Laguna

The par-five 15th sets the tone at Laguna Golf Course, where a lake passes beneath a bridge before running along the green, so a bold second shot needs as much judgement as power. This is an open, links-influenced par 72, with four par fives, four par threes and ten par fours, where water comes into play on 11 holes and 79 bunkers add another layer to every approach. There is room from the tee in places, but the course asks you to choose lines carefully and keep the ball in the right part of the fairway.

The ninth has an old well sitting in the fairway, with water protecting the right of the green, a detail that makes club selection and positioning matter more than the scorecard suggests. The 13th, at 443 yards, is the longest par four and stroke index one. It finishes at a raised green, guarded by a substantial bunker across the front, making it a demanding hole into any breeze. Laguna was designed by Joseph Lee and opened in 1990, with its current 18 holes formed after part of the original Vilamoura III layout became Millennium.

Laguna shares its practice ground with Millennium, including a driving range, putting green and short-game area, so there is every chance to get the pace of the greens before your round. The shared clubhouse is a relaxed spot after golf, serving breakfast through to late afternoon, with salads, wraps, burgers and steaks available on the terrace. Two pro shops cover the practical essentials, while tuition, club hire and buggies are available. Vilamoura Marina is around five minutes away, with the beach also close by, and Faro Airport is roughly a 20 minute drive from the course.