...and the Unforgettable Experiences They Can Offer You this Autumn
We've often followed the line of thought that when it comes to designing challenging yet awe-inspiring golf courses, who could be better qualified or equipped for the job than an ex-professional? The Algarve is home to two shining examples of this theory in action. Having successfully navigated some of the best courses in the world, both Sir Henry Cotton and Arnold Palmer chose to bring their expertise to Portugal’s south coast to create two exceptional golf destinations. Whether you’re seeking to test your own skills or simply admire the work of others, we recommend a visit to both of these iconic courses during an autumn golf break in the Algarve.
The Portugal Masters at Oceânico's Victoria Course
Professional golf player Arnold Palmer was always destined to do well post-retirement.
With a likeable presence and an astonishing 92 victories, including four Masters, he was named ‘Golfer of the Century’ by the New York Athletic Club and has his name hanging in the PGA Hall of Fame. Putting this extensive experience to good use, Palmer began developing and designing courses, ranging from renovations at the Latrobe Country Club, where he had practised as a child, to the creation of Oceânico's 18 hole Victoria Course. The latter opened in central Algarve during 2004 and boasts lush vegetation, lakes and waterfalls, alongside an outstanding driving range and 2,500m² putting green.
As well as hosting the World Cup of Golf in 2005, the 220 acre Victoria Course has also been the home to every Portugal Masters since it began in 2007. This year’s tournament will be held between the 15th and 18th of October and is set to attract big name competitors with its €2,000,000 prize fund. Despite only having been active for 8 years, the professional tournament has quickly become one of the leading golf events in Europe and has been described as a challenge from start to finish, with undulating fairways, numerous bunkers and sizeable water hazards. Its difficulty was heightened last year with the arrival of torrential rain, which eventually led to a saturated course and a short but nonetheless captivating 36-hole tournament won by Alexander Levy. Fingers crossed that the sun will remain shining long into the autumn this year, and a full and fun-filled three days will prevail!
Five-Star Facilities at Penina's Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course
After winning 31 professional titles, including 11 Opens, Sir Henry Cotton also chose to apply his expertise to golf architecture. His grand ambitions included building the very first course in the whole of the Algarve; an achievement he completed in 1966 with the opening of Penina’s renowned 18-hole Championship Course. The golfing legend, who later became the first professional golfer to receive a knighthood, transformed rice fields into lush grounds featuring lakes, streams and over 360,000 trees, and created a 13th hole that’s been described as "one of the best par 3s in the world". Cotton is claimed to have said “the best is always good enough for me” and his creation has certainly lived up to this standard, having been chosen to host the Portuguese Open 10 times, including the first European Tour event in 1973.
As well as the two 9-hole loops that form the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course, our 360 acre estate also boasts two additional courses, a renowned golf academy run by world-class pros, a driving range... and a five-star resort. After a long, sun-soaked day spent putting your skills to the test, its luxurious rooms and suites, and six restaurants and bars offer the perfect surroundings in which to relax and indulge within. Away from the courses, Penina Hotel & Golf Resort also boasts the largest private outdoor non-heated pool in the Algarve, a FIFA size football pitch, floodlit tennis courts and much more, making it the ideal destination for a luxury golf break in the Algarve.
With only a 35 minute drive between Oceânico's Victoria Course and Penina’s Championship Course, it’ll be easy to plan the ultimate golfing break in the Algarve this autumn. Tickets to watch the Portugal Masters are available now from just €21.20, while golfers keen to play an unforgettable round or two on the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course can find residential and non-residential rates here. Alternatively, we also offer an array of outstanding golf packages that include five-star accommodation, delicious buffet breakfasts, rounds of golf and so much more at Penina. Whether you’re planning to watch, play or simply pick up tips, head to two of the Algarve’s most iconic courses this autumn for a truly outstanding golf experience.
