Located on the Algarve in Portugal, close to the historic town of Castro Marim the course runs through undulating hills dotted with pines and occasional views across the River Guadiana to neighbouring Spain. This course calls for careful play with strategically placed water hazards and fairway terrain that can place you in trouble. This is not mention the well placed bunkers waiting for an erring ball. The par-3 on the seventeenth is a hole that calls for special club selection with bunkers in front of the green and a lake behind, whilst at the same time subject to the prevailing winds off the sea.

This course is one of the most physically demanding I played so far in my young golfers life. The rental of a cart is definitely recommended also for players in their mid thirties like me. Although I didn’t play too well when we were there, I liked the challenges the course offered me.

Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club
Apartado 70
8950-909 Castro Marim
Portugal
http://www.castromarimgolfe.com/

I did my first golf swings here in Berlin on the Driving Range. But that was just the kickoff. The first time I put my feet on a golf course was in Portugal at the Parque da Floresta Golf Resort in Budens on the Algarve.

During our holidays my wife and I decided to take some golf lessons, so we went to see Gary Warner, the Pro at Parque da Floresta.

As you can see, Gary surely had a preference for portuguese food and bright-coloured shirts. Apart from that he had some old-school perceptions about teaching golf. I couldn’t tell then but can now. My pro here in Germany first had to loosen up my posture and my swing in order to get some dynamic into my swing.

The Golf Resort just got finished back then, we never played the 18 hole course, but it has a beautiful layout using the natural hills around. Clear sky provided you could see the ocean from most parts of the course.

The Resort has good practising facilities, chipping and pitching green and a well assorted pro shop.

Apart from that the resort offers a spa, bars and restaurants and sells property. Enough cash provided, you can buy yourself a nice little villa amidst the golf course. Go check their website for details.