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!
Thank you, Nancy. This was very helpful to us. We are looking forward to our visit this April to check out the courses and decide where we want to settle at least for the next year. The Quinta’s are definitely on our list!
Thanks Nancy. Would you still pick the same area in Portugal? In a year or so, I want to settle down and retire in Europe (thinking the Algarve). I would like to join a golf club that is friendly and not too pricey and be able to walk it. Likewise I like community, good walks and some good restaurants. Also I will likely buy a home or apartment when I feel like I’m in the right place. It appears that property is getting quite expensive in the Algarve. Any thoughts you care to share would be most appreciated.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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. 🤣🤣
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
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.
Livin your dream
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!
Glad it helped…since golf is such attraction here, daily rates are pretty high (no $8 twilight rates available) but joining is affordable.
Thank you, Nancy. This was very helpful to us. We are looking forward to our visit this April to check out the courses and decide where we want to settle at least for the next year. The Quinta’s are definitely on our list!
I would be curious, now that it’s a few years on, if you are still there and how the golf is going? Did you stay at your original course?
Yes, we continue to belong to the club.
Thanks Nancy. Would you still pick the same area in Portugal? In a year or so, I want to settle down and retire in Europe (thinking the Algarve). I would like to join a golf club that is friendly and not too pricey and be able to walk it. Likewise I like community, good walks and some good restaurants. Also I will likely buy a home or apartment when I feel like I’m in the right place. It appears that property is getting quite expensive in the Algarve. Any thoughts you care to share would be most appreciated.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Good point Mike...looking forward to our round.
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!
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.
Oooh! You just made her very happy!
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
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.
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. 🤣🤣
Our golf wardrobe is complete with LoudMouth golf attire. When we joined Oitavos all the Swedes commented on our brightly coloured attire.
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
Bubs, thank you for your gracious welcome. See you soon...
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.
I love golfing with a caddy....anytime!