Old Course Vilamoura is one of the Algarve’s great traditional golf experiences, combining mature pine-lined fairways, gently rolling terrain and more than half a century of golfing history. Located in the heart of Vilamoura, it has a completely different feel from many newer resort courses and is one we would definitely include for golfers who enjoy strategic parkland golf with plenty of character.

Designed by Frank Pennink and opened in 1969, the 18-hole, par-73 course stretches to 6,254 metres from the championship tees. The layout was remodelled by Martin Hawtree in 1996, but its traditional character remains very much intact. Towering umbrella pines frame the fairways, while doglegs, carefully positioned bunkers and gently undulating ground mean accuracy and positioning are often more useful than outright distance.

What we particularly like about the Old Course is how often it encourages you to make a decision from the tee. Several holes give longer hitters the chance to be aggressive, but pushing too hard can quickly bring the trees into play. The safer option is often to choose a club that finds the correct section of fairway and leaves a cleaner angle into the green.

The 4th hole is the signature par 3 and one of the most memorable on the course. Played across water to a green guarded by bunkers and mature pines, it looks fantastic from the tee but still demands a committed strike. Later in the round, the back nine introduces more doglegs and strategic decisions, while the par-5 18th begins through a narrow avenue of tall pines before working back towards the clubhouse.

The greens add another layer to the challenge, with subtle contours and quick Bermuda-grass putting surfaces rewarding golfers who leave their approach below the hole whenever possible. Practice facilities include a driving range, putting green and short-game areas, while equipment hire, buggies and professional tuition are also available.

The renovated clubhouse is a great place to finish the round, with a gastropub-style restaurant, Pro Shop and relaxed atmosphere for food and drinks afterwards. Its location also makes the Old Course easy to combine with Pinhal, Millennium and Laguna during a longer Vilamoura golf holiday.

For golfers looking for classic Algarve golf with mature surroundings and genuine history, Old Course Vilamoura is an easy recommendation. Speak to our Golf Travel Experts at Hashtag Golf Travel and we can include it within a tailor-made Vilamoura golf holiday, combining accommodation, tee times and other leading courses across the region.