Laguna Vilamoura offers something noticeably different from the more traditional pine-lined golf courses around Vilamoura. Set across relatively flat, open terrain, the course has a distinctive links-style character, with wide skies, exposed fairways and water playing a major role throughout the round. For us, it is a great course to add variety to a Vilamoura golf holiday, particularly when combined with the Old Course, Pinhal and Millennium.

Designed by American architect Joseph Lee, Laguna opened in 1990 and is an 18-hole, par-72 course measuring 6,121 metres from the back tees. The open design means there are fewer trees than you will find on many neighbouring Algarve courses, but that certainly does not make it straightforward. Lakes influence play on 11 holes, while an impressive collection of bunkers and the exposed nature of the property ensure accuracy and sensible course management remain important.

Wind can have a big impact at Laguna. With fewer trees providing shelter, the Algarve breeze can quickly change club selection and make controlling the flight of the ball essential. That exposed character is one of the things we particularly enjoy, giving the course a slightly different feel each time you play.

There are some excellent risk-and-reward holes throughout the round. The par-4 5th asks you to negotiate water on a sharp dogleg, while the par-3 12th requires a committed carry across a lake to a green guarded by bunkers. The 13th is the longest par 4 and the toughest hole on the card, demanding two accurate shots to reach its elevated green.

Water becomes particularly important again at the 14th and 15th. The 14th rewards a conservative approach from the tee before asking you to attack a green alongside the lake, while the par-5 15th gives longer hitters plenty to think about as water moves across the hole and continues towards the green. It is exactly the sort of stretch where a good score can change very quickly.

Practice facilities include a driving range, putting green and chipping areas, giving you everything you need to warm up before the round. Laguna shares its clubhouse with neighbouring Millennium Golf Course, where you can settle in afterwards for food and drinks in a relaxed setting.

Laguna’s location also makes it incredibly easy to include within a wider Vilamoura itinerary, with hotels, the marina, beaches and several other championship courses nearby.

Speak to our Golf Travel Experts at Hashtag Golf Travel and we can include Laguna Vilamoura within a tailor-made Algarve golf holiday, combining your preferred accommodation, tee times and other leading courses across the region.