Algarve, located in the southern region of Portugal, is a golfer’s paradise. With over 30 courses to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to tee off. To help you plan your golfing vacation in Algarve, we’ve compiled a list of the top courses in the region.

1. Monte Rei Golf Course: Located in the Eastern Algarve, Monte Rei is a true masterpiece. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course features rolling fairways and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. With two courses to choose from, Monte Rei is a must-play for any golfing enthusiast visiting the Algarve.
2. San Lorenzo Golf Course: Located in the heart of the Algarve, this course was designed by Joseph Lee and boasts several water hazards and bunkers to keep you on your toes.
3. Penina Golf Course: With three different courses to choose from, Penina has something for every level of golfer. The Resort Course is a classic parkland layout, while the Championship Course is a more challenging option.
4. Vilamoura Old Course: This course is a favorite among experienced golfers, with its narrow fairways and small greens. The Old Course is also home to the Portuguese Open, so you can tee off on the same fairways as the pros.Victoria Golf Course: Designed by Arnold Palmer, this course is known for its challenging layout and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

5. Victoria Golf Course: Designed by Arnold Palmer, this course is known for its challenging layout and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
   No matter what level of golfer you are, Algarve has a course that will suit your skills and preferences. So grab your clubs and head to this beautiful region for a golfing vacation you won’t forget

With so much information out there about the perfect golf swing and many sources trying to convince you that they offer the “best golf swing tips” available, we strip things down to the five best golf tips you should be paying attention to.

The Golf Grip

You can read all the golf swing tips ever written, but most teaching pros will tell you that, without a good golf grip, it’s unlikely you’ll go far in the sport. The proper golf grip effects club path, the leverage and lag you’re able to produce and the quality of ball striking. Therefore, it’s not one to neglect! It makes sense to prioritise the grip, when you think it’s the only thing that connects you and the golf club.

We’re not going to go into it in great detail here, as that wouldn’t leave enough space for other important golf swing tips, but be sure to pay attention to the material out there about the perfect golf grip.

Posture

If you’re not set up to the ball correctly, with the right alignment and posture, there’s little hope of achieving the perfect golf swing (if such a thing exists). Also, it’s the one thing that we can control, regardless of how talented or experienced we are. With the right guidance, everyone can achieve the perfect golf posture and set up. Use a mirror or ask someone to take a picture of you from all angles, then compare how you set up against the best players in the game.

Rhythm

Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Fred Couples, Louis Oosthuizen. Search for them online and watch their golf swings over and over.

Take note of how effortless and fluid it looks when they swing back and through impact. If you can get somewhere close to imitating the rhythm of these guys, you’re bound to see improvements in your own golf swing and lower your scores on the course.

Balance 

You can have the perfect grip, posture and backswing, but if you swing at the ball so hard that you nearly fall over, there’s little chance you’ll deliver the clubface square to target and hit a straight shot.

Walk around a tour event with some fellow amateurs and you’ll inevitably hear someone say “they make it look so easy.” With the exception of a few monster hitters – the DeChambeau’s of this world – most of the game’s best players swing within themselves and maintain their balance throughout – with not a swaying part or awkward finish in sight.

A clear mind

Ok, so not necessarily a “swing tip” per se. But it’s all too common to see golfers getting so bogged down by the quest for the perfect golf swing that they forget to look at the target, relax and let their natural hand-eye coordination take over.

Ever heard someone say, “I play well on the driving range but can’t take it to the course?” While the driving range might be the place to work on golf swing tips, it also tends to be somewhere golfers are more relaxed, at least when compared to a tight fairway or tricky par-three out on the golf course, where every shot matters.

Try using visualisation and breathing techniques to relax before each shot and be sure to rely on a consistent pre-shot routine.

There is undoubtedly something very special about links’ courses, for it was on the barren stretches of infertile land that literally links the mainland to the sea that golf began. Exposed, unproductive and no good for anything else, this sandy land was perfect for golf. It drains well, the humps and hollow create interest and the turf was delightfully springy. And, best of all, the mighty dunes provided a dramatic backdrop as well as some welcome shelter.

How these dunes were created is rather more complicated than you might think. Yes, the wind whistling in off the sea certainly played a part. But, curiously, the dunes were originally formed at the end of the Ice Age when the glaciers retreated. Finally relieved of the enormous weight, the sandy land sprung up and the towering dunes took shape.

Apologies for the geology lesson but it’s important to understand the process for it explains why, in Europe for example, true links courses are only found in the north where glaciers rumbled up and down. Further south, if the soil is sandy and the course is right next to the sea where the wind howls and the sand mounds up, it’s quite possible to create links-like conditions that are a perfectly acceptable imitation of the real thing. But purists might object to describing them as links.

Because it’s on the Atlantic where powerful winds blow in from the west, Portugal’s coastline is more likely to experience conditions suitable for the creation of links-like courses. The one that comes closest is Troia, the truly magnificent course on a peninsula just south of Lisbon. It enjoys the extraordinary luxury of having the sea on both sides and this Robert Trent Jones Senior layout is simply superb.

The comparatively new seaside course of West Cliffs on Portugal’s Silver Coast has a wonderfully natural feel and is somewhat exceptional in that it was designed by a woman, albeit a scion of the famous Dye family. In sensitively preserving most of the existing terrain, Cynthia Dye has done a remarkable job and produced a fabulous course.

Also on the Silver Coast is incredibly beautiful Praia D’El Rey. Here there are significant wind-blown dunes and gorgeous views out over the Atlantic. Like Oitavos Dunes near Cascais, it comes remarkably close to the real thing you’ll find, for example, in Scotland. But it’s so much warmer!

