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San Lorenzo Golf Course

Overview

Discover the San Lorenzo Golf Course in Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal, a top choice for golfers who want an amazing experience in beautiful natural settings. Designed by Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore, this 18-hole championship course opened in 1988. It stretches 6,238 meters from the back tees with a par of 72.

The course has a figure-eight layout that winds through pine forests, saltwater marshes, and freshwater lagoons in the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve. Players enjoy a blend of tree-lined fairways and open parkland, with scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and abundant wildlife.

This design not only looks beautiful but also fits naturally with the surroundings, making it one of the best golf courses in the Algarve, Portugal.

Course Challenges at San Lorenzo Golf Course

The course offers challenges for golfers at every skill level, requiring accuracy, planning, and focus.

Main hazards include well-placed water features, such as lakes and the estuary, which come into play on multiple holes,alongside deep bunkers, narrow fairways, and dense shrubbery.

Raised tees and doglegs require careful club selection, while the undulating terrain adds to the difficulty. For example, hitting off the fairway often leads to thick grass or out-of-bounds areas, making accuracy essential.

These features create a tournament-level test, but the excellent upkeep and fair design make for enjoyable rounds, making San Lorenzo a challenging golf course in Quinta do Lago.

Signature Holes

The course has several signature holes that stand out for their design and scenery.

Hole 5, a short par-3 at 129 meters from the white tees, requires an accurate shot over water with stunning ocean views behind it.

Hole 6, a dogleg par-4 rated as the stroke index 1, rewards bold shots but punishes with thick vegetation if you miss.

The par-5 eighth hole skirts the largest inland lake, and you must hit over water to reach a green surrounded by hazards.

Hole 12 challenges with a deep chasm along its narrow fairway, while the par-3 16th tests distance control over 180 meters to a shallow green.

Finally, the iconic par-4 18th makes for an exciting finish, surrounded by water on all sides, leading to a tiny green, often hailed as one of the world’s most memorable closing holes.

Facilities at San Lorenzo Golf Course

San Lorenzo has great facilities to complement the on-course experience.

The clubhouse has a fully stocked pro shop, modern changing rooms, a bar, and a restaurant serving local and international food.

Practice areas include a driving range, practice bunker, two chipping greens, and a putting green to warm up before your round.

You can rent golf buggies, trolleys, and equipment, with caddy services available upon request.

A shuttle service runs between the course and the nearby Dona Filipa Hotel, making it easy for visitors on golf holidays in the Algarve.

Hosted Tournaments

Over the years, San Lorenzo has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments. It has hosted the Portuguese Open several times, as well as professional events such as the PGA North Overseas Pro-Am.

Every year, it holds amateur competitions such as the International Amateur Golf Tournament—now in its 26th year—and the Spring Amateur Golf Tournament, bringing in players from around the world.

These events, combined with awards like the 1998 European Golf Course of the Year, confirm its reputation as a top place for tournaments hosted by San Lorenzo Golf Course.

Book Now

Whether planning a solo round or a group golf break, San Lorenzo Golf Course offers a wonderful mix of natural beauty, strategic depth, and luxury amenities, making it a must-visit for golfers exploring the best golf clubs in Portugal.

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