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Knowing the plants enables the visitor to recognise the unique character of the southern extremity of continental Portugal. The Algarve boasts an enormous wealth of flora - over 6000 endemic species, half of them rare, resulting in a unique bio-climatic region that is both unique but also vulnerable, demanding continuous caution and intensive care. The typical flora is of course adjusted to the Algarve’s climate, but their deliberate planting and spacing requires expert knowledge and an understanding of nature’s aesthetics.
However diverse the golf courses, from parkland to links, all must adhere to a sensitive environmental approach to construction.
So, this ‘ranking’ of golf courses isn’t intended to have the rigour of an absolute rating, but should be regarded as an invitation to experience ALL the courses and to enjoy a memorable round of golf according to the varied challenges they offer.
On a long, lazy November afternoon at the Palmares course near Lagos, I remember sitting down with a good friend, a delicious Cataplana and a bottle of Alentejo wine. The bay below us reflected an intense blue against a cloudless sky. Our convivial conversation was like a whisper blending with the breeze, which rose up the hill before waving lightly over the dunes, across the links holes beyond the railway, then gently wafting in through our open window. Precious moments such as this are like trophies, except they never tarnish - but are just as hard to beat as a good score on the most challenging course!
Click on the links below for more detailed information on all of the courses in East, West and Central Algarve. |