Portugal, along with its Iberian partner Spain has long been the sunshine golf destination of Europe. The popularity of Portugal as a destination has continued apace, as a result many fine courses have been developed and refined particularly in the Algarve. It is from this selection of stunning creations we look to select a signature 18.

Hole No 1 – PAR 4 – Yards 417
Vila Sol – The Algarve, Portugal
The greatest challenge on this opening hole is to keep the ball on the fairway. The contoured fairway slopes sharply left, while numerous tall pines block routes to the green. As befitting the toughest opening hole in Portugal a large bunker guards the green from the right.

Hole No 2 – PAR 4 – Yards 438
Le Meridien Penina & Resort – The Algarve, Portugal
The Meridien is a beautiful Henry Cotton creation, sitting on a former rice field. The second is a tough hole, a good drive will provide a challenging second across a water hazard. A goose egg green sheds anything but the most accurate approach.

Hole No 3 – PAR 5 – Yards 622
Clube Golfe de Ponte de Lima - Ponte de Lima, Portugal
A mountain course, covering six square kilometres amongst mature chestnut, cork and old oak trees leading, through a ravine, to the Quinta do Anquiao, with fantastic views over the Lima valley. The third at some 622 yards, is the longest drive in Portugal and one of the longest in Europe.
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