industry continues to provide the very best in hospitality, accommodation and golf venues with great value and diversity.
For more information go to www.visitgolfalgarve.com.