Palmares Golf

Have always wanted to play this course (having been rained off previously) and the fantastic views didn’t disappoint - unfortunately most other things did. We were meant to play here twice but the course cancelled our first booking. At short notice they then moved our tee times forward an hour for our second booking. We had buggies booked but when we got there we were advised that there were none showing as booked for us and they had none available. Despite showing evidence that they were booked and Your Golf, at my request, phoning them to confirm, we were simply told ‘hard luck’. The member of staff showed no sympathy, no concern (for a group of 60 year olds on a very hilly course in the midday sun) and didn’t even try to find a single buggy for the player with a hip replacement. Really unhelpful and uncaring. There was a drinks cart but it didn’t turn up until we’d nearly finished and then it only served one group and completely ignored the group behind. The clubhouse was nowhere near the 18th green, which didn’t help, and the service in the clubhouse was unimpressive. Great views, OK course, poor organisation and disappointing service. Wouldn’t go back.

This was a lovely course with great views. Really enjoyed this.

The building work around the club house is a real nuisance and confusing. Didn't play the beach holes which didn't bother us but might have others who would liked to have known in advance which of the 27 holes they were playing. Difficult speedy greens.

Very enjoyable course

Wonderful setting, lovely variable course. Shame we had to carry our clubs to and from the drop off point Overall would definitely recommend

Our favourite or the three courses. Fantastic!

Excellent course and facilities - really enjoyed it and would return

Great location - we were unlucky not to get the perfect 18 holes as it has 3 x 9 holes that can be linked up and the beachside 9 are a not in as good condition as the parkland ones

Top course to playyy

I wish when you sent out the itinerary that you would’ve said it’s Palm Myers’s living and Golf resort. On Google maps there was another Palmer golf that was 40 minutes away, which I drove to and did not see the golf course so when you send out the itinerary, I wish you would give the full name and include the addresses, which is really important. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this course. the facilities are great. The restaurant is first class. I would definitely go there again.

Another great course. Personally prefer Faldo course but nothing wrong with Palmares

It has recovered well from the problems of the last two years.

Great course, definitely on the higher end of golf resorts. Friendly staff very keen to assist you, can have a joke and the clubhouse food is exceptional.

Superb course in every way, a must if visiting the Algarve

We had a great day at Palmares when we eventually found the underground car park. The check in was easy and the staff very friendly. Christiano, the starter was awesome and stood out. The course was in great condition and very enjoyable to play. The round was very slow however and dragged on. The marshal shouldn’t stick to the allotted time and actually marshal what he sees. Amazing view from the clubhouse and an all round nice day. Would definitely go back and play the links 9 next time.

Great course

Nice links style course. New clubhouse but very expensive food and drink. Will go back for the golf.

Have played the three 9's a few times, but this is the first time back with the new clubhouse and facilities. The service is first class with stunning views across the bay from the bar. The courses are excellent although there were some questionable pin positions! Staff couldn't do any more to help - would say this may be my favourite course in Portugal (above Monte Rei and West Cliffs...).

Holes 19 to 27 were not in good condition

Nice course. Holes 10-18 were enjoyable. Holes 19-27 not as much. Would like to play holes 1-9.

Weather may have had a adverse affect on course condition.

Incredible golf course, beautiful views, immaculate. Loved it

After reading poor reviews was pleasantly surprised. The course was in top condition. Tricky undulating greens. Maybe a little longer than the others but a lovely course.

We played Alvor great, links different matter tough !!

great golf club with improvements going on. Buggies 50 euro each which is ridiculous

Unusual course. The different loops are so different from one another. Like playing a links and a parkland course at the same time.

A good Robert Trent Jones layout and typical links course with lots of sand waste areas in addition to fairway and green side bunkers. Nice clubhouse. The course was very dry reflecting the absence of rainfall for several months. Not everyone’s cup of tea.

