Royal Course
Sir Henry Cotton; Rocky Roquemore
Holes18
Par72
Length6,059 m
Opened1997
The golf
The courses
Ocean Course
Sir Henry Cotton
Holes18
Par73
Opened1968
Vale do Lobo opened in 1968 with a 27-hole layout by Sir Henry Cotton, and the resort now has two 18-hole courses. The Royal was reworked by Rocky Roquemore from Cotton’s drawings and reopened in 1997. It is par 72 and 6,059 metres, with water at the 6th, 9th, 16th and 17th. Its par-3 16th, a carry of more than 200 metres over the red cliffs to a green above the beach, is one of the best-known holes in Europe.
The Ocean Course is made up of two of Cotton’s original nines. It is par 73 and runs through pines and along a nature reserve before dropping towards the Atlantic, with sea views from the 11th and 14th and a par 3 at the 15th alongside the beach. It is shorter than the Royal and generally considered the easier of the two. The club has a golf shop and practice areas, and guests at the Dona Filipa have a shuttle to the courses.
- Two 18-hole courses
- Practice areas
- Golf shop
- Restaurant
- Buggy and trolley hire
- Lessons
Before you book
Maintenance and closures
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is there a handicap limit?
Yes. The club asks for a maximum handicap of 28 for men and 36 for ladies on both courses, so please bring your certificate.
How far is it from Faro Airport?
About 20 minutes by car. Airport transfers are not included in our packages but can be arranged on request.
Which course should I play?
If you only play once, choose the Royal for the 16th hole. The Ocean is shorter and a little more relaxed, with more sea views on the back nine.
Request a quote
Tell us when you want to play
Send your dates and group size. We reply within one working day with availability, a firm price and the tee times we can hold for you.
- No payment needed to ask
- A real person replies, not an automated quote
- Rather message? WhatsApp us (messages only)
- Prefer to talk? Call +90 242 312 04 44
- We check availability with the hotel and the course, and hold the tee times you prefer.
- You get a firm price by email within one working day, with no obligation to book.
- Happy with it? Confirm by email and we send your booking and payment details.