20 Comments

Livin your dream

Expand full comment
Feb 22, 2022Liked by Nancy Whiteman

Nancy, yet again more useful information. We used to be avid golfers (not good, but dedicated), playing twice a week. But, we moved to the Bay Area and it was cost prohibitive and the courses weren’t convenient. We would like to pick it up again 2-3 times a week when we move to Portugal, so getting some costs (as we are frugal golfers) is very helpful! We used to play 9 holes at twilight for $8 each, but we can’t find anything close to that where we are now. I’m not good enough to pay the prices they charge here. Can’t wait to pick it up again. Thanks!

Expand full comment
author

Glad it helped…since golf is such attraction here, daily rates are pretty high (no $8 twilight rates available) but joining is affordable.

Expand full comment

hello Nancy

Unfortunately I’ve been unsuccessful find any people, women, who play golf. I started playing a few years ago. Took some lessons. Im not good but would like to go to the driving range and play some rounds. I would love someone to play with. I live in Tavira

Expand full comment
author

You probably will need to join a club (Benamore or Quinta da Cima/Ria) are fairly close). Nearly all “leagues” are part of club membership. We jave a new player friend in Tavira. Perhaps you could join her sometime. Email me.

Expand full comment

Nancy, very useful information about golf in Portugal. I just retired recently and we are looking to visit this year for a few months to see if anything long term is possible. Would love to hear more about playing golf while visiting, economically if possible.

Expand full comment
author

High season in Algarve is generally Feb-April and Sept.-November. During these months daily fees can top 100 euros on many courses. The good news if, courses allow you to book a month in advance so getting a tee time should not be a problem.

Expand full comment

I applaud your careful selection process, clearly defined criteria, and experience-based approach. But it seems you left out one compelling reason for your choice: Based on the photo, it appears that not only can you get in a round of golf, but you can do some of your produce shopping, too! I'm bringing my clubs back from the states this spring.

Expand full comment
author

Good point Mike...looking forward to our round.

Expand full comment

Nancy, those courses look lovely! I'd like to ask a side question, please. Did you see many tennis courts and were they active? We live in the American city with the most tennis players and my wife will miss it greatly. Im wondering if there is much of a tennis community around these clubs you toured. (You answered something like this for me before but I wondered if you saw anything new.) Thanks!

Expand full comment
author

Tennis clubs are everywhere! Tennis and padel courts abound!!! Lots of availability though you join the club…no public / high school courts like in the States.

Expand full comment

Oooh! You just made her very happy!

Expand full comment

Hi Nancy,

Thanks for this summary…& I have a couple of questions…

How were the practice facilities at Benamore?

Did the ‘2 Ria’s have the very best range/practice greens, etc?

And as in the States, can you pay range fees at semi-private clubs to use the practice facilities?

Thx much!

Toby

Expand full comment
author

The 2 Rias have the best practice including a short course. The others are all abput the same. Yes u can pay to use the range.

Expand full comment

Congratulations on choosing your new home away from home. If Mary caddies for you, yell Denise I’ll caddie for her. Be prepared to laugh alot and DO NOT make fun of my John Dailey pants. 🤣🤣

Expand full comment
author

Our golf wardrobe is complete with LoudMouth golf attire. When we joined Oitavos all the Swedes commented on our brightly coloured attire.

Expand full comment

Glad you came to join us at QDV . In our view the best golf club on Eastern algarve for many reasons . Great maintained course, walkable , friendly golfers. See you soon Bubs x

Expand full comment
author

Bubs, thank you for your gracious welcome. See you soon...

Expand full comment

I'm glad you two have found a place to land that is affordable, close by and will store the clubs. If you ever need a caddy I'll be glad to pull the trolley.

Expand full comment
author

I love golfing with a caddy....anytime!

Expand full comment