Course was poor - large area not been watered so completely brown and dead, greens were poor condition also - very disappointing - seems all the money has gone into a new clubhouse (which is fabulous) practice facilities great but again not watered so condition poor compared to previous visits. Staff friendly and all other aspects fine but course needs a lot of maintenance before I would visit again

The links course for me was in poor shape, I would not recommend playing 19 to 27 but that's my opinion

Wonderful place to play. One of my faves

A very disappointing day at Palmares. The clubhouse, facilities and starter were very good. We played the Lagos/Praia combination and things started well with a few nice holes. Fairways were in good condition but almost every green had large patches where it had been re-turfed or reseeded and this hadn't fully taken yet. It didn't look great and the surface was uneven. But apart from that the Lagos 9 was generally OK. The Praia 9 is another matter, there are a few holes that are across a railway line to the beach. It was a mix between a wasteland and a massive sand dune. Totally unplayable for the most part. When I spoke with a YGT rep at the time of booking this course was recommended to me in a choice between it and Morgado. I would not recommend it to my worst enemy.

Layout and design of the course is good, however it was far to dry and condition of the course overall suffers because of it.

I used to play this course when it was an 18 hole well maintained... Since its become 3×9 hole courses the redesigning of the course and condition of the course has deteriorated considerably

Very good looking club house and course but greens very patchy. Course tough but what we were expecting, very slow first round no time for drink afterwards but second round much quicker

Played Lagos and Praia loops. Very tight and tough course, especially along the coast with the wind. Buggies are a must. Overall in good condition and the greens were about 85% fixed from a previous problem at the end of last year. Lovely clubhouse.

Great setting and good course.

Nice course, blend of parkland nine and links nine.

Wounderfull golf course with fantastic views

One of the 9s was closed for maintenance so had a last minute change around. Greens were suffering from a tough season and work was being done on them, but considering that they rolled well still, some amazing views to be seen and both 9s felt very different which was nice. Excellent practice facilities

The greens had chunks of grass missing terrible condition Very comfortable buggy that’s the best thing Great views of the Sea and surrounding area would love to go back when it’s in better condition The excuse was the dry summer but other courses in the area were in top condition

Unfortunately the greens were patchy and in poor condition. In fairness they compensated by providing golf carts without charge and gave everyone a free drink, so we thought that this was value for money. The staff were very good and helpful.

Firstly, the clubhouse and the staff at Palmares were great. They looked after us and it was a pleasant experience. Sadly, the condition of the course was upsetting. We played Palmares twice on our 3 day trip and the Greens were nothing short of a disgrace. Many greens did not have much grass on them, they looked terrible and rolled even worse. This was extremely disappointing given that we played 2 rounds there. We would not have played Palmares if we had known the greens were in such terrible condition. A great trip but the awful condition of the greens let it down.

This was the fourth time I had played at this course, and we'd booked it almost a year ago as we enjoyed it so much. But this year it was incredibly disappointing! They clearly have huge problems with their watering systems: The greens were an absolute total mess - with many of them having large patches without any grass; The fairways were incredibly dry and hard, again with little good grass, and the tee-boxes were awful, some without much grass at all. Because of this all three of the 9 hole course were difficult and not particularly enjoyable to play. The course marshalls were highly apologetic about the condition of the course and offered us free buggies and drinks by way of compensation - but we were so disappointed! Since then, we have gone on to play at the Penina, O'Connor and Faldo courses, all of which were in pretty good condition (particularly the latter two). Come on Palmares - sort yourself out - you need to invest in a good desalination system so you can water the course properly, rather than continuing to build swanky apartments (which no one will buy if the course is so poor)!!!!!!!

Greens absolutely appalling. Said it was the lack of water but they seemed diseased.

Really nice clubhouse and practice facilities. Course was a little untidy and the greens need some work. Was okay to play but nothing special

Oh dear, this should have been the course we were wowing about based on ranking etc... But it was a massive disappointment. It is obvious that the owners are investing in the super expensive villas etc rather than caring for the course. The layout is excellent, but the tee boxes, fairways and greens are in terrible condition. The most disappointing thing is that the staff in the proshop, nor the starter, gave any warning about the course and it was therefore a bad surprise. Great potential, but at present give this course a very wide berth

This experience was a big disappointment. Having played the course a few years ago we had high expectations of a good day but sadly, despite all the money that has been spent on the clubhouse and residential units, the course has been badly neglected and was in exceptionally poor condition with bare patches on the fairways and greens. Despite the quality of the layout and views, I will not return

Played all courses in reasonable condition considering not having had much rain,buggy makes it so much easier as some green to tees are a bit of a hike. Enjoyable golf and staff on course and in clubhouse very good. would definately return. 9 out of 10

Beautiful course. Lovely clubhouse. Excellent buggies . Scenery outstanding.

