Vale do Lobo is home to two challenging and outstanding golf courses – The Royal and the Ocean.  Based on original concepts by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton and re-developed by the respected American golf architect Rocky Roquemore, the Vale do Lobo courses have twice been host to the Portuguese Open. 

Both take players through umbrella pine and fig tree-lined fairways to the Atlantic – the Royal playing dramatically along the cliff´s edge, while the Ocean sweeps daintily down to the beach. This combination of links and parkland golf provides an enjoyable game for golfers of all standards. 

The Royal Golf Course has rolling fairways set amidst pine trees and beautiful lakes surrounded by wild flowers. Its features include the almost island green of the 9th and the famous 16th, with cliff-top carryover – one of the most celebrated golfing images in the world, which has become the veritable symbol of golf in the Algarve. The Royal Golf Course was designed by top American golf architect Rocky Roquemore, based on original drawings made by Sir Henry Cotton. It was inaugurated in 1997. 

My favourite hole is the 16th on the Royal, which has to be one of the most challenging shots in the world if the wind is against. (...) Furthermore, I don´t know of another resort in Europe that caters so well for its members, residents and guests. Brian Davis, US Tour Professional