Amendoeira Faldo Course

The Faldo Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort in the Algarve is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course measuring 6,578 metres. Designed by Sir Nick Faldo and opened in 2008, this Mediterranean desert-style course reinterprets classic strategic principles with a distinctive Algarve character. It is enjoyable for golfers of all abilities who value precision over power.

The Faldo Course Layout and Design

The course is set in a fertile valley with undulating terrain and elevation changes. It integrates natural rocky outcrops, meandering streams, ancient olive trees, Holm oaks, cacti, and wild herbs. Vast desert-style washes and crushed-limestone bunkers replace traditional bunkers. It gives the course a look and feel like Arizona, but with a Portuguese touch.

Multiple tee options and risk-reward opportunities appear on nearly every long hole. Fairway positioning directly influences approach angles to the greens with low-mow run-off areas. The front nine has tough uphill and downhill holes. The inward nine introduces several blind shots that reward players who know the course well or who plan carefully.

Course Challenges

The Faldo Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort in the Algarve rewards players who think about where to aim and how to play each hole, rather than length alone. Vast bunkering, native scrub, and water hazards (affecting three front-nine holes and two on the back nine) make mistakes costly, but there are also safer ways to play.

Sloped greens and changes in height test accuracy throughout. The course can be challenging for mid- to low-handicap players, but it is still enjoyable and open to everyone. Many players find that playing more than once helps them get better, as they learn the hidden parts of the course and when to take risks

Signature Holes at Amendoeira Faldo

Several standout holes define the experience. The fourth hole goes downhill and is a par-5. Many players can reach in fewer shots, yet a rocky barranca and stream guard the green, requiring precise club selection.

The twelfth hole is a par-4 that serves as a signature test with dog-leg demands and elevation change. The last hole, the eighteenth, is a par-5 with a narrow bunker pinch point that rewards accurate drives and bold approaches. These holes show how the course values smart decisions and careful shots.

Facilities at Amendoeira Golf Resort

Golfers enjoy amenities at Amendoeira Golf Resort. The modern clubhouse includes a restaurant and terrace with panoramic course views.

A full driving range, short-game practice area with chipping and bunker facilities, and two putting greens. The on-site Golf Academy features advanced technology, including Trackman, V1 video analysis, and SAM PuttLab.

A floodlit 9-hole academy course is the only one of its kind in Portugal. A well-stocked pro shop offers club hire and equipment. You can also stay at the resort, which makes your golf holiday easier.

Hosted Tournaments and Accolades

It has hosted the PGA EuroPro Tour Championship, Portuguese Pro Tour events such as the Amendoeira Faldo Classic, and the annual World Kids Golf Championship.

In 2016, the Faldo Course was named Portugal’s Best Golf Course by the World Golf Awards and has since won other luxury travel accolades. These events underscore its championship pedigree and ongoing appeal.

Book Now

Whether you want a golf holiday in the Algarve or are looking for a fun and challenging course on one of Europe’s finest desert-style layouts, the Faldo Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort Algarve offers great design and excellent course conditions. Book your tee time today to enjoy this award-winning course yourself.