Excellent course, beautiful club house with fantastic views

Fairways in poor condiction. Beer and tea and coffee expensive golf carts 50€. I would not go there again

2nd time I’ve played here lovely course but very difficult think they have neglected the course a bit and spent millions on a fabulous clubhouse

Lovely club house. Course was great with lovely views. But you definitely need a buggy as it’s a long walk as it’s not set up for walking golfers, only way to know where you’re going is to follow buggy paths.

The course and greens were in excellent condition however the course proved very difficult as was a strong wind that day , which was the main reason. The golf reception were very helpful and friendly and pre order of the buggies went ok and bar area was very nice ,with stunning views. Overall a great day at Palmares .

Great course good staff

Had to pay for trolley Buggies expensive €50

This was just amazing, every hole had unbelievable views but unlike Boavista there was a greater need to think about tee shots more (mainly what club). Will definitely be back but need to practice putting on snooker table before hand as the greens were extremely fast

Courses were great for this time of year

The Architect for the new clubhouse gave no thought to the drop off off clubs in relation to the start of the round, too much club carrying to the buggies.

Course in poor condition

Palmares has a stunning clubhouse and great location over the sea. The course has two good nines but the best one 19-27 we were not able to play. The course has been affected by the summer drought so fairways not in as good a condition as usual. The Greens are in decent condition but do have some extreme slopes on them!. There are some cracking views, especially from the on the front nine and some well designed holes. The amount they charge for the buggies is too high, especially as they are pretty much essential with very long walks from greens to tee and they do not even have GPS. Worth playing but i think they are starting to charge a bit too much for the course as still a bit of a work in progress and a bit of a building site in places.

The course had suffered from the summer resulting in poor mainly brown fairways which they acknowledged on arrival with a free drink. But when we arrived for our round 12.50 for a 1.57 tee time it was chaos. 20 to 30 golfers delayed waiting for buggy’s. Palmares obviously fully booked the courses in the knowledge buggy’s would not be back in time. Started our round without buggy’s which arrived after four hours but still charged the full round cost. Having played a further 3 courses during the weekend Palmares was in the worst condition - poor experience on a course I love

Fairways on Palmares are disgusting. Cut grass has been there so long, it had hardened into ridges and looked like ripples of hard sand after the tide had receded! Inexcusable! The round took over 5.25 hours and marshall’s did nothing to help. Bunkers were in bad condition and greens were only average. The views were terrific but spoiled by a bad course in awful condition.

Greens and tees in good condition. Fairways suffering due to period of drought. Club house clean and well equipped with good showers and towels. Staff friendly and efficient.

There was no information provided before our trip about the fact that buggies are not included in the price at this course. Luckily buggies were available when we arrived, but this is not guaranteed. They were not booked for us and were lucky to be able to secure the use of buggies, BUT we had to pay 45 Euros per buggy. We were not advised about this before or during our trip. This is extremely poor service. Buggies were included at Amendoeira and as we are all new to golf holidays were believed they would be included at Palmeres. We were moved from Amendoeira to Palmeres as the O'Connor course was being maintained. We are not impressed that 'Your Gold Travel' decline to refund the 90 Euros. The complaint is ongoing. We will not use the company again if this is not resolved.

Lovely facility and course would be amazing if they had put any water on it for the last year. Avoid playing this course until it is in better condition. Greens were good but the fairways were like straw covered concrete. Would love to go back there when the conditions improve.

