Great Value

Vale do Lobo — Ocean Course

Almancil, Algarve · Designed by Sir Henry Cotton; updated by Rocky Roquemore · Est. 1968

The Ocean Course is the older and gentler of Vale do Lobo's two layouts, its origins going back to Sir Henry Cotton's pioneering work at the resort in the 1960s, later updated by the American architect Rocky Roquemore. Where the sister Royal Course is famous for its dramatic clifftop par-3, the Ocean is the more relaxed, rhythmical round — but no less enjoyable, and with its own share of sea views.

At par 72 over around 6,100 metres, it flows through umbrella pines, orange groves and the villa-lined avenues of the Vale do Lobo estate, with several holes running toward the Atlantic and a handful of well-placed lakes. It is a fair, welcoming course that suits all abilities, and a lovely counterpoint to the sterner Royal.

Vale do Lobo itself is one of the Algarve's original luxury resorts — beach, tennis, restaurants and two courses in a beautifully mature setting near Almancil.

Holes worth knowing

1The seaward holes — several holes run toward the Atlantic, giving the Ocean its name and its best views.
2The orange-grove stretch — the course flows through mature pines and citrus, a fragrant, relaxed counterpoint to the clifftop drama of the Royal.

Highlights

Rooted in Sir Henry Cotton's pioneering 1960s work
The gentler of Vale do Lobo's two courses
Umbrella pines, orange groves and sea views
Part of an original Algarve luxury resort

Good to know

→The Ocean is the gentler Vale do Lobo course — pair it with the sterner Royal (and its famous clifftop par-3 16th) for a contrasting two-round stay.
→Its DNA goes back to Sir Henry Cotton, the Open champion who helped pioneer Algarve golf here in the 1960s.
→Vale do Lobo is a full resort — beach, tennis academy, restaurants and villas — ideal for a family or a group with non-golfers.
→Almancil's celebrated restaurants and the Ria Formosa lagoons are minutes away; Faro Airport is 20 minutes.
→It is fair and welcoming for all abilities, so a good choice for the first round of a trip or a mixed group.