Dom Pedro The Old Course Golf Club
Algarve
Overview
Tucked away in the heart of the Algarve’s renowned Vilamoura resort, Dom Pedro The Old Course Golf Club stands as one of Portugal’s most cherished golfing destinations. Known as the "Grand Dame" of the Algarve, this classic course offers players a seamless blend of history, natural beauty, and world-class design. For golfers seeking a course that combines a deep respect for tradition with modern amenities, Dom Pedro The Old Course is an unmissable experience.
Opened in 1969, The Old Course was one of the first golf courses established in the Algarve, designed by the celebrated British architect Frank Pennink. His vision was to create a course that would seamlessly integrate with the surrounding natural landscape, respecting the native flora and fauna while offering a challenging yet fair test of golf. Over the decades, the course has become a centerpiece of Portugal’s golf scene, attracting players from around the world.
Despite undergoing modernization and updates over the years, The Old Course has retained its original charm and character, making it a favorite among golfers who appreciate classic course design. The layout’s timeless appeal has earned it a place among Portugal’s top-ranked courses and made it a regular feature on golfers’ bucket lists.
Dom Pedro The Old Course is a par-73 layout that stretches over 6,254 meters (approximately 6,839 yards), winding through lush, rolling terrain dotted with mature pine trees. These towering trees frame many of the course’s fairways, adding both beauty and difficulty to each hole. The course’s natural setting and strategic layout require precision and thoughtful shot-making, particularly when navigating the narrow fairways and positioning shots around the well-placed bunkers.
Pennink’s design places a premium on accuracy over distance, rewarding those who can consistently place the ball in the right position. Although the course isn’t excessively long by modern standards, its clever use of doglegs, elevation changes, and tricky greens ensures that golfers of all skill levels will find a challenge. Each hole offers a unique test, with some fairways appearing more generous, while others demand pinpoint accuracy from the tee.
Among the 18 holes, several stand out for their beauty and strategic complexity. One of the most notable is the par-4 4th hole, a scenic and challenging hole that plays slightly uphill, framed by dense pine trees on either side. The approach shot to the elevated green is particularly demanding, requiring precision to avoid the strategically placed bunkers.
The par-3 16th hole is another highlight, playing over a natural depression to a green that is well-guarded by trees and bunkers. This hole requires not only accuracy but also careful club selection due to the subtle changes in elevation and swirling winds that can add an extra layer of difficulty.
The closing stretch from holes 16 to 18 presents a thrilling finish, with the 18th hole offering a dramatic conclusion. This par-4 plays downhill towards the clubhouse, with a well-placed fairway bunker challenging golfers off the tee and a demanding second shot to a well-bunkered green.
One of the hallmarks of The Old Course is its impeccable maintenance, with the greens and fairways kept in pristine condition year-round. The course’s groundskeeping team pays meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that players enjoy a world-class golfing experience from tee to green. The greens are known for their smooth, true roll, while the fairways are lush and beautifully manicured, offering perfect lies for approach shots.
In addition to the superb course layout, Dom Pedro The Old Course Golf Club offers a range of top-tier facilities and services designed to enhance the overall golfing experience. The club’s elegant clubhouse is a welcoming retreat for golfers, offering stunning views of the course from its terrace. Inside, the clubhouse features a well-stocked pro shop, locker rooms, and a restaurant where players can unwind after their round.
The pro shop offers a wide selection of golf equipment and apparel, including top brands and Old Course-branded merchandise. Golfers can also take advantage of practice facilities, including a driving range, putting green, and short game area, making it easy to fine-tune their skills before hitting the course.
As part of the Dom Pedro Golf Collection, The Old Course is committed to sustainability and the preservation of the natural environment. The course’s design respects the existing landscape, and great care is taken to minimize the impact on local ecosystems. Water conservation and environmentally friendly maintenance practices are integral to the operation of the course, ensuring that it remains both a top golfing destination and a haven for local wildlife.
The Old Course has hosted numerous professional and amateur golf tournaments over the years, further solidifying its reputation as a premier golfing destination in Europe. It has been a venue for prestigious events such as the Portuguese Open and continues to attract major amateur competitions. Its reputation as a championship course, combined with its beautiful setting and challenging layout, makes it an ideal location for golf enthusiasts seeking a competitive round or a leisurely game.
For golfers seeking to explore more of the Algarve’s incredible golf offerings, Dom Pedro The Old Course is part of the Dom Pedro Golf Collection, which includes five championship courses in the Vilamoura area. This collection gives golfers the chance to experience a variety of top-class layouts, including Victoria Golf Course, which hosts the Portugal Masters, and Pinhal Golf Course, another gem in the region.