Tough course with lightning quick challenging greens. Beautiful club house with fantastic terrace overlooking Lagos

Very nice course - we played Lagos and Alvor (9 holes each), some lovely holes but fairways are very dry due to lack of water. Price of buggies are high but needed for this course

This is at times a challenging 27 hole golf complex. Arranged around three 9 hole loops the hardest I found was the shortest 9 holes nearest the beach, with a breeze these holes can be a challenge, however if you can get of the tee and stay straight then it can be a delight to play even if you dont hit a long drive. The other 18 holes are spread around a parkland type layout with some much longer holes with wide fairways so if you are a little wider off the tee to get a bit more yardage you wont be overly punished. The greens are fantastic and some of the pin positions can really get your attention with a putter. If you dont want to spend the money on a buggy do get an electric trolley they are cheap to hire. Its a tough walk if you carry and not much better with a pull trolley.

Enjoyed the course, reception good, pace on course was good, green keepers friendly. Course testing but manageable if you kept the ball straight. Greens fast but fair.

Lovely course

Great course and great clubhouse. Very tough greens but excellent layout. The only let down was the food. The selection was limited to snacks with no option for healthier food. Eg salads

Course in good condition. Tougher than the course handicap suggests. You need to know your way around

Fantastic course, stunning views, well maintained

Fantastic 27 holes….a must play

The Alvor and Lagos loops have outstanding views throughout and are challenging. Overall, the Praia loop is less strong, although the 2 par 5s adjacent to the beach are outstanding.

Three 9s two rounds required to play all three. Dunes probably easier hard walking Take plenty of balls if not straight

Stunning track

Well organised. Teed off bang on time and the speed of play was good all round. Grateful we had buggies for the less fit amongst our party as lots of walking between holes. Tees and greens were superb with good lies on fairways.

Disappointed to not play the front nine holes but overall a very nice course

Great course, greens were excellent. We played the Alvor & Lagos loops of 9, and walked with an electric trolley.That was a mistake, it is a really hard walk take a buggy. The starter was friendly and helpful.Make sure you include this course on your next trip.

Course was in great condition, some of the views from tee boxes are stunning

Been many times , lots money spent on new facilities , car parking improved thankfully .Enjoyed and will return!

We really enjoyed this course. In great condition for the time of year. bar and restaurant were very good

Unfortunately, we had a terrible experience here. Palmares have a new super clubhouse, but on arrival we parked the minibus in the usual carpark, and proceded to the "old clubhouse" which was barried off. There were no signs to point us in the direction of the new clubhouse. I asked 3 workmen where it was as it was not visible. None spoke English and I do not speak Portugese. Eventually, we found it. All our issues major emenated from poor organisation relating to buggies. At the time we played there were simply a shortage of buggies. I was asked to return to the reception 6 minutes before our Tee off time , which I did. There were still no buggies and the person next to me had already missed his Tee off time and he was still awaiting buggies. When we eventually got the buggies, golfers were knitting in from another 9 and delays on every tee were inevitable. Our Tee time was 14.06 and after 5 hours 45 minutes were were still on the 17th and darkness fell so we could not complete our round. At one par 5 hole there were 4 sets of 4 balls on the same hole. We have decided not to return and have already booked an alternative for our next visit.

Enjoyed two rounds of golf on excellent courses. Although hard for us they were very enjoyable to play and look amazing. Definitely to be recommended.

Played 10 to 18 and 1 to 9 again no problem with buggies and a non starter as far as walking goes. A little pricey at £90 but that seems the going rate in European Holiday destinations. Magnificent new Clubhouse and views on the course.

Really welcoming staff. The course as ever was beautiful.

Great really enjoyed it . Staff on golf desk could be more helpful and friendly.

Golf was good the weather was great its just a fantastic golf setting.Buggies required

Great course to play. the Lagos course was shut so played Praiha and Alvor twice. But a must play course

thoroughly enjoyed our 4 rounds here but since, you mostly have to play with another couple, it would be appreciated if you could be matched with same handicap players - this didn't happen on our last round which made it extremely slow..,.

Teed off at 2 01 and got dark going up 18 due to the clocks changed the night before

One slow round members in front, a must play if in area the new club house opening 2020 look top quality.

5.5 hours to get round - lovely course, lovely layout and views (especially as the sun set)

An over booked 27 hole course where they appear to be opting for maximum income. We had booked 6 months in advance, but were still ‘double booked’ and were asked to feed in on the 3rd 9 which is very different to the original 18 holes. 19-27 were not as well tended and less pleasing to play. Our lower handicapped players (scratch, 1 and 4) felt penalised too often for minor discretions, the rest of us just found it very hard. A disappointing experience for the money.

