Course Information

Oceanico Old Course , Vilamoura

Vilamoura Old Course closed for maintenance 06-31 August, 2007

*9 holes: after 12.00h July-Aug, after 12.30h Jan, June, Dec; after 14.30h Feb, Nov; after 16.30h Mar, Apr, May, Sept, Oct
Often described as the Grande Dame of Algarve courses, it meanders throughout impressive pine trees - the principal hazard - over gently undulating natural terrain. Although it opened in 1969, the course was completely renovated and modernised 27 years later although no major changes were made to the magnificent layout.
In addition to raising the Vilamoura Old Course to new heights of quality, an attractive new clubhouse and adjacent putting green were also built at that time. As with all Vilamoura courses, environmental protection practices are strictly adhered to by means of detailed management systems in line with guidelines established by ISO 14001 standards, Green Globe and Committed to Green programmes.

The holes which many golfers will remember may not be technically the most difficult. At the best of times golf is frustrating and holes which cause disruption to the card can be those which stick in the mind, rather than those of a lower stroke index.

After the first three holes the par 3 - 4th is, in principle, not overly long at 163 metres. Scenically it is memorable – a small lake with a lone umbrella pine beyond. The green and tee are elevated, but the ball must be played over these two ‘hazards’ and club selection is paramount. The majestic pine trees which are the ‘trade mark’ of the Old Course are, potentially, its greatest challenge. The 9th– a par 4 of 265 metres – is a prime example of this. The tee is hugely elevated, the fairway relatively generous and the green – also somewhat elevated – visible. No problem. Put the driver firmly away. Give careful thought to where the ball should land in order not to be blocked off for the next shot to the green, or what should be a possible par will become merely a wistful thought.

On the back nine, the 11th is a tricky par 4 where the drive can only seek out a relatively restricted landing area to leave any sort of shot for the green.
There are three pars 5’s on this loop. The longest is the 16th of which at 514 metres, is a supreme test of distance and accuracy to reach the green in regulation.

• Par: 72
• Holes 18
• Handicap Men 24
• Handicap Ladies 28
• Distance Men 5913 m
• Distance Ladies 5086 m

Facilities and Services

• Clubhouse
• reception desk
• starter’s office.
• Open terrace area on ground level overlooking the first tee and fifteenth green, with bar serving drinks, snacks and indoor/outdoor restaurant for lunch.
• Buggy bar provides on course refreshment on the fifth green

• Driving Range
• Putting Green
• Golf School
• Golf Shop
• *Buggies €.45.00
• Electric Trolley: €15.00
• Club Hire: €27.50 to €50.00
• Driving Range: 50 Balls: €7.50
• Clubs €4.00
• Lessons
• One Hour Lesson € 45.00
• Half Hour Lesson €30.00
• 9 Holes with Professional (Green Fee incl.) - € 75.00
• *Prices are approximate.

Pre Book your tee times with Saltire Golf Holidays and take advantage of discounted golf rates. Handicap Certificates must be available for inspection by the caddy master. Failure to provide proof of handicap can result in cancellation of tee time – without refund.

The Old Course Tips

1st Hole 302 metres - Par 4
Stroke 1) Open your round with a 3-Wood, hitting slightly to the right side of the fairway. As there is a gentle downhill slope your ball will have the advantage of the roll depending on the condition of the ground.
(Stroke 2) Use a Wedge to take you up to the pin that still lies below.

2nd Hole 430 metres - Par 5
(Stroke 1) As the hole is gently uphill use a Driver off the tee and aim for the right side of the fairway.(Stroke 2) A 3-Wood will bring you a little short of the green. When lining up for the stroke aim lightly to the left of the green.
(Stroke 3) A Pitching Wedge will place you close to the hole whilst too much firmness in the shot will be compensated by the ridge lining the back of the green.

3rd Hole 319 metres - Par 4
(Stroke 1) Use a 3-Wood aiming to the right side of the fairway towards the protruding group of trees.(Stroke 2) A firm 6-Iron will place you on the green.

