Golf | Golf |
| Written by Administrator | |
|
Do you Golf? So is the perfect spot for you. The best Golf Courses in the world are situated in the South of Portugal (Algarve). From a mere two to three hour’s flight from most European capitals, has been a magnet to many discerning golfers for almost three decades. 's southernmost province is justly famous for its spectacular scenery along a fabulous coastline. Add to these 24 beautifully tended golf courses, a friendly climate, a cosmopolitan culture and wholesome regional cooking, all in a compact area steeped in history, and you have the ultimate in year-round golfing destinations. Strangely enough, all the existing courses lie west of the regional capital, Faro, although a few projects have been mooted for the eastern between Faro and the Spanish border. None of the existing courses is more than 15 km from the coast. Yet the terrain varies from the steep hillsides of Parque da Floresta to the near sea-level flatlands of Vilamoura III and the recently opened course at Salgados which, in common with Palmares, includes links holes. Of course you’ll need to rent-a-car with one of the best Car Hire Companies. Try it at www.amoita.com, www.hirecar4less.com and www.rentcar4less.com. They will give you nice instructions about the Golf courses and tips how to get there. Their range of Estate cars, 7 and 9 seats mini-buses will fill well your partners as well as your precious golf clubs. The mainly arid countryside familiar to summer visitors gives way to verdant oasis at each of the golf complexes thanks to large, state-funded water catchments and distribution schemes, as well as private boreholes which tap into subterranean water sources for irrigation. Holes made tricky by water hazards are, therefore, not an infrequent feature on courses. So many courses have been opened in the during the past few years that golfers, even if they know the region fairly well, may not be acquainted with all of them. Hopefully, this guide will be of practical help to those who want to bring themselves up-to-date with the latest developments in the golfing scene. Amoita and 4less representatives will tell you where to go and inform you about all the golf courses available. Golf is an all-year-round sport in the , though the main season is from late autumn to late spring. Winters are mild and golfers from northern European countries can enjoy warm, sunny days and keep their swings smooth at a time when their home courses are unplayable. Be warned, however, that despite southern 's appealing sunshine statistics, rain does fall from time to time and nearly all of it during the main golfing season. By visiting during the main golf season you avoid the crowded roads and added accommodation costs that come with the summer tourist trade. Car Hire will be cheaper too, and even more with www.amoita.com, www.hirecar4less.com and www.rentcar4less.com. On the other hand, during the summer months all of the courses are under-utilised, so more leisurely, relaxing rounds can be enjoyed. Rent-a-car will me a little more expensive, but Amoita and 4less will provide the best cars at the best rates. Many of the courses offer multiple green fee tickets at varying discounts for limited periods. During the warmer months, take advantage of the reduced green fees available at several courses for midday and/or evening teeing off times. The local regional golf association, Algarve Golfe, has introduced a 'passport' which can be purchased at several golf clubs offering reduced green fees at selected courses. Courses participating in the scheme are: Quinta do Lago, Pinheiros Altos, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura, Vila Sol, Pine Cliffs, Alto Golf, Penina and Palmares. The reception offices at these courses will be happy to supply full information upon request. Visiting golfers will also find that they are welcome to play at a reasonable cost in most of the many local tournaments. It is well worth finding out about upcoming tournaments from the various clubs before or as soon as you arrive. Although golf is easily the main sport played in the by visitors and residents alike, plenty of other sports activities can be enjoyed throughout the year. They include tennis, squash, horse-riding, clay-pigeon shooting, micro-light flying and the whole gamut of water sports from surfing to scuba-diving. Not all the best or the most popular restaurants and bars frequented by summer visitors remain open throughout the October to April golf season, but there is always a good choice of eating and drinking establishments which do not close. In general, you will find that the , with its mild climate, reasonably priced restaurants, breathtaking scenery, friendly people and excellent golf courses, all combine to make it a memorable holiday. Try the following links for a pleasant golf vacations: |