Golf and Tourism in Portugal
The golden beaches of the Algarve, the wilderness of the Azores islands, the vineyards of the Douro Valley, and the cobblestone streets of Lisbon and Porto, where old-world culture meets cosmopolitan bars and restaurants, are all examples of Portugal's Mediterranean charm.
Portugal is now one of the world's most popular golfing destinations, thanks to a mild climate, superbly maintained courses, and an exciting cultural and nightlife scene, and the Algarve region was recently named the 'Best Golfing Destination In The World' by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.
With mild Winters and hot summers, Portugal receives around 3000 hours of sunshine per year. There are now over 70 courses in the country, many of which are championship-level, with some designed by renowned architects Robert Trent Jones Jr, Mackenzie Ross, and Sir Henry Cotton. Green fees are considered to be a bargain, especially when considering the high quality courses in Portugal.
Although the first course in Portugal was a short-lived Algarve links, Oporto Golf Club is the oldest still in operation. It was founded in 1890 by a group of English port makers as the Oporto Niblicks Club. More clubs, primarily of English origin, sprang up around Lisbon at the turn of the century.

Below are some of the elite golf hotels and resorts  in Portugal:

Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort:
A 5-star boutique hotel with views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Obidos Lagoon, and the Royal Obidos Golf Course is part of the Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort. It is located in a magnificent setting on the Silver Coast.
Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, the 18-hole golf course is arguably the best in the area, highlighted as the most crucial facility of this 5-star resort. Additionally, there is a pro shop, bar, restaurant, members lounge, and a sizable terrace where you can unwind and take in the breath-taking views.
Sunrise/Lagoon Views, Golf/Sea Views, and a variety of apartments are available as hotel room options. A total of 40 guest rooms, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a bar, restaurants, and an 18-hole golf course are available as amenities.
Situated just under an hour from  Lisbon, Obidos Golf Club is set by the Silver Coast with, marvellous views of the Atlantic Ocean. Due to the unique design by Ballesteros, this course is regarded to be among the finest in the region, with combining links, a stadium, and classic parkland layout. The course is difficult with plenty of water hazards, however good shots will certainly be rewarded.
Course information:
• PAR: 72
• AREA: 6,695m
• SLOPE: N/A
•SEASON: All year round 

Montado Hotel & Golf Resort
Tomas Taveira, the renowned architect who designed the project, is evident in the elite design of the hotel and resort at Montado. A total of Each of the 93 rooms provides a spectacular view of the golf course, and are also well-furnished with a full range of contemporary amenities for satisfaction and relaxation.
While Montado has a lovely restaurant called 7Abaixo that serves excellent regional and international cuisine, the contemporary clubhouse also has recreational amenities like a gym, sauna, and indoor pool. Discover the stunning Costa Azul, especially the charming port of Setubal, while Lisbon's sights and sounds are only 30 minutes away.
After undergoing a significant renovation in 2006, the Montado course is now among the Lisbon region's most exciting and difficult courses.
The famous muscatel vineyards that were planted here more than a century ago still surround the course, although it is now longer and more complex with several impressive risk-reward holes that can result in an unforgettable golfing experience.
The island green on the 160-yard par-4 18th, which is the centrepiece of the updated Montado course, demands a brave shot if you want to have a chance of coming up short of the hole. The fifth hole is a testing par four with a left dogleg that requires a strong drive. The second shot is played onto a wide green that is surrounded by water.
Course information:
• PAR: 72
• AREA: 6,366m
• SLOPE: 133
• SEASON: All year round

Luna Hotel da Oura
The Luna Da Oura Hotel is located in the centre of Albufeira, adjacent to The Strip, which boasts a broad range of shops, pubs, and restaurants to visit. The 4* resort is only a stroll away from the nearest beach, with the Faro airport also being a convenient 30-minute drive.
The hotel includes a restaurant that serves worldwide and regional-themed buffet dishes. Guests can also relax with a drink at the Bakus Pub or the Lounge Bar.
With an outdoor pool and an exclusive Hotel Spa, guests can enjoy the serene climate of Portugal and unwind. Other amenities also include an indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, Turkish Hammam, gym, and massage services.
Golfers can play on some of Vilamoura's greatest and most recognised golf courses. These include the likes of Old Course, Vila Sol, Millennium, Pinhal, Laguna, Victoria, and Quinta do Lago North & South.  For extra convenience, the hotel provides several shuttle services to all the golf courses listed above.
With a high number of options, golf lovers can enjoy the beautiful city of Vilamoura and master all the different types of terrain and hazards.
The closest golf courses to the resort are as listed below:
Dom Pedro Pinhal
Designed by Frank Pennink and Robert Trent Jones, Sr, this is a rigorous par-72 course with a parkland theme and hazards that can be a real challenge. A dense cluster of  Atlantic Pine trees, approaching the fairway off the tee can be difficult.
Course information:
• PAR: 72
• AREA: 6,353m
• SLOPE: N/A
• SEASON: All year round
•STYLE: Parkland

