Penina is where the modern story of Algarve golf began. Sir Henry Cotton created the region’s first 18-hole course here in 1966, transforming former rice fields into a mature, tree-lined layout with streams, ditches and lakes. Today the resort gives visiting golfers three distinct ways to play: the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course, the shorter Resort Course and the Academy Course. That range is especially useful for mixed handicaps, coaching groups and longer stays.

The Championship Course is the main event. It plays to a par of 73 and has hosted the Portuguese Open ten times according to Penina. Subtle slopes, elevated greens and water hazards demand accurate placement rather than uncontrolled length, while multiple tees allow golfers to choose a sensible test. Cotton’s planted landscape has matured over decades, giving fairways definition and shade but also making recovery angles important. The strongest score usually comes from avoiding the streams and ditches, accepting the safe side of greens and leaving putts from below the hole.

The two shorter courses broaden the experience. The Resort Course provides a compact round that can fit around travel, pool time or a second activity, while still asking players to manage water and approach shots. The Academy Course is designed for practice, improvement and less experienced golfers, making it suitable for lessons or a relaxed confidence-building game. Exact routing, daily availability and whether a package treats these as nine- or extended-hole options should be confirmed when booking.

Practice and teaching are central to Penina’s identity. The golf academy supports individual and group tuition, and the resort operation can advise on club hire, buggies, trolleys, range access and suitable tees. Competition schedules, maintenance and seasonal playing conditions should also be checked before travel. With accommodation on site, groups can move between breakfast, practice and the first tee without a transfer.

For many groups, the best Penina itinerary combines repeated rounds on the Championship Course with one shorter session for practice or a lighter day. Others may use Penina as a base and add courses elsewhere around Portimão and Lagos. We can build the correct mix around ability, trip length and arrival times, preserving the resort’s heritage while ensuring every golfer gets a playable and enjoyable schedule.