With its rich golfing heritage, exceptional design, and stunning natural setting, Dom Pedro The Old Course Golf Club is a must-play destination for anyone visiting the Algarve. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the game, the timeless appeal of The Old Course ensures a memorable round of golf in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions.
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Opened in 1969, The Old Course was one of the first golf courses established in the Algarve, designed by the celebrated British architect Frank Pennink. His vision was to create a course that would seamlessly integrate with the surrounding natural landscape, respecting the native flora and fauna while offering a challenging yet fair test of golf. Over the decades, the course has become a centerpiece of Portugal’s golf scene, attracting players from around the world.
Despite undergoing modernization and updates over the years, The Old Course has retained its original charm and character, making it a favorite among golfers who appreciate classic course design. The layout’s timeless appeal has earned it a place among Portugal’s top-ranked courses and made it a regular feature on golfers’ bucket lists.
Dom Pedro The Old Course is a par-73 layout that stretches over 6,254 meters (approximately 6,839 yards), winding through lush, rolling terrain dotted with mature pine trees. These towering trees frame many of the course’s fairways, adding both beauty and difficulty to each hole. The course’s natural setting and strategic layout require precision and thoughtful shot-making, particularly when navigating the narrow fairways and positioning shots around the well-placed bunkers.
Pennink’s design places a premium on accuracy over distance, rewarding those who can consistently place the ball in the right position. Although the course isn’t excessively long by modern standards, its clever use of doglegs, elevation changes, and tricky greens ensures that golfers of all skill levels will find a challenge. Each hole offers a unique test, with some fairways appearing more generous, while others demand pinpoint accuracy from the tee.
Among the 18 holes, several stand out for their beauty and strategic complexity. One of the most notable is the par-4 4th hole, a scenic and challenging hole that plays slightly uphill, framed by dense pine trees on either side. The approach shot to the elevated green is particularly demanding, requiring precision to avoid the strategically placed bunkers.
The par-3 16th hole is another highlight, playing over a natural depression to a green that is well-guarded by trees and bunkers. This hole requires not only accuracy but also careful club selection due to the subtle changes in elevation and swirling winds that can add an extra layer of difficulty.
The closing stretch from holes 16 to 18 presents a thrilling finish, with the 18th hole offering a dramatic conclusion. This par-4 plays downhill towards the clubhouse, with a well-placed fairway bunker challenging golfers off the tee and a demanding second shot to a well-bunkered green.
One of the hallmarks of The Old Course is its impeccable maintenance, with the greens and fairways kept in pristine condition year-round. The course’s groundskeeping team pays meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that players enjoy a world-class golfing experience from tee to green. The greens are known for their smooth, true roll, while the fairways are lush and beautifully manicured, offering perfect lies for approach shots.
In addition to the superb course layout, Dom Pedro The Old Course Golf Club offers a range of top-tier facilities and services designed to enhance the overall golfing experience. The club’s elegant clubhouse is a welcoming retreat for golfers, offering stunning views of the course from its terrace. Inside, the clubhouse features a well-stocked pro shop, locker rooms, and a restaurant where players can unwind after their round.
The pro shop offers a wide selection of golf equipment and apparel, including top brands and Old Course-branded merchandise. Golfers can also take advantage of practice facilities, including a driving range, putting green, and short game area, making it easy to fine-tune their skills before hitting the course.
As part of the Dom Pedro Golf Collection, The Old Course is committed to sustainability and the preservation of the natural environment. The course’s design respects the existing landscape, and great care is taken to minimize the impact on local ecosystems. Water conservation and environmentally friendly maintenance practices are integral to the operation of the course, ensuring that it remains both a top golfing destination and a haven for local wildlife.
The Old Course has hosted numerous professional and amateur golf tournaments over the years, further solidifying its reputation as a premier golfing destination in Europe. It has been a venue for prestigious events such as the Portuguese Open and continues to attract major amateur competitions. Its reputation as a championship course, combined with its beautiful setting and challenging layout, makes it an ideal location for golf enthusiasts seeking a competitive round or a leisurely game.
For golfers seeking to explore more of the Algarve’s incredible golf offerings, Dom Pedro The Old Course is part of the Dom Pedro Golf Collection, which includes five championship courses in the Vilamoura area. This collection gives golfers the chance to experience a variety of top-class layouts, including Victoria Golf Course, which hosts the Portugal Masters, and Pinhal Golf Course, another gem in the region.
With its rich golfing heritage, exceptional design, and stunning natural setting, Dom Pedro The Old Course Golf Club is a must-play destination for anyone visiting the Algarve. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the game, the timeless appeal of The Old Course ensures a memorable round of golf in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions.
