Loading
to

Vale do Lobo Royal Reviews

John from Portugal
on Thu, 14th Mar 2024
Great course, not enough parking.
The course was in great condition, especially for February.

Parking was full and so that was a pain.

Jacques from Finland
on Wed, 28th Feb 2024
Beau golf, manque de places parking
Beau golf, bien entretenu.

Manque d’indication signalant le départ suivant

Parking voitures non adapté à la fréquentation

Raymond from United Kingdom
on Mon, 26th Feb 2024
Ray
Great golf course not even the bad weather could spoil the course was in fantastic condion AGC booked everything for me could not fault them highly recommend you book through them so thank you .
Peter from Germany
on Fri, 23rd Feb 2024
Stunning holes next to the ocean
Nice Course with 2 stunning holes next to the ocean.

Buggies taken off course to far ahead of all course signs

David from United Kingdom
on Wed, 21st Feb 2024
A Royal Treat
This course is a bit of a treat. Need a buggy as the walk between holes is hilly and long. Some fabulous holes and all very well presented to a high standard. It is much more than the iconic 16th. Twilight is a good deal too. Fora round in February it was fantastic.
Lee from United Kingdom
on Sat, 10th Feb 2024
Lee J on tour
Very well maintained; the best we found on our Algarve tour.

Good service.

Pricey Clubhouse.

Jeff from United Kingdom
on Sun, 4th Feb 2024
Review
The course is quite hilly so if walking beware , there are significant distances between the greens & tees , the greens were hollow tined & the appearance over all was quite scrubby , I’d go for the Ocean course over the Royal
Tina from Switzerland
on Wed, 10th Jan 2024
Poor Course Management /treatment by Personel
Whilst the course was in ok condition (except the ladies bathrooms on the course - which two of them were not possible to even lock plus the flush was broken), we were treated very poorly by the responsible people on the course:

Our son who has been playing golf for 22 years, is a below 20 HCP and played the first hole of the course as a tap in birdie btw - was welcomed with the words: you cannot wear these pants on the course... :

He was wearing a KJUS golf shirt, a Ping Sweater and a pair of perfectly dark black pants in - yes - denim material, however, perfectly black, no rips, no print, no nothing.

A very decent golf attire that he had played 5 other portugese courses without any complaint with. (and also without complaints at courses in Switzerland - where we live - as well as the US, Germany, Italy and France ...)

We were then forced to BUY in the closed golf shop that was under reconstruction, with unpacked boxes, NO changing room and no selection whatsoever the ONLY pair of pants that they had left in stock that fit him (he has a very regular 32/34 size btw...). No selection on colors, style, anything - instead we were threatened to not be able to play at all if he doesnt buy those and change into them - grotesque.

We have never felt so poorly treated with little hospitality and respect before. And just one possibility to upset guests and leave them with no appetite to play such a course again. And ultimately puts off young people from what is an enjoyable sport when insisting on useless etiquette rules.

Tanya K. Kozicki De Mello from Brazil
on Sat, 6th Jan 2024
Amazing views
Certainly one of the most beautiful courses, absolutely well kept.

Make sure you get to the 16th prepared for one of the best views ever.

Tobias from Portugal
on Sat, 6th Jan 2024
More then nice
Great course, impressive location, helpful and friendly team,

We played at the beginning of January 2024, course in good condition and well maintained. The whole course looks like a little paradise. For me it looks like this

Simon Hebden from Russian Federation
on Fri, 29th Dec 2023
Christmas Golf
Very good condition and open on Christmas Day. We were a 4-ball but there were some 2-balls following it we managed to keep our place on the course.
Maya from Switzerland
on Sun, 24th Dec 2023
Fun and Bore
We enjoyed playing the course which was well maintained. To our taste, the course has too many straight forward holes that felt somewhat boring. However, there are other holes, that are really fun.
Patrick from United States
on Tue, 21st Nov 2023
Vale do Lobo Royal Course
I found the course in good condition overall.

The greens were consistent - but in need of attention with pitch mark repairs.

In places the course was wet on account of the irregation systems.

The course is not overly challenging for longer hitters, but is worth the green fee for the finishing few holes.

The view from the 15th.

The 16th hole is pure class & the 17th & 18th are challenging golf holes.

Well worth a visit & I'd like to play here again...

