Some say that is the jewel in the crown of the Algarve. Some say the landscape is unique. Some make it a must on their Algarve golf tour. We are speaking, of course, about Palmares golf course. The Frank Pennink designed course enjoys a beautiful location, near to the historic city of Lagos, commanding magnificent views of the bay of Lagos and the distant Monchique hills.
During springtime, the fairways and hills are covered with the flowering shrubs, acacia...The Blossom from the Almond trees giving the impression of snow covered trees, lining the vived green fairways beneath a warm springtime sun.
Palmares was opened in December 1975 and in more recent year has been the course chosen to hold such important competitions as the TAP Open in 1984 and 1985. The European Zone Qualifying Competition for the XXXII World Cup was held at Palmares in October 1985. Every year in February the Almond Blossom Amateur Tournament, 2004 the 27th edition, attracts visitors from many European countries, and is one of foremost amateurs competitions held in Portugal.
A further Pro-Am Tournament Algarve-Andalucia was created in 1998. This event will now become an annual event in our competitions program.
Palmares hosted in 2003, two PGA Europrotour tournaments. The first was played in June (Algarve Swing), and in October, the European Final (Tour Champions), with the best Tour 50 players.
Since 2002, the qualifying School of European Seniors Tour, have been playing in Palmares.
Tips given by professional players and based on white tees:
1
Starting from an elevated tee with a dogleg to the right. The ball must finish on the left-hand side of the fairway to have a clear view for the shot to the green.
2
This is the 1st of the five Link holes. Keep your drive in play and you could be rewarded with a birdie.
3
Your drive must be accurate to avoid finishing in sand on either side of the fairway.
4
A charming par 3 demanding a solid tee shot to hold the green, well protected by bunkers.
5
The longest and most demanding hole on the course. The tee almost adjoins the beach with sand on either side of the fairway. Three well-hit shots are required to reach the saucer shaped green.
6
This is the last of the Link holes. A par 4, which tracks 90 degrees round the edge of a hazard. The green can be driven but it is a very bold shot, with the possibility of going through the green into a bunker or even out of bounds.
7
The tee shot should be up the left-hand side of the fairway to avoid trouble on the right. A testing par 5 with green side bunkers protecting the wayward shot.
8
This delightful par3 is one of the best Birdie opportunities.
9
Plays from an elevated tee uphill to an elevated two-tier green. The tee shot must be placed on the right-hand side of the fairway, otherwise your approach shot will be completely blocked.
10
A beautiful par 3 played from an elevated tee to an elevated green across a deep depression. A very memorable hole.
11
An easy hole playing uphill to a sloping well protected green. Care should be taken from the tee.
12
A difficult hole played from an elevated tee with trees on both sides of the fairway to an elevated two tier green.
13
A testing par 4 played from an elevated tee, a good tee shot is required to allow a medium iron to a guarded green.
14
Slightly dog legging to the right with the green guarded by bunkers on both sides.
15
A very long par 3. This holes requires your full concentration to keep the tee shot safely on the green.
16
Toughest par 4 on the course, playing uphill with a slight dogleg to the right.
17
This is perhaps the most scenic hole of the course. It isn’t an overly demanding par 5 and is a possible birdie hole.
18
A testing uphill par 4 with out of bounds on the left-hand side and a two tiered green with sand traps on both sides.
Information:
Founded
1975
Architect
Frank Pennink
Proprietor
Palmares Companhia de Empreendimentos Turísticos de Lagos, S.A
Director
Patrick Tolos
Professional
Luis Espadinha José Dias
Green Keeper
Inês Silva
Main events on this course
Map:
Palmares Golf - Apartado 74 Meia Praia 8601-901 Lagos, Portugal
Directions:
GPS
37º07'32.98"N 8º38'24.77"W
In Algarve, coming from Faro on the A22, turn to Odiáxere / Mexilhoeira ( 10 Km before Lagos), turn to Odiáxere, and left on the Meia Praia and Golf Course Signs.
