Golf may have its roots in Scotland, but the sport is truly international, with premium courses found across the world.

If you were thinking of moving abroad to practice your swing and stay out of the bunker, Portugal is an excellent choice as the country boasts countless top-class courses where you can cut your handicap and soak up some sun while you’re at it.

Keep reading to find some of the best golf courses in Portugal, where you could be turning birdies into condors and yelling ‘Fore’ before you know it!

Monte Rei, Algarve

Starting off with a big-hitter in the south of Portugal, the Monte Rei Golf and Country Club offers an 18-hole, par 72 golf course that was designed by renowned golfer Jack Nicklaus.

As well as being regarded as one of Portugal’s finest golf courses, Monte Rei also has European and worldwide acclaim among pros and is currently the only course designed by Mr Nicklaus within Portugal.

Monte Rei has all the challenging features that you’d expect of a world class course, in addition to spectacular views to appreciate while you’re waiting to tee off.

San Lorenzo, Algarve

Moving further down the coast but staying in the Algarve region, San Lorenzo is another renowned golf course in Portugal, offering 18 holes and more eye-pleasing views as players work their way around a figure of eight course with the clubhouse at the centre.

San Lorenzo is often in such high demand that players have to book long in advance, although staying at the resort’s associated four and five star hotels can often grant earlier access to those itching to get onto the green.

Vale do Lobo, Algarve

Sticking in the Algarve for now (it has a pedigree of excellent courses), the Vale do Lobo Golf Club has two spectacular courses to get your tees into – Ocean and Royal.

Ocean was designed by golfing legend Sir Henry Cotton and is an 18-hole, par 73 course, while Royal was created by William ‘Rocky’ Roquemore and is a tad more challenging, featuring 18 holes but a par of 72.

Both courses offer challenging shots and strategically placed hazards and should be experienced by any true golfer moving to Portugal.

Troia, Setúbal

Heading north up the Portuguese coast but sticking close to the Atlantic, you reach the next top golf course on our list, Troia.

Uniquely positioned on a narrow peninsula of the same name, Troia is an 18-hole, par 72 course with sea views on three sides.

Designed by World Golf Hall of Famer Robert Trent Jones Sr, Troia can be accessed by road or ferry and features lush, crisp fairways set in a sandy landscape.

Oitavos Dunes, Grande Lisboa

Sticking to the Portuguese coast, further north from Troia is another coastal treat for new golfers in Portugal, Oitavos Dunes.

As the name suggests, this 18-hole, par 71 course is situated amid picturesque sand dunes on the Atlantic coast, and is situated under an hour’s drive away from Lisbon.

Established and maintained over the generations by the Champalimaud family, the course offers a mixture of holes in woodland and links settings and every shot is made a challenge by coastal gusts.

This might mean a bit more contemplation before each swing, but the landscape of Oitavos Dunes gives players plenty to feast their eyes on as they line up the perfect shot.

Royal Óbidos, Leiria

Closing off this tour of top-notch Portuguese golf courses is a resort to the north of Lisbon, the acclaimed Royal Óbidos.

The 18-hole, par 72 course was designed by the late Severiano ‘Seve’ Ballesteros and given its location, naturally has stunning views of the coast when teeing up for most holes.

Challenging holes come as standard, but Royal Óbidos’ greens feature separate teeing areas depending on individual handicaps to accommodate players of all abilities.

 

Moving to Portugal to pursue your golfing ambitions is made much easier by the abundance of world-class golf courses on offer in the country, many of which have hosted and continue to host international tournaments over the years.

If you’re thinking of making a move to Portugal, keep an eye on the Everything Overseas blog for news on the Portuguese property market and tips on the best places to buy.