Vila Sol Golf
This is a fantastic 27-hole golf course on a 150-hectare estate with triple loops of increasing complexity (With Prime, Challenge & Prestige). It's a fantastic golf course encircled by a picturesque landscape and a diverse array of flora and fauna. This court was constructed in 1991 by Donald Steel.
Course information:
• PAR: 36 (per 9 holes)
• AREA: 3,241m
• SLOPE: N/A
• SEASON: All year round
• STYLE: Inland
Dom Pedro Millennium
Located in the renowned destination Algarve, Dom Pedro Millennium is a traditional parkland course with several impressive holes that golf lovers of all abilities can enjoy. The remarkable course was designed by Martin Hawtree Ken Moodie in 2000.
Course information:
• PAR: 72
• AREA: 6,176m
• SLOPE: N/A
• SEASON: All year-round

Areias Village Hotel Apartmento
Featuring an outdoor pool, a restaurant providing cuisine from across the world, and accommodations with private balconies, Apartamento Areias Village is an ideal destination for travelling golfers. Praia do Oura and the Strip are both within a 10-minute stroll.
Each building features huge glass doors that lead to a well-equipped and sizable balcony. All rooms consist of a living room which includes a satellite TV, plush sofas, and chairs.

Each suite has a stylish kitchenette with a dining table for four people, a stove, and a microwave. With several cupboards in the kitchen, guests are able to store groceries and other necessities with ease.
The restaurant at Apartamento Areias Village has a patio with a refreshing pool view, where guests are provided with seafood specialties and regional cuisine. The resort also has a bar that offers local alcohol and cocktails.

The closest golf courses to the resort are as listed below:

Pine Cliffs Golf Resort
Pine Cliffs Golf Course is positioned 200 feet above the Atlantic Ocean's beautiful dunes and azure ocean. This remarkable golf resort  spans 168 acres of naturally gorgeous terrain located atop a spectacular cliff top, under which lies a stretch of golden sand beach and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. The maroon sandstone cliffs have a dramatic blend with the stunning emerald golf course, set under the backdrop of the glistening Mediterranean ocean.
The 9-hole course is regarded as one of the most unique golfing destinations in Portugal. The Pine Cliffs Golf Course resides in a pinewood setting, with fairways surrounded by tree lines that follow all the way to the Atlantic coast. With stunning views of the Algarvian coastline, golf lovers are provided with a serene getaway.
Architect Martin Hawtree's major priority was preserving the natural surroundings, with minimal damage to the ecological environment.
The Par 3 sixth hole is the most popular hole on this immaculate course. The championship tee, called the Devil's Parlour, is built over a gorgeous valley, which demands a challenging 197-metre carrying shot.
Course information:
• PAR: 33
• AREA: 2,227m
• SLOPE: 126
• SEASON: All year-round

Balaia Golf Course
Assembled in 2001, this compact and scenic 9-hole golf course provides players the chance to enhance their iron strokes and short game. Balaia Golf Course is renowned as an elite course, due to the high quality of its design and nuanced obstacles. 
From the first tee, the course provides a magnificent outlook of the layout, as the azure waters of the Atlantic ocean is visible in the distance.
This challenging course tests a player's skill in controlling shot distance and direction. With the perfect blend of tranquillity and difficulty, this course is perfect for improving upon personal ability, while also relaxing under the serene climate of Albufeira.
Course information:
• PAR: 27
• AREA: 984m
• SLOPE: N/A
• SEASON: All year-round

Dom Pedro Millennium
Located in the renowned destination Algarve, Dom Pedro Millennium is a traditional parkland course with several impressive holes that golf lovers of all abilities can enjoy. The remarkable course was designed by Martin Hawtree Ken Moodie in 2000.
Course information:
• PAR: 72
• AREA: 6,176m
• SLOPE: N/A
• SEASON: All year-round

Balaia Golf Village
Situated only 550 yards from the Maria Luisa Beach, Balaia Golf Village includes 6 outdoor pools and two delicacy options. Amenities are at a top level at this resort, as Balaia Golf Village Health Club provides many therapeutic and relaxing services; Hot tubs, Turkish baths, heated indoor pool, massages, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and many more available with bookings.
Other leisure activities include cycling, as bicycle tours to the Albufeira District are provided by the resort. There are also four tennis courts at the Balaia Golf Village, which guests can rent for private games. Families with children can also be benefited at this resort, as both a playground and a kids club are existent.
Every room consists of fully furnished kitchen, a sitting area, and a balcony or patio. Guests can comfortably cook and buy groceries, due to the large sized storage options in the kitchen.

Balaia Golf Course 
Assembled in 2001, this compact and scenic 9-hole golf course provides players the chance to enhance their iron strokes and short game. Balaia Golf Course is renowned as an elite course, due to the high quality of its esign and nuanced obstacles. 
From the first tee, the course provides a magnificent outlook of the layout, as the azure waters of the Atlantic ocean is visible in the distance.
This challenging course tests a player's skill in controlling shot distance and direction. With the perfect blend of tranquillity and difficulty, this course is perfect for improving upon personal ability, while also relaxing under the serene climate of Albufeira.
Course information:
• PAR: 27
• AREA: 984m
• SLOPE: N/A
• SEASON: All year-round