Ian from United Kingdom
on Fri, 10th Nov 2023
Late morning start
Very nice day out. Staff very courteous and helpful.
Wolfgang from Austria
on Fri, 3rd Nov 2023
Remember the 16
Nice course. The 16 is worth it all. Especially when you make it to the green
Daran from United Kingdom
on Sun, 22nd Oct 2023
Great course in super condition. Greens were true if not a little slow but due to a rainy month only to be expected.
Kevin from United Kingdom
on Thu, 19th Oct 2023
Must play course
Great course lovely greens very friendly staff
Michael from United Kingdom
on Tue, 3rd Oct 2023
Slow Play spoilt the day
Fabulous - in every way except the play was slow.

The best course we played and goof value for money. The only frustration was a couple in front who held up play so we never finished the round.

We got to the 16th but were unable to play 17 and 18 due to lack of light.

Alistair Riddoch from United Kingdom
on Mon, 25th Sep 2023
Stunning Course Highly Recommend
The Royal course like the Ocean is another which is maintained to a very high standard and I found in fantastic condition. Some stunning holes topped by the 16th 'signature hole'. Some of the holes have fair distances from green to tee but that adds to the excitement as you dont know what you will get next. I see some comments about pitch marks on greens, yes I repaired about 4-6 on each green as I did on every course I played in Algarve, you cannot blame the course or resort owners for totally selfish golfers who do this!!!! There is some cracking holes on this course and it was well worth the asking green fee. Buggy station guys were so helpful and spikes bar is a great place to sit for a refreshment after your round. Highly recommend.
Charlie Bough from Portugal
on Mon, 18th Sep 2023
Disappointed
Disappointed, by the quality of the greens, The Royal course’s crown has definitely slipped, so many pitch marks not repaired and greens keepers seem unable to keep up with it, on one hole there was a JCB digger parked in a bunker, definitely not what I was expecting for my money. The course is a series of holes linked by footpaths that run through an estate, it isn’t really one golf course at all, there are better out there for similar money..
Alistair Riddoch
Surely the selfish ignorant golfers are to blame for the unrepaired pitch marks, not the green staff?
Alan from Ireland
on Sun, 3rd Sep 2023
Worth it for the 16th hole alone
Enjoyed the course, very tight at points with houses close to the fairways. Was a fair amount of maintenance going on while we played and some areas of the course wasn’t in the best condition but still really enjoyed.
jens from Denmark
on Sat, 2nd Sep 2023
Vale do lobo classic👍
Enjoy a round at a classic golf resort. You will experiece high quality of faitways and some beautiful sights. Don't miss it 😄
Tom Brodie from United Kingdom
on Fri, 14th Jul 2023
Poor condition and rude staff
Marcus from United Kingdom
on Fri, 30th Jun 2023
Fantastic Val do lobo
Stunning layout with fantastic coastal holes - facilities and clubhouse were very good
Terry from United Kingdom
on Fri, 23rd Jun 2023
In very good condition
Course in very good condition and greens running well. On-course toilets sparklingly clean.
Mike from United States
on Mon, 5th Jun 2023
Always a good test
Mike Humbles from United Kingdom
on Sun, 28th May 2023
The 16th hole is the reason to play here
Played the Royal course. Definitely has that resort feel to it and the busiest of the 4 courses we played on our trip with one of our groups having to team up with another couple not in our group which didn't happen elsewhere.

First few holes were quite narrow going in between the villas and weren't particularly memorable but course opened up a bit around 6 or 7 when I felt there were some really nice looking holes from then on in.

The main attraction is obviously the 16th which doesn't disappoint and is absolutely stunning.

Really enjoyed the 15th and 17th too either side of it.

Overall, an enjoyable course with one of the most beautiful holes you could ever play.

Chris from United Kingdom
on Sat, 27th May 2023
Superb as always.
Arie from Portugal
on Fri, 19th May 2023
Te veel husselen
Twee geweldig goed onderhouden banen, helemaal top, zelfs nog beter dan menige andere topbaan in de Algarve

De banen bevatten ook geweldig interessante holes met onverwachte nooit eerder geziene uitdagingen

En toch … ook een beetje een teleurstellende bijsmaak

Want, de lay out van de banen lijkt niet echt te kloppen, het design is niet consistent, de holes lijken niet goed op elkaar afgestemd

Het lijkt wel alsof er veel aan de banen is gewijzigd, in de zin van oude en nieuwe holes, holes door elkaar gehusseld

Daardoor bijvoorbeeld een groot verschil bij Royal course tussen de eerste en tweede negen en sommige holes zijn dan toch een beetje saai

