Championship VenueBucket List

Quinta do Lago — South Course

Almancil, Algarve · Designed by William Mitchell (1974) · Est. 1974

The South Course at Quinta do Lago is the grande dame of Algarve golf. Designed by the American architect William Mitchell in 1974, it introduced American-standard greens, tees and bunkering to Portugal and became the region's flagship — the course that put the Algarve on the golfing map. It has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times, and it was here, in 1989, that Colin Montgomerie won with a then-world-record round of 63 on his way to a 24-under total.

It is a classic, strategic parkland test of par 72 over roughly 6,500 metres, its rolling fairways lined with umbrella pines and threaded by lakes and wildflowers, all overlooking the tranquil lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Water and cleverly placed bunkering demand position rather than brute power, and the greens are among the truest in the region.

It anchors the upmarket Quinta do Lago resort — four courses, superb restaurants and the high-tech Campus practice facility — one of the most complete golf destinations in Europe.

Holes worth knowing

1The par-3s over water — the South Course is defined by its testing short holes played across the lakes, where the tee shot must carry cleanly to hold the green.
218th (par-5) — a classic reachable finish around water back to the clubhouse, a birdie chance that has decided Portuguese Opens.

Highlights

The Algarve's flagship course (1974)
Eight-time Portuguese Open host
Umbrella pines and lakes above the Ria Formosa
Heart of the Quinta do Lago resort

Good to know

→Quinta do Lago is a complete resort — the South, North and Laranjal courses, the high-tech Campus practice centre and some of the best restaurants in the Algarve.
→It is position golf: the par-3s over the lakes are the defining test, so carry the water cleanly and use the true, quick greens rather than fighting them.
→The Ria Formosa lagoons alongside are a birdwatcher's paradise; the long wooden boardwalk across the lagoon to the Quinta beach is a lovely non-golf stroll.
→Nearby Almancil has the little church of São Lourenço, its interior entirely lined with blue-and-white azulejo tiles — an Algarve hidden gem — and Loulé's Saturday market is worth the trip.
→It is only 20 minutes from Faro airport, whose atmospheric walled old town and cathedral are worth an evening — one of the most convenient premium bases in Europe.