Great Value

Vilamoura — Pinhal Course

Vilamoura, Algarve · Designed by Frank Pennink (1976); revised by Robert Trent Jones Sr (1985) · Est. 1976

The Pinhal Course is one of the original Vilamoura layouts and, for many, the most characterful — a classic parkland routed through dense umbrella pines that give the course its name (pinhal means "pine wood"). Frank Pennink laid out the course in 1976 — the second course built at Vilamoura — and Robert Trent Jones Sr revised it in 1985, adding the strategic bunkering and bolder greens that give it teeth.

At par 72 over roughly 6,350 metres, it is a shot-maker's course rather than a bomber's: the pines crowd the fairways, demanding accurate driving and thoughtful positioning, with several holes offering glimpses of the sea from the higher ground. Mature, shaded and quintessentially Algarve, it is a lovely, playable test that rewards placement over power.

It sits at the heart of the huge Vilamoura resort, whose marina, hotels and cluster of courses make it one of the most popular and convenient golf bases in the Algarve.

Holes worth knowing

1The pine-framed doglegs — Pinhal is defined by fairways hemmed by tall umbrella pines, so shaping the ball off the tee is the key to scoring.
2The elevated holes — from the higher ground the course opens up to glimpses of the sea, the prettiest moments on the round.

Highlights

One of Vilamoura's original courses
Frank Pennink design revised by Robert Trent Jones Sr
Routed through dense umbrella pines
Central to the huge Vilamoura resort

Good to know

→Pinhal is the shot-maker's Vilamoura course — leave the driver in the bag on the tight pine holes and prize position over distance.
→It is one of three Vilamoura courses (with the Old/Dom Pedro and Millennium): combine three or more rounds for the resort's multi-round discount.
→Vilamoura marina is minutes away — one of the Algarve's liveliest, with dozens of restaurants and bars for the evening.
→The beach at Praia da Falésia, a spectacular stretch of ochre cliffs and pine, is a short drive for a non-golf afternoon.
→Faro Airport is only 25 minutes, making Vilamoura one of the most convenient bases in the whole region.