Alto Golf’s defining question comes late in the round at the 16th, the Sir Henry Cotton Challenge, a par 5 stretching to 661 yards. It is a hole that makes sensible positioning matter long before the green, and its scale gives the back nine a memorable finish. This 18 hole, par 70 layout plays to 5,940 yards overall, yet it asks for more than its card suggests. Broad fairways offer room from the tee, while raised greens and their protective surrounds put the emphasis on controlled approach shots and a confident touch with the putter. Undulation is a constant part of the round, both in the gentle valleys through which the course runs and on the greens themselves.
Sir Henry Cotton’s final course design opened in 1991, and there is a measured, traditional feel to the way the holes move through the parkland between Alvor and Portimão. The front nine has views towards the Bay of Lagos, while the back nine brings the bigger strategic tests, particularly when choosing how much to take on with the longer clubs. It is a course that suits golfers who enjoy finding the right side of the fairway, rather than simply reaching for the driver at every opportunity.
Practice can be properly built into the day, with facilities for full swings, putting and short-game work, alongside professional tuition and academy programmes ranging from individual lessons to clinics. Buggies, club hire and a pro shop are available at the club, and the Alto clubhouse provides the natural meeting point before a round and once the cards have been signed.
Every one of these hotels can build a trip around this course. Pick one for its rooms and packages, or ask us which suits the group.
Send us the dates and the group size and a golf travel specialist will come back with tee times, rooms, and a price within one working day.
