Take a look their website from here:https://www.valedolobo.com/en/golf/
I recently enjoyed a long-awaited boys’ trip to the Algarve region of Portugal, where we played four different courses. The first course we tackled was the renowned Dona Filipa Ocean Course, known for its impressive reputation and hosting several Portugal Opens in the past.
Upon arrival, the clubhouse struck me with its unique ambiance. The interiors feature a large billiard table, beautiful paintings adorning the walls, and an extensive bar area that invites relaxation.
One of the highlights is the grandstand next to the 18th hole, offering a designated viewing area for spectators to watch the action unfold on the final hole. I haven’t seen a dedicated stand like this before; it was a refreshing addition compared to the usual temporary setups.
The first tee is located just behind the grandstand, presenting a solid opening challenge with a lengthy par-4 that serves as a good test for your game. The course was in stellar condition, making it a pleasure to play. The holes were generally clear, allowing for a good view from the tee box. However, there were a few holes where you had to aim and hope no one was behind the hill, adding an element of unpredictability.
Some of the par-3 holes were really nice.
I was surprised to find some of the par-5 holes quite short, but it may have been a temporary setup with the tee boxes positioned closer than usual. Since we played during twilight, the last two holes were quite dark, but we managed to finish our round without any issues.
This course definitely requires a few rounds to get fully acclimated. The greens feature good slopes, with some tricky breaks that you need to be aware of. They didn’t appear particularly grainy, but you can never be too certain.
Several holes offer stunning views of the ocean, with the standout par-3 hole located right by the beach. It’s a strong par-3 that played around 190 meters due to the wind we encountered. However, it also carries a bit of danger; if you hit towards the sea, there’s a risk of hitting someone on the beach, which would be quite unfortunate.
But after hard work on the course you need to recover. The food was super good at the club house.
Overall, the Dona Filipa Ocean Course is a delightful experience and definitely worth a visit. Next time, I might approach some holes differently, but then again, I might not!