Only just over the border in Spain, there is the recently-upgraded Empordà Links in the golf-rich Costa Brava region, the always impressive Parador de El Saler – which has been built on the shores of the Mediterranean 18km from Valencia– and Parador de Malaga, the oldest course in Andalusia and venue for the 2010 Spanish Open.

Javea is an excellent golf tourist destination located between Valencia and Alicante. Some of the best golf courses near Javea Spain were designed by renowned architects and many of them border the coastline among beautiful natural settings. You will find golfing in Javea very enjoyable with excellent golf and plenty of leisure activities; the region is blessed with about 20 km of coastline and excellent weather almost all year long. The nearby airports of Valencia and Alicante provide easy access to Javea.

La Sella golf course

A beautiful 27 hole golf course located in the outskirts of Javea with 27 holes and designed by the famous golf player Jose María Olazabal. Three different 9-hole courses to choose from with plenty of challenges for professional and amateur players. La Sella has previously hosted the ladies’ European tour and features beautiful natural scenery next to the Montgó natural park and the Mediterranean.

Oliva Nova golf club resort

A links golf course designed by the former professional player Severino Ballesteros back in 1992. The 18-hole course will prove challenging with wide fairways, lots of water hazards, and windy conditions. The golf course is located within the huge Oliva golf resort which has everything you need for the perfect golf vacation. One of the best golf courses near Javea, Spain.

Visit us at Play in One to book your next golf getaway.

The Altea Golf Club

Altea is the oldest golf course in Javea and certainly one of the best in Costa Blanca. It is close to the picturesque town of Atea and just minutes away from Benidorm and Calpe. The 18-hole golf course may be difficult for some amateur players, but it is surely a fun course to play. You will encounter stunning mountain and ocean views, and a clubhouse that is a pleasure to visit with a beautiful terrace and restaurant.

The Javea Golf Club

A short but challenging 9-hole golf course designed by Francisco Moreno and initially opened in 1981. On the second time around, the course can be played from different tee positions. It has many strategically placed bunkers and subtle slopes in the greens that make them difficult to read. The premises also include a clubhouse with a restaurant and cafe bar, a driving range, putting greens, and more! All you need to discover golf courses near Javea, Spain

Which is your favorite one? Are you sure? Visit us at Play in One to book your next golf getaway.  Our travel experts will help set you up with the best golf courses near Javea Spain.

If you are looking for the perfect place to relax and enjoy golf, we have prepared a ‘must-read’ list of the best golf resorts in Spain.

At PLAY IN ONE, we know these destinations will fulfill your every need during your holidays, so make sure you give it a glance before booking your next vacation. Rest assured, these establishments are a paradise dream vacation for any golfer.

PGA Catalunya resort, Girona

Everything you need for a perfect golf vacation can be found at the PGA Catalunya resort, exclusive accommodation, and one of the best golf courses in Spain according to top100golfcourses.  Their Stadium course has hosted a large number of European tour tournaments including the Spanish Open. The complex has two luxurious hotels, the 5* hotel Camiral and La Vida Hotel, both excellent choices.

Precise Resort El Rompido, Huelva

Gorgeous accommodation with breathtaking views in what is known as Costa de la Luz in Huelva makes the resort at el Rompido one of the best golf resorts in Spain. It has two golf courses designed by Álvaro Arana and a total of 36 holes. The north course is the more challenging and is ranked among the top 1000 courses in Europe while the south course is suited for players of all levels.

La Cala Resort, Málaga

There is a reason why La Cala Resort is on everyone’s top list of the best golf resorts in Spain. It is the largest golf resort in southeast Spain with three beautiful golf courses, a practice 6-hole course, a golf academy, and a luxury hotel on-site. The America golf course is the more challenging and is currently ranked 100th among the best courses in Spain. All three courses were designed by renowned architect Cabell Robinson and offer unique challenges that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Los Monteros Spa & Golf Resort GL, Málaga

This establishment is rated 5* GL which means is a great luxury accommodation that is beyond a regular 5* hotel. The resort is located in what is known as the golf Mile in Marbella, an area with over 30 golf courses. They offer golf packages and green fees at discounted prices for their guests. A golf manager will help you choose the best course according to your level and playing style.

Meliá Villaitana, Alicante

The resort has everything you need for the perfect golf getaway. The accommodations are inspired by the typical nearby Mediterranean towns. The resort offers quality service, restaurants, and much more. There are two golf courses, campo Levante and campo Poniente, both designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. You will surely enjoy the top-level and well-maintained courses as well as the great views.

Caleia Mar Menor Golf & Spa Resort, Murcia

Caleia Mar Menor is a great 5* choice that is fairly priced as well. You will find spacious rooms with a private balcony, restaurants, gym, spa, and more. The complex is located next to the Mar Menor Golf, an 18-hole golf course by Nicklaus Design perfect for players of all levels.

Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort, San Roque. Cádiz

A Mediterranean paradise for any golfer with two magnificent golf courses, Alcaidesa Links and Alcaidesa Heathland, a total of 36-holes. The views alone are worth paying the green fee in both courses which overlook the mediterranean sea. Alcaidesa Links is the only golf course of its type in south Europe and has hosted some important tournaments including 2 PGA Andalucia, 1 PGA Spain, and the juniors Ryder Cup. The accommodations at Aldiana Club offer everything you would expect from a great resort with plenty of activities, fun, and relaxation.

Alcaidesa resort courtesy of alcaidesagolf.com

Visit us at PLAY IN ONE to know more about these destinations and book your perfect golf holidays.