Vilamoura – Pinhal

Pinhal Golf Course is a contrasting golf course with the front nine meandering through a residential complex while the back nine is more open and undulating. The two early par 3s (3rd and 6th) are a delight but the best is probably saved to last – the penultimate hole is now an exquisitely-designed par 4. And then you come across the par-5 18th. It is capable of creating sheer golfing ecstasy – it could well offer an eagle opportunity – or, if things haven’t quite gone according to plan, agony.

This was the second golf course built in Vilamoura and inaugurated in 1976, having originally been designed by Frank Pennink, the architect of the nearby Vilamoura Old Course.
Several refinements were incorporated over the years, the most significant one by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1985. It is typified by rolling parkland terrain covered with numerous umbrella and Atlantic pines that line many of the fairways and a few even stand out on fairways or near greens.
Ponds and a stream come into play on five holes but are not serious threats to above-average golfers. To keep up with modern technical advances in clubs and balls, several holes have recently been lengthened and the par-72 course now measures 6,353 metres off the white tee markers.
The clubhouse was completely renovated and modernised at the turn of the millennium and from the large verandah one can enjoy a panoramic view over the excellent driving range and practice facilities.

Soft spikes mandatory

• 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 has: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 4 out of 5 Enjoyable 29 May 2013

  By daveack68

  Played May 2013, Course was in good nick, different holes, gradients made it enjoyable, not as good as the Old course but well worth a visit.

• 4 out of 5 Pleasant Surprise 23 May 2007

  By R0bertsonS

  We were greeted with a smile and courtosy and the facilities were very good. The course is tight with treelined fairways alongside multi coloured Villas which gives it a real holiday feel. Very good value for the money

• 4 out of 5 Tree lined 24 April 2007

  By markrowe

  A quality course at a lower price than many others around the Vilamoura area. Tees and greens were great, not as visually pleasing as the other 2 places I played, (Old Course/Vila Sol) but neverthless well worth a visit. Took just over 5 hours to get round.

• 3.5 out of 5 A 6 timeplayer from Edinburgh 09 March 2007

  By Anonymous

  This course has grown on me. The more I've played the more enjoyable it has become with the exception of the 17th. A negative camber on a vicious dogleg Par 5. Great matchplay course!

• 3.5 out of 5 07 November 2006

  By Anonymous

  Great course and good for higher handicappers

• 2 out of 5 Poor condition 04 October 2006

  By Anonymous

  We played this course in 2004 and were very impressed overall. this year however, the course was in poor condition, particularly the tees and greens

• 4.5 out of 5 08 May 2006

  By Anonymous

  gREAT COURSE, great condition but very tight and very challenging.

• 3.5 out of 5 What a practise ground! 01 May 2006

  By Anonymous

  This course is the complete package.Attractive modern clubhouse with a well priced menu.Fantastic practise ground right outside the clubhouse.Interesting undulating course with a mix of holes.Super halfway house welcome relief on a hot day. Worthy of a visit.

• 2.5 out of 5 Houses all round course 16 October 2005

  By Anonymous

  Watch the trees... they do eat balls! And I didn't like having to go in and out of houses all around the course.