Prime’s sixth is the hole to remember at Vila Sol Golf Course, a par five where water stays in view from tee shot to green and makes the three-shot route a matter of placement rather than force alone. This is one of three nine-hole loops, alongside Challenge and Prestige, giving the resort three different 18-hole combinations. The 1 to 18 routing reaches 6,393 yards, while 10 to 27 plays 6,274 yards and 19 to 9 measures 6,363 yards. Donald Steel’s design occupies a broad valley of roughly 150 hectares, with mature trees, lakes and changing fairway widths shaping the round.
Prime is the demanding loop, a 3,544-yard par 36 from the white tees where a loose drive can leave little route forward. Challenge, also a par 36, is 3,448 yards from the back markers and shifts the emphasis towards approach play and touch on its pronounced greens. Downhill putts can run away quickly here. Prestige is shorter at 3,415 yards, yet its tighter corridors demand a committed tee shot. There are only five bunkers on this nine, with the land itself providing much of the defence. Before a round, the fully grassed academy sits around 328 yards from the clubhouse, with putting, short-game and swing coaching available through the Pestana Golf programme.
The resort hotel gives the days between rounds an easy rhythm, with three outdoor pools, a spa and Green Pines Restaurant on site. Vilamoura’s marina and beach are less than 10 minutes away for an evening meal or a walk by the water, while Faro Airport is around 25 minutes by transfer. The course has also staged the Portuguese Open twice, and its varied routing means returning players can approach each round with a different plan.
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.
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