Dom Pedro Old Course, Vilamoura

Vilamoura, Algarve · Designed by Frank Pennink (1969) · Est. 1969

8.7/10Edge Score

€€€€Green fee

73Par

6,839Yards

18Holes

Why this Edge Score: The grande dame of the Algarve, Frank Pennink's Old Course winds through a forest of umbrella pines at the heart of Vilamoura. Characterful, mature and freshly renovated in 2024, it remains one of the region's most enjoyable resort courses.

The Old Course at Vilamoura is the "Grande Dame" of the Algarve — the region's second-oldest course, opened in 1969 to a design by the respected English architect Frank Pennink, and for many still its most characterful. It winds through a magnificent forest of umbrella pines, the fairways tumbling naturally between the trees with barely a house in sight, in the classic tradition of the great parkland courses.

At par 73 and around 6,250 metres it is not overpowering, but it is a subtle, strategic examination: Pennink used the natural terrain and the pines to demand shape and placement off the tee, and the greens are cleverly defended. A full renovation in 2024 upgraded the bunkers, tees, greens and playing surfaces while carefully preserving Pennink's routing.

Set at the heart of the buzzing Vilamoura resort — marina, restaurants, beaches and four more courses close by — it is one of the most convenient and enjoyable rounds in the Algarve.

Holes worth knowing

1The pine-framed doglegs — Pennink routed the Old Course to demand shape and placement between the umbrella pines, rewarding the thoughtful driver over the long hitter.
2The closing holes back to the clubhouse — a fine finish through the trees at the buzzing centre of Vilamoura.

Highlights

The Algarve's "Grande Dame" (1969)
Frank Pennink parkland through umbrella pines
Fully renovated in 2024
At the heart of the Vilamoura resort

Good to know

→Vilamoura is the Algarve's liveliest golf hub — a big marina lined with bars and restaurants, a casino, and five courses within a few minutes of one another.
→The 2024 renovation freshened the whole course while keeping Pennink's classic routing intact; it is shot-shaping golf, so favour placement over power between the pines.
→The Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila beside the marina are a surprising slice of history, and the golden sands of Praia da Falésia stretch for miles nearby.
→The marina is the evening scene — seafood, sunset drinks and boat trips (dolphin-spotting and the Benagil sea caves) all leave from here.
→It is only 20 minutes from Faro, and buggy hire is easy — handy for a multi-course Vilamoura week taking in the Old, Pinhal and Millennium.