4th Hole 158 metres - Par 3
(Stroke 1) This challenging par-3 hole requires a 5-Iron. To carry the water aim to the left of the pine tree that is in your line with you and the green. The accuracy and distance are all important as a bunker lies across its entrance.

5th Hole 449 metres - Par 5
(Stroke1) This par-5 hole leading back to the clubhouse requires a firm Driver off the tee straight up the fairway and avoiding the far right side as it is "Out of Bounds".(Stroke 2) Use a 5-Wood and try not to land short on the left side as this position will leave you with a very challenging next shot.(Stroke 3) A Pitching Wedge will take you up to the hole.

6th Hole 196 metres - Par 3
(Stroke 1) For this par-3 hole that lies invitingly below you a 3-Iron is recommended. Avoid the right side of the green due to the slope.

7th Hole 344 metres - Par 4
(Stroke 1) A Driver will place you well up and aim for the left side of the fairway to be in a good position for the next shot.(Stroke 2) Use a 7-Iron and aim for the left side of the centre of the green as there is slope to the right.

8th Hole 414 metres - Par 4
(Stroke 1) The Driver will place you well up in the fairway on this par-4 dogleg. Ideally, aim slightly to the right side of the fairway.
(Stroke 2) A 3-Iron to the left of the centre of the green should be the correct approach shot to this gentle uphill slope.

9th Hole 260 metres - Par 4
(Stroke 1) Use a 5-Wood aiming to the left of the bunker on the right side of the fairway.(Stroke 2) Select a 9-Iron and aim to the left of centre of the green taking into consideration the position of the flag.

10th Hole 148 metres - Par 3
(Stroke 1) This challenging par-3 hole requires a 5-Iron basically to the centre of the green. Club selection and quality of shot is imperative as there is lots of trouble on all sides of the green.

11th Hole 371 metres - Par 4
(Stroke 1) A 3-Wood aimed straight between the two fairway bunkers will place you well for the approach shot. The landing area is narrow due to these bunkers.(Stroke 2) Use a 4-Iron to take you to the left of the centre of the green.

12th Hole 482 metres - Par 5
(Stroke 1) In order to play this par-5 dogleg you need a good drive off the tee with a Driver. Aim to cut the trees and the protruding bank on the right side of the fairway.(Stroke 2) As it is uphill from here you will need a firm 5-Wood avoiding the bunker on the right.(Stroke 3) Select an 8-Iron and aim to the middle of the green.

13th Hole 342 metres - Par 4
(Stroke 1) As this is a dogleg to the right use a 5-Wood to take you over the trees protruding on the right side of the fairway.(Stroke 2) The 6-Iron will take you to the centre of the green and as near to the pin as possible!

14th Hole 436 metres - Par 4
(Stroke 1) This hole is a dogleg to the left and requires a straight drive with a Driver aimed between the two bunkers on the fairway.
(Stroke 2) A 3-Wood should bring you to a position that is a little short of the green.(Stroke 3) Use a Pitching Wedge to lift you up and on to the green.

15th Hole 145 metres - Par 3
(Stroke 1) The hole can be deceptive as the green is very short in length so club selection is very important - suggest a 6-Iron, depending on the prevailing wind.

16th Hole 504 metres - Par 5
(Stroke 1) This hole is the longest par-5 on the course with a curving dogleg to the right. Use your Driver to carry the trees on the right hand side of the fairway.(Stroke 2) Use a 5-Wood to carry a further group of pine trees again on the same right hand side.(Stroke 3) With a 9-Iron let your shot avoid the actual bunker in front to the left but placing the ball somewhere close. With this position you will have a clear shot towards the green.

17th Hole 348 metres - Par 4
(Stroke 1) Use your Driver and avoid the bunkers on each side of the fairway.
(Stroke 2) A 4-Iron should take you to the middle of the generous green.

18th Hole 340 metres - Par 4
(Stroke 1) As this is an open fairway a straight shot with a 3-Wood to the middle will achieve the ideal position.(Stroke 2) Use a 7-Iron to pitch you onto the green followed by a good putt that will take you back into the clubhouse for a rewarding drink!