Oceanico Vilamoura

Oceânico Laguna Golf Course

Laid out over low lying coastal terrain, this course, with its many water hazards and few trees, is considerably different from the other ones in Vilamoura and many of its holes convey a links atmosphere. U.S. golf architect Joseph Lee designed this course which opened in 1990 and many previous visitors will recognise it as part of the former 27 hole Vilamoura III course. It has been subject to continual improvements over the years. Measuring 6121m from the white tees, the par 72 course includes several lakes which influence play on a total of 11 holes. In addition to acting as hazards and emergency water reservoirs, these lakes serve a useful purpose in attracting a variety of aquatic birds, both resident and migratory, as well as amphibians, otters and terrapins. Apart from the lakes and an impressive total of 79 bunkers, another hazard is the wind that frequently blows over this somewhat exposed location. The Oceanico Laguna course shares a large, welcoming clubhouse with the neighbouring Oceanico Millennium course.

NO. HOLES 18
YEAR OPEN 1990
DESIGNER Joseph Lee
STYLE Parkland (modern)
LENGTH (MAX) 6121
PAR 72
SSS 72

Oceânico Millennium Golf Course

This conventional par 72 course opened in the year 2000, although the original back nine was formerly part of the 27-hole Laguna Course. The Millennium course is particularly open, although some holes (the 3rd to the 7th) wind between pine trees and are similar to the neighbouring fairways of the Oceanico Old Course and Oceanico Pinhal. In this more wooded area, the fairways are narrower and require greater accuracy - while the rest of the course has a clear landscape enriched by lakes at the 4th, 17th and 18th holes. The arrival of the Oceanico Millennium course made Vilamoura one of the main - if not the main - European golf destinations.

NO. HOLES 18
YEAR OPEN 2000
DESIGNER Martin Hawtree & Sons
STYLE Parkland (modern)
LENGTH (MAX) 6157
PAR 72
SSS 72

Oceânico Victoria Golf Course

The Oceanico Victoria , which covers some 90 hectares, is the most recent golf course project of Arnold Palmer in Portugal. As one of the best and most sophisticated golf courses in Europe, every care has been taken to ensure the preservation of the wetlands and the typical vegetation of carob, olive and almond trees. Several lakes, occupying 13 hectares, provide mirrors of water and strategic reservoirs for irrigation. The course features 5 or 6 tees per hole; wide, undulating fairways; extensive water hazards and cleverly positioned bunkers. In addition there is an exceptional driving range and a putting green of some 2,500m². The Oceanico Victoria golf course is an 18-hole, par 72 championship layout, measuring 6609m from the back tees. Opened in 2004, Oceanico Victoria is a unique, unforgettable experience for all who play there, and is a major venue for top international tournaments: Host to the Portugal Masters 2007-2010 Host to the PGA World Cup 2005

NO. HOLES 18
YEAR OPEN 2004
DESIGNER Arnold Palmer Signature Course
STYLE Parkland (modern)
LENGTH (MAX) 6609
PAR 72
SSS 72

Oceânico Old Course

Situated in the heart of Vilamoura a mere 20 minute drive from Faro airport, this Frank Pennink designed parkland style layout is one of the oldest in the region and renowned all over the golfing world. Often described as the Grande Dame of Algarve courses, it meanders throughout impressive pine trees - the principal hazard - over gently undulating natural terrain. Although it opened in 1969, the course was completely renovated and modernised 27 years later although no major changes were made to the magnificent layout. In addition to raising the Oceanico Old Course to new heights of quality, an attractive new clubhouse and adjacent putting green were also built at that time.

NO. HOLES 18
YEAR OPEN 1969
DESIGNER Frank Pennick, Martin Hawtree
STYLE Parkland (traditional)
LENGTH (MAX) 6254
PAR 73
SSS 73

Oceânico Pinhal Golf Course

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 Oceanico Old Course. The course 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. The clubhouse was completely renovated and modernised at the turn of the millennium and from the large veranda one can enjoy a panoramic view over the excellent driving range and practice facilities.

NO. HOLES 18
YEAR OPEN 1976
DESIGNER Frank Pennick, Robert Trent Jones Jr
STYLE Parkland (traditional)
LENGTH (MAX) 6353
PAR 72
SSS 72