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The past 20 years have seen the Algarve emerge as one of the most sought-after golfing destinations, not only in Europe, but in the world.
Despite facing fresh competition from the middle-east and neighbouring countries, the Algarve still leads the way with over 250,000 golfers making the pilgrimage to the Portuguese coast every year.
The glorious summers and mild winter temperatures are what make the Algarve such a widely popular destination. Average temperatures are over 15 degrees centigrade from March to November allowing golfers to play all year round. The best golfing months are considered to be May to June, with over 12 hours of sunlight to enjoy each day, it comfortably allows golfers enough time to play 36 holes with a leisurely lunch.
Amendoeira Golf Resort, located in the heart of the region, is one of the main attractions for any golfer who flocks to the area – and with world class practice facilities, luxury accommodation and most importantly two championship courses on property, it’s easy to see why.
Amendoeira can impressively boast two golf courses designed by Ryder Cup legends, The Faldo Course and O’Connor Junior courses, both named after their namesake.
The Faldo Course, designed by six-time major champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member Sir Nick Faldo, takes inspiration from traditional English heathland designs with tough angles and subtle tiered greens, but also utilises the severe undulation creating some breathtaking vistas across the Algarve countryside. As any great designer does, Faldo made his own playing legacy felt in the design of the Algarve course.
“The real skill is that when you stand on the tee, the golf hole tells you what to do and if you do what it tells you there is reward, but if you don’t, you’re penalised,” he said of his design.
The O’Connor Junior Course, designed by the late Christy O’Connor Junior, complements the Faldo Course perfectly, but by no means should be regarded as the lesser of the two set-ups. It is a much more traditional layout with fairways running alongside each other and much less elevation change.
The course requires great ball control to avoid the many water hazards and to hit the right parts of large, rolling links-like greens to set up birdie chances.
As O’Connor Junior did in the 1989 Ryder Cup, he saves his best for last at Amendoeira – a short par 4 with a gentle incline and a river running adjacent to the fairway leads up to a two-tier green surrounded by scenic cliffs.
The risk-reward 18th offers a great chance to finish your round with a birdie, but at risk of running up a big number in front of the overlooking clubhouse.
Beyond two championship courses, Amendoeira boasts the only floodlit par-3 course in Europe. The Academy Course is a great place to hone your game with a few practice balls, play a round with some drinks with friends or to pick up the game as a beginner.
Though the course is a nine-hole layout, the shot options are endless, with multiple pin placements and three teeing areas on each hole. The Academy Course will always be a firm favourite with all the family and is a must play on any trip to Amendoeira.
In between rounds on either of the three courses, visitors have free rein of the world-class facilities Amendoeira has to offer. The iconic clubhouse offers a range of dining options; the Greenside Bar and Café is the perfect spot to stop by for a quick snack
at the turn or the Clubhouse bar and restaurants are ideal for a sit-down breakfast, lunch or dinner. The restaurant offers quick and easy buffet options, or a menu packed
with Portuguese delicacies and a vast range of wines.
If your game needs some work between rounds, Amendoeira has you covered – a fully serviced driving range with pristine grass turf and instruction bays mean you can right your wrongs under the Algarve sun, whilst taking in the beautiful view of the Monchique Hills in the foreground of the range.
If it’s your short game that has been letting you down, Amendoeira boasts three practice putting greens and a short game facility that is immaculately kept in the same condition of the course to offer the best conditions during your practice.
The perfect way to round off a day at Amendoeira is to retire to the luxury on-site accommodation. The resort offers a range of apartments and villas for groups of all sizes; the five-bedroom superior villa for the whole family or a guys’ trip complete with seven bathrooms, kitchen, spacious lounge, dining area and beautiful outdoor terrace with BBQ and swimming pool.
Or if you’re planning a couple’s trip you could take a one-bedroom apartment with a personal terrace area, luxurious lounge area, kitchen and make use of the communal swimming pool.
Transport to Amendoeira couldn’t be easier, there are countless flights every day from Edinburgh and Glasgow to both Portimao and Faro airports, each are conveniently located within 30 minutes by car. When in the Algarve, public transport is frequent and competitively priced, with buses running for 24 hours between Faro, Albufeira and Vilamoura.
Head to the Algarve with Strike Golf Travel
Take advantage of these fantastic offers:
3 nights & unlimited golf – From £279pp
• Bed & Breakfast
• Four golfers sharing a two-bedroom apartment
• FREE buggy hire
• FREE resort shuttle
• FREE use of practice facilities
4 nights & unlimited golf – From £399pp
• Bed & Breakfast
• Four golfers sharing a two-bedroom apartment
• FREE buggy hire
• FREE resort shuttle
• FREE use of practice facilities
5 nights & unlimited golf – From £469pp
• Bed & Breakfast
• Four golfers sharing a two-bedroom apartment
• FREE buggy hire
• FREE resort shuttle
• FREE use of practice facilities
For more information, call 0800 2461 737, email [email protected] or visit strikegolftravel.com/amendoeira-golf-resort-packages
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