Palmares Golf Club

Played Palmares twice in October 2014. The green fee was really good value compared with most other Algarve courses, and the course was a really tricky challenge off the white boxes. The course was in good condition and more relaxed than many out here. I would highly recommend this course, it would suit competent gofers, not one for the inexperienced or short hitters.

Played the course on 23/9 well worth a visit, 27 holes and was disappointed that we had asked to play the bottom 18 but they decided to close the very bottom 9, that said we all enjoyed the testing course. Would recommend it.

Played here as guest of a member on 14th August 2012, and was very impressed indeed. Original course now re-designed and reversed by Robert Trent Jones early 2011, and the result is great. Very attractive layout and views, in great condition, and a very tough test of all golfers off the back tees, brutal in the wind. Very different to usual, in that the round contains dramatic elevation changes facing inland on the front nine, and descents towards the sea and some links-like holes along the railway on the back. There is a shorter additional links nine nearer the sea as well, but didn't play that.... looked nice, though. I could play here without getting bored for years! Service simple and pleasant, all you could want really, and look forward to going back there one day. A real gem.

Just back from Palmares and have to say - what a belter! I played the course about 20 years ago so was a little aprehensive when I heard they'd redesigned it but am pleased to say the changes are excellent and this is going to be one of the best in the Algarve. The course in its current state is a little disjointed as the new holes are bedded in (there will be 27 eventually) so there are a couple of long drives between the 1st green and 2nd tee and 10th green and 11th tee. It will be three separate loops of 9 (I think I played a fair mixture of the 3 with the 18 currently in play). I think they are going to be called Bay (views of Alvor), Lagos (views of Lagos surprisingly enough) and Beach which I'm sure you will be shocked to know is along the beach. We played in February and were really pleased by the condition of the course (very quick pure greens). The front nine is nearly 4000 yards off the tips so a real test but the back nine is a little easier with some short par 4's and reachable par 5's. There is a bit of development going on around the course with some earthworks, this is on the new holes (which they said will be finished in April) and doesn't come into play, you just can see it when driving between the 1st and 10th holes. Well worth visiting if you are in the Algarve, will be up there with the best in my opinion.

entered their very long established " Almond Blossom" golf week last Jany. enjoyed very much - course in good condition and a fair challenge to a high handicapper like myself. Didn't know a soul but everyone very friendly. Would definitely do it again - but - a word of warning! a huge on-course building development has started which will ruin one of the loveliest courses on the Algarve - a new course is started but will never be playable by next season - so check thoroughly before booking tee-times etc. for 2010

One of my ‘always play’ courses in the Algarve is Palmares as it’s a mixture of links golf on the front 9 holes and then fruit tree lined fairway parkland on the back 9. However, the trick with this course is to stay away from the busy times and 'negotiate' your tee-off with the members, otherwise you'll round will be slow and frustrating. The opening hole starts with a tricky downhill tee shot leaving a mid iron to a well bunkered green. From here you play a mixture of links holes with an interesting short par-4 over water (or a dried up seawater pond in the Summer) before returning to parkland. Of the par-5’s the 17th is a definite eagle opportunity, even for mid handicappers, so long as you get your driver away. The course condition can be varied, but play it just before or after a Pro-Am event and you'll get it in very good condition. Palmares offers a good, well kept, fast putting green that has shaded spots for keeping out of the sun.

Played Palmeras on the 20/3/07. What a joke ! 30 mins late off the tee because they are the only club in the area with 8 min tee times and with as poor an opening hole as the 1st is the delays just rack up. We were due to tee off at 1.48 but didn't start till 2.20 which meant it was dark by the time we finished. No applology and no refund. Pro shop expensive, bar dreadful. The course itself was tatty with poor bunkers and greens. The stoke saver isn't worht the money as it is out by yards and yards

Played this course on Tuesday the 27th June 2006, and was very impressed from start to finish... the course itself was immaculate and had lovely views over the bay... the pro shop however was very expensive at 100 Euros for a tee shirt, but this is the price you pay in the algarve... favourite hole had to be the tricky par 5 5th which runs along the beach front with a very narrow fairway, which is followed by a trickly little dog leg par 4 where you can take on the green if you are brave enough... they even had a 1 million dollar challange on the par 3 eighth where if you had a hole in one you went to las vegas to play from 1 million dollars or if you hit the green you won a cap (Which were 32 euros in the pro shop) I took it on and only won the cap... who needs las vegas anyway... the back 9 was not as good as the front nine but still some tricky little holes, and if the pin placements were naughty you are in for some fun... for example they had the pin on the 9th at the front, and it is a two teer green with a huge step in the middle going downhill, I hit the back of the green and could not keep my first put on the green and ended up 4 putting, but what a challenge... I will definatly go back next time im in the algarve...

panoramic views.perhaps not for purists but my personal favorite on the algarve inc.quinta old course etc.

Played here 24/09/2004. First seven holes very good then very similar to Scarborough North Cliff's inland holes. Approaches to greens had been watered too much for my liking. Very friendly staff but restaurant closed just after six, so no food when we finished. Need to employ a course ranger, as play was very slow (like all the other courses we played, nobody asked to see a handicap certificate and this was possibly why faster players were not invited to play through). A relatively testing back nine with the 17th being the most memorable.

