Amendoeira boasts two Championship Golf Courses, both named after and designed by golfing greats. The O’Connor Jr Course and The Faldo Course.
Both Golf Courses are stunning examples of Portuguese golf and both offer two different golfing challenges. The resort is set in the mountains of the Algarve just 30 minutes from Faro airport. With luxury villas and apartments to rent, along with the fantastic golf courses, Amendoeira is an ideal golfing retreat. Read on to find out more about the golf courses.

The Faldo Course

Designed by Sir Nick Faldo himself, The Faldo Course at Amendoeira is a rare treat for this part of the world. With vast areas of crushed limestone resembling sand, the golf course is designed and laid out as if to feel as though you are playing through the desert.
The Faldo course makes use of the landscapes’ dramatic highs and lows with 3 of the opening 4 holes treating you to some great, elevated tee shots. The 5th hole welcomes the first bit of water on the Faldo with a tee shot requiring a carry over the large lake. The stretch of holes here run a little flatter but slope back up towards the clubhouse on the 9th hole where the fairway and green have been cut away into the orange rocky hills. The back 9 takes you over the road and back up through the hills with more dramatic elevation changes.
The golf course is immaculate. Perfectly cut fairways, manicured bunkers and well placed cactus and shrubs really give the course a fantastic look. It’s like a piece of Arizona in the Portuguese Algarve. If you are to play only one at Amendoeira then make this the one.

The O’Connor Jr Course

The O’Connor Jr course at Amendoeira is a contrast to the Faldo course. Rather than harsh areas of waste, this golf course is a lot more lush and green. Tall Palms, lakes and ravines are present throughout the course.
The O’Connor opens with a modest Par 5 and with two ravines to navigate and cleverly placed bunkers, it’s soon apparent that this is a course you have to plot your way around. The 2nd hole is a short par 4 and welcomes the first of many lakes on the O’Connor and the beauty of this course continues on the 3rd with a fantastic par 3 over water to a heavily guarded green. Plenty of undulations and gentle changes in elevation can be expected throughout the rest of the course and with tall pines and water present on almost every hole, it’s very visually pleasing and compliments other courses on along the Algarve.

The Clubhouse

Amendoeira’s Clubhouse sits majestically at the top of the golf course. The pro shop and reception is a grand entrance. It doesn’t stock too many unnecessary golf clubs but is filled with plenty of Amendoeira branded golf shirts and merchandise. A large restaurant with lounge area and a huge outdoor terrace overlooking the Faldo course is a great place to sit out for a pre or post round drink. In the peak months, expect this space to have a busy atmosphere.Â The practice facilities are what you would come to expect here also. With a grass bay driving range, academy and multiple practice putting greens.
The Location
The resort is located a short 30 minute drive from Faro airport. It offers a large amount of rental villas and apartments so staying on site is an option if you wish for a more ‘tranquil’ holiday. Only 15 minutes down the road is the party hub of Albufeira, and if you are visiting the Algarve as a large group then this is most likely where you will end up. The main strip is littered with bars and restaurants that will guarantee a not so memorable night out! Another alternative is Vilamoura, here you will still find plenty of places to grab some drinks but is perhaps a little left ‘in your face’. Either way, Amondoeira is located in the central Algarve so wherever you decide to stay, the golf course is easily accessible.

Final Thoughts

Different to other courses in the Algarve, the Faldo course here sets itself apart with it’s unique and fun landscape and design. I personally love a desert style course so it definitely ticked all the boxes for me. They also offer a 9 hole, par 3, floodlit golf course for after hours which was inspired by the Faldo course at the Emirates club in Dubai. If you want a peaceful getaway then the villas on the resort look fantastic, many of which have private pools. However, if its a lads trip you seek then head into either Albufeira or Vilamoura, the later of the two being a little classier which I would favour over Albufeira. Oh, and don’t forget to try some Frango!

Number of Holes: 36
Course Par: Both 72
Green Fee: €150 Faldo | €144 O’Connor (approx)
Hire Clubs: Titliest
Buggy Hire: Available
Practice Facilities: Grass Bay Driving range | Pitching and Putting Greens
Nearest Town: Albufeira
Nearest Airport: Faro

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