A beautiful course set in a country club complex that provides stunning views of the Lagos Bay area. In very good condition with greens that were true and in good condition. The clubhouse was basic but adequate, although a new clubhouse is being built along with an hotel and several villas and apartments over the next few years.

good

Fantastic 3 nines......a good challenge enjoyed by all.

Palamares is the best in west Algarve, 27 great holes, challenging but fair, good condition overall though some work going on to edges but not impacting play, great views. New clubhouse being built for completion 2021 so temporary digs for now which are basic but adequate. Will be amazing once clubhouse complete. Would return anytime.

Really nice course. Only marked down because there was a bit of work underway on and around the course. We played 1- 18 of 27 holes. The other 9 were the the coastal 9 which would have been nice to play and our impression was that you play what you are allocated. The clubhouse was ok, but you can go to the hotel (buggies are standard) which was excellent with amazing views. Great practice facilities.

poor clubhouse course rough round edges of bunkers

SIX hours! They have three 9s and really poor organisation. First nine was slow and we waited on most shots. After 9 as we got to the 10th there were 5/6 groups ahead of us waiting to tee off, we sat and waited and waited and waited. Obviously people were coming from hole 9 and hole 27, whose idea was that? Eventually we got to play the back 9 so overall it took SIX hours! The course has a lot of potential but isn’t well maintained compared to the Quinta courses. Lots of scruffy areas and greens only average, if they got their act together it could be very good but they need to work harder and get organised.

We were in a temporary clubhouse which, whilst understandable, was a little disappointing as the view from the big terrace is so stunning. But, competent and friendly staff, a slick operation.

Good day , got parked in the car park for once !! “New” club house arguably better than the original. Staff very good . Again, I WILL par that 18th one day. Will only go there next year if we can play the links 9 holes, keep asking but never put on there

We really enjoyed playing Palmares and it is in beautiful condition. The rounds were slow- between 4.5 hours and 5 hours. The clubhouse and shop don't match the course but are about to be replaced. Challenging with fantastic views.

Nice course, really enjoyed.

Please book for an early tee time; teeing off later means a very slow start; only played the first two holes in hour. No matter the staff explanations- not acceptable. Taking that into account we rated the course, excellent we fanastic views and holes. We will go back but start early start time.

Our send and third rounds at Palmares. Holes 1 - 18 are more parkland style and in my opinion are the best and most testing, with some holes of 19 - 27 being along the sea.

Very enjoyable, good condition, views amazing.

A beautiful course with some fantastic views along the coast line and a great way to end a golfing holiday. Not overly difficult but enough challenges to keep most people happy. Our group went out early so were able to get buggies. Players arriving later couldn't! Very friendly staff and the only reason it doesn't get a higher rating is that the clubhouse is quite basic and on course loos are clean but portaloos!

Best by far they need more buggies also but they tried their best

A top golf course in good condition, a lot of players use the course, but turn around is well managed well by the staff

Played all 27 holes , Preferred holes 1-18 .Links loop (19-27)more difficult,particularly for higher handicappers and could do with more clear signage . Course facilities,catering ,roadways etc still in development stages but exceptional potential when complete. Panoramic views of coastline and surrounding countryside. Overall, excellent experience.

Very good

The course was like a building site as they make changes . The bunkers were horrendous not trimmed next to no sand and full of weeds . Also the bus transfer there was late and we were therefor rushed of the tee.

Favourite holes - back nine as it is easier than the front. 

Favourite Holes - 1 and 18.

My caddy tip - "Enjoy the quality experience of playing this golf course"

Stableford score - 33

Favourite holes - 5th 9th 13th 17th holes.

It was great. The golf course was in great condition & I couldn't fault it at all. I would say a buggy is essential and there were no drinks carts which would've improved the experience.

Great course, good lay out, good condition, beautiful views and definitely would play it again. Make sure you book a buggy

We played Palmares on two occasions playing a mixture of the three different 9's, the course was in fantastic condition with the greens immaculate a good challenge for any golfer.