Just played 6 rounds in the Algarve in a group of 8 players and to a man we all thought that the first 6 holes were very good with nice surroundings and good condition greens. After that the conditions were the same but the course became very similar to public parkland courses in England. We will not be revisting next year.

Played Palmares Feb 2004. Well worht the visit, course in VG condition. Greens very quick. Wind was blowing a gale, which made it very challenging. Friendly reception. Some lovely holes, with variety the key. Lovely Par 4 opener and following 5 by the sea. Would go back.

Simply a stunning course. After spending a week in Portugal in early October this was out second (just) after Parque De Floresta. Both are hilly and stunning courses. The other 2 members of my party also shared this opinion. Palmares though has the best restaurant, and even after playing PdF we returned there to eat as the sun set in the background. Simply superb..! Golf then… To start with you head down to the Ocean on a great downhill LONG par-4. Then the next 5 holes are spent along the beach where rough = sand. This stretch includes the infamous MASSIVE par-5 with both a hard drive and a hard (often blind) approach. Then an opportunity on the 6th to drive the corner off a short par-4. A risky shot though over OB. Then back up sharply into the hills and back to the clubhouse. The back 9 is all inland, and perhaps a tad less spectacular, but they are still very good golf holes. I enjoyed every one. AJ

Loved the place, absolutely loved it. Fabulous condition, both fairways and greens, the latter being quick but wonderfully true. I putt badly as a rule, being often too tentative, but here I forced myself to ram short putts home - being so confident in the roll - and did much better as a result. I think the back nine doesn't live up to the front, though, especially the stretch down by the sea. Can only echo others' comments if you go into the dunes - take your medicine. I had several blows from the beach on the long fifth, very annoying since I thought I'd hit a perfect drive, only to see it fall a couple of feet right of the fairway - and had to hit close from 120 metres and make my putt to get a seven! Gripe would be that the course plan could be better. It's very hard, as a first time visitor, on one or two holes to understand where you should be going (I include the sixth in this), and the little sketches on the course planner don't really help. Yardages would be especially useful - I didn't notice a yardage chart for sale in the pro shop. My first choice for a return - though I want desperately to go to Parque da Floresta, so that might come first.

Great course. I will play their once again when I am in the Algarve. Nice views and sometimes really hard work to reach your ball. Try the 6th hole and play it right on the green but watch the wind.

I agree with some of the comments from previous writers. Teh first tee gives the most amazing view and the tee-shot is a real challenge, then as you stride down the middle of the fairway and the green opens up to you and the views get better and better, they are wonderful. In my eyes from then on the course does not live up tot he start. It just doesn't happen. Too many long walks. too many hills to climb. I was standing on the 14th hole reflectying on the round and the course and it did nothing for me. We had played Pinta the day before and out of the two I know where i will go back every year. Palmares is every other year and only for the views from the first tee and the sun terrace at the end fo a round lookign down on holes 2-6 (links holes) with a beer in hand.

Totally agree with all the previous comments. A stunning course that provides a challenge to any golfer. Can't wait to go back to the Algarve to play this course again.

This course is a real delight. Although it is not perhaps one of the more recognised gems in the Algarve's crown it is has lots going for it. A nice variety of different holes (links and parkland), challenges for beginners and more experienced golfers alike and views to die for. Well kept and well run too. I also recommend a post-round drink on the terrace with its stunning sea vistas.

Im just 16 and I visit my family in Portugal every summer, secretly this course is why I come, the sheer satisfaction you get when you stand on that first tee is amazing. I play off a meer 13 strokes and the sensation you get when you show off to your fellow members of the society and wallop that drive over the corner of the 1st tee, looking out to sea is one of the best feelings you will ever have. I recommend having a crack to the green on the par 4 6th. ive done it only once out of 7/8 trys and 2 putted for a bird. The greens are so so true and the fairways always let your ball sit perfectly. Accuracy and good approach shots are needed, with length on the par 5 5th. If you slice madly, forget the 5th, instead of rough, there is sand. and believe me give up hitting a 7 iron up the fairway out of it jus knock it out sideways like your elders always tell you to. Reasonable pricing but the service is immaculate. Just take a look out from that 1st tee, you'll be hooked for life.

superb course in great condition, with so many differant types of holes.from links to parkland and back again,a really enjoyable day of golf. the view from the terrace bar overlooking the valley then the links sand, then the sea is awsome.we will return .reguards gary martyn& stuart.

I first played this course about 7 years ago and was impressed by the varied layout although the facilities were quite basic. This aspect has been improved and work is ongoing. The course was up to my expectations, well maintained and the the greens true and fast. The true delight of this course is the sheer variety of the holes and the views are great from some of the tees. I recommend this course to anyone in the area. I much preferred this to Penina where all the holes are the same, very flat and tree lined. Palmares is not cheap but worth, at least, one visit.

As good a golf course as you could wish to play anywhere.There are links holes(2-6),narrow tree-lined holes(1,7,8,9,10)and holes with a bit more freedom to really have a go(11-18).Greens have always been superb,fast and true.Beautiful views,particularly 1 and 17.A buggy is a good idea!Highly recommended.