Old Course Golf Club

The Old Course at Vilamoura opened in 1969 as the first golf course in the Algarve, designed by British architect Frank Pennink. This layout established Vilamoura as Portugal's premier golf destination and served as the foundation for what would become a resort complex with multiple courses. Pennink routed the course through umbrella pines and cork oak trees characteristic of the region, creating a parkland setting that contrasts with the coastal links-style courses found elsewhere in Portugal. The design features relatively flat terrain with strategic bunkering and water hazards that come into play on several holes. Pine trees frame fairways and define playing corridors, requiring accuracy from the tee. The course underwent renovations in the 1990s to update conditioning standards and adjust to modern equipment, though it retains the essential character of Pennink's original routing. Greens are generally modest in size with subtle contours. The Old Course has hosted professional events on the European Tour, including the Portuguese Open on multiple occasions during the 1970s and 1980s. Its status as the Algarve's founding championship course gives it historical significance in Portuguese golf, though newer designs in the region have since attracted more tournament attention. The layout remains a traditional test that rewards course management and precision over length, appealing to golfers who appreciate classic European parkland architecture in a Mediterranean climate.