I have always liked Vila Sol. I think it is probably the best value in the area particularly for twilight golf. Hopefully this will not change. The 27 holes offer 3 options for a full 18 holes and most of the course is very playable for anyone who has a fair playing ability or better. Probably a bit tougher for novices but they should also enjoy it. My latest experience was that the round was played at a reasonable pace. The greens were excellent, fairways very good but some of the tees were cut up. They are not the biggest tees and that might be half the problem. In my view the stand out hole is the 6th. Overall I would be happy to recommend playing at Vila Sol and I will be going back the next time we visit Villamoura.

This is a stunning golf course. Tees, fairways and greens all in first class condition despite some evidence of small areas of ongoing maintenance and upgrades. These did not detract from a thoroughly enjoyable round in the company of a retired couple from Norwich who, incidentally, played the most consistently straight hitting off the tee you can imagine and they backed this up with some excellent grenside bunker play. What I would strongly advise is to get a buggy. The course is a long walk, as I found out, and harder still to carry. There are consistently changes in elevation throughout the course and at times a bit of a trek from green to tee particularly on the back 9. 16 to 17 is some distance and a little confusing so look out for the stone columns either side of a walkway / buggy track. Other than that the frustration was not with the course but other players. It was slow going and way too many bunkers had been left unraked and pitch marks not repaired. Nevertheless I would not hesitate to go back as I think it is better than the Ocean course, the other Vale do Lobo course, which is another belter, and as good as the Old Course which I think is the best course I have played here. All in all a must play in my opinion if you are staying in Villamoura. By the way the surrounding properties are equally fabulous.

This is the second time I have played the Ocean Course. Every bit as good as the first time and of help is knowing my way round. I got out early and on my own so got round with no hold ups other than letting the greenkeepers finish on z couple of holes. They have sit on mini tractors to smooth the bunkers. An interesting watch. Everything is in terrific condition. The subtlety of the slopes on the greens still caught me out. The holes on the back 9, in particular 11, 14 and 15, the latter being the signature hole, are the most memorable although the 9th is right up there with the somewhat quirky. I rate this course another must play and only marginally behind the Royal course and the Old Course. A buggy or trolley definitely needed although I struggle to see how 50 euros is a fair price for a buggy. That though is my only gripe. Give both Vale do Lobo courses a go because you will definitely want to play them again.