Monte Rei Golf & Country Club

The first of Robert Trent Jones’ series of Danish success stories, Lubker has three loops – Sky, Sand and Forest. Opened in 2008, it is the first two which make up the premier course. Denmark-based English journalist Martin Park spoke with reverence about this classy venue.

Jack Nicklaus’ masterpiece in the rocky hills of the quieter Eastern Algarveis regarded as one of the finest courses in Portugal and when you consider the competition, that is no mean feat for a course which opened only six years ago. It’s expensive, but worth it – whether it is the breathtaking level of conditioning or the service you receive, Monte Rei does everything very well. Views to the Serra do Caldeirão mountains and the Atlantic Ocean complete the package.

This Jack Nicklaus designed course is one of the finest new layouts in Portugal. Less than 40 minutes drive from Faro it’s part of the growing offering of courses in the eastern algarve and it’s secluded location off the beaten track between Tavira and Vila Real de Santo Antonio will appeal to golfers wanting to escape the busy coastline. The course is a raw and dangerous design carved out of a rugged mountainous landscape overlooking the distant Atlantic coastline. Every hole offers a unique challenge and some spectacular views. The greens are amazingly quick and true and there are plenty of water hazards to catch you out.

Click here to find out where Monte Rei ranks in Golf World's Top 100 Courses Europe

This par 72 Championship course measuring 6567m from the Tournament tees is a truly unique design; with water coming into play on eleven of the eighteen holes, the course features an enjoyable series of eight par-4s, five par-3s and five par-5s in a challenging and distinctive layout.

The course presentation is highly individual, each hole a design gem blending effortlessly into this natural canvas, from its ingenious shape and sculptured bunkers, to the impressive presentation and attention to detail making ever hole as remarkable as the next; fairways and greens are bordered by several lakes, indigenous plants, native grasses and trees adding drama to the landscape, and providing golfers with unforgettable moments to cherish in this unique and tranquil golf environment.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course does not have: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 5 out of 5 Simply the best! 06 July 2011

  By jcstudley

  We played this course in Feb 2011 on strong recommendations from discerning golfers. Absolutely fabulous golf course, hotel and service. Each hole is discrete from one another and set in beautiful terrain, with lots of features and superb greens. From the tee, each hole looked superb, and the condition and attention to detail was faultless.  They really look after you from start to finish and they add a lot of nice touches:medal with your name etched on, club cleaning, free water in buggy and on course etc etc. Not cheap at 300 euros for two, inc buggy (essential) but still very good value for money. I love the PGA Catalunya Stadium course, La Reserva and San Lorenzo but Monte Rei tops them all, whilst Valderrama just isn't in the same league. Best course I've ever played.Play it, you won't regret it!

• 5 out of 5 top notch 23 December 2009

  By alanadam

  Best course I,ve ever played and I have Valderama ,K club,Kingbarns etc on my c.v. The welcome is to be experienced to be believed and the course has a stunning layout in  fantastic  condition. There is great variety throughout the course, and a couple of holes in particular are just awesome. Only drawback is the price, but perfection doesn't come cheap

• 5 out of 5 best course ever 28 September 2009

  By shankman

  Havin played a lot of courses in portugal this is by far the best from the welcome u recieve wen u arrive to the wow factor of the course brilliant !!!

• 5 out of 5 awesome 20 April 2009

  By trikkic@tiscali.co.uk

  I have recently had the pleasure of playing this course, what can I say but AWESOME well worth a visit.Everything is top draw as they say, unfortunatley it was blowing a bit but it could not detract from the experience, that was had.The peace and tranquility was second to none,I hope it remains as pleasurable in future years as I would willingly play it again.Will it become a European Venue difficult to say as there would be a lot of walking,at the moment buggies are mandatory.

• 5 out of 5 Stunning 01 April 2009

  By trikkic@tiscali.co.uk

  I had the pleasure of playing Monte Rei last week and was an absolute delight. From being treated like the pros to the very best facilities it was nice to play without being rushed around, each hole was in its own valley in the rolling hills above the algarve.Buggies are compolsury but hey, sit back and enjoy.This was a once in a lifetime opportunity.Would I play again YES. But nothing can really compare really with the Old Course.  

• 4.5 out of 5 The best course in the Algarve, by far 13 July 2008

  By maddisc

  The is the best course in the Algarve (as you would expect for its price!). Whilst it doesn't have some of the views of its more illustrious neighbours or their heritage, it more than makes up for it in the sheer quality of the course. It is a golf course that makes you think and plot your way around. No 2 holes are the same with excellent use of elavated tees and greens. The holes look beautiful from the tees and you get the feeling that each hole is an 'event'. The course is in perfect condition and you are made to feel like a VIP guest the moment you step out of your car. This is golf how it should be; peaceful, challenging and great fun.

• 4.5 out of 5 Set to be Europe's best 01 November 2007

  By simonp

  I have now played Monte Rei and have to say it is an amzing course. There was still a bit of building work going on when I played but it is still an awesome place to play golf. The welcome is second to none and the clubhouse is mightily impressive. Staff are ultra attentive and the course itself it spectacular in places already. Give it a couple of years and Monte will be the best course in Europe. They're developing another course there too which the director said would be more undulating, with lots of playing across valleys...

• 4.5 out of 5 Can't wait to play 30 August 2007

  By simonp

  I'm going to play this afetr reading the reviews in Todays Golfer. It sounds like Jack has designed his best course to date here and if the hype is right and it is the best new course in Europe it should be an experience never to forget. I'll post a review as soon as I've played it. Anyone out there already been?