Alain from France
on Mon, 15th May 2023
Royal - comme son nom l'indique
Excellent - parcours homogène, franc et en état irréprochable, green excellent
Roy from United Kingdom
on Fri, 12th May 2023
Roy...
just brilliant...but very tough, but fair
Roy from United Kingdom
on Fri, 12th May 2023
Roy...
just brilliant...but very tough, but fair
Catherine from United Kingdom
on Sun, 30th Apr 2023
Beautiful Course well worth a visit
First time playing here, nice practice area for chipping, driving range for up to 9 iron plus a net & putting green. Whole place felt quality with a good size golf shop. The Starter was very welcoming, friendly, we were allowed to go out as a two ball.

The course was beautiful in great condition with many interesting holes especially the challenging Par 3 16th hole.

It is a busy course at a premium price but felt it was worthwhile.

Paul from United Kingdom
on Fri, 28th Apr 2023
loved it.
this was my favourite course of the trip. beautiful holes and all very playable for all handicaps.
Kieran from United Kingdom
on Thu, 20th Apr 2023
Vale do lobo Royal
Great course, fantastic condition at great price
Kathleen from Switzerland
on Fri, 31st Mar 2023
A pleasure
Lovely fairways. Had the feeling some of the tee boxes had been redone. All in all in much better shape than last year. The bunkers were okay, but the rakes are not good quality. As we started early, we finished the round in 4 hours and never had to wait.
Gaetan from Canada
on Wed, 29th Mar 2023
Great ! We've played a lot of beautiful courses everywhere, but this 16th hole is just beautiful, one of the most beautiful hole we've seen. But without taking anything away from the rest of the course which is also very beautiful!
Tony from Portugal
on Tue, 21st Mar 2023
Excellent course
Excellent course, best hole is 11th and best looking hole is 16th
René from Netherlands
on Fri, 17th Mar 2023
Royal 2023
A famous course. The royal is a must play course if its only for the famous hole 16..!
Marcel Hungermann from Germany
on Sat, 4th Mar 2023
Tough and narrow
Very good Conditions for March. Quote tough and narrow holes, lots of housing all around. Beautiful signature hole (especially at sunset). Not a course for a bad day with your woods. Iron Game is essential. Employees are super nice, helpful and give you a warm welcome. Starter was especially helpful and super flexible.
Stephen Lyndon from United Kingdom
on Sat, 18th Feb 2023
Amazing day in February.
An exceptional course. Condition in February was superb. Some very picturesque holes throughout but the back nine was the highlight, which features the amazing 16th. This should be a bucket list hole for any golfer. As reviews say many holes are lined with villas but this doesn’t affect or detract from the golf. Staff were also very friendly.
Ann from United States
on Sat, 11th Feb 2023
Nice course within a community surrounded by homes.
John Robertson from Portugal
on Mon, 6th Feb 2023
Scruffy
OK, so there is one memorable hole, the 16th. The rest are nothing special!

We played it 1st Feb and if was very disappointing.

The course is scruffy and greens were cored and sanded. Don't bother to complain or ask fir a refund!

There are many better courses in the area.

Denis from United States
on Tue, 31st Jan 2023
Nice course, Glenn spiked, but ok.
Olivier Richard from France
on Thu, 19th Jan 2023
Good golf, twilight fare at 13h00 is a good bargain
Colin Galloway from United Kingdom
on Sat, 31st Dec 2022
Cannot fault course, staff not the most welcoming
The course deserves 5 stars, however having booked this as a special 18th birthday treat was most disappointed with the customer service. Refused to allow my wife to spectate as did not have appropriate clothing ( no collared shirt, she was in smart casual summer wear - not as if she had jeans / swimwear combo !!! )
James from Russian Federation
on Fri, 23rd Dec 2022
Great back nine, busy but friendly and helpful
Steven Dranfield from United States
on Fri, 25th Nov 2022
fairways a bit spotty. 16th memorable, great hole. greens were better 2nd round, 1 week later.
Tony from Portugal
on Thu, 24th Nov 2022
Good course.
Good course.
Magnus from Germany
on Mon, 14th Nov 2022
What a shame
So many years the royal was beautiful, in good shape - but now it ist a 'normal' golf course like everywhere - and then is the Price for greenfee too much; and 10 Euros for a manual trolley is unbelievable; no paper on toilets at the 10th
Kathleen from Switzerland
on Fri, 11th Nov 2022
A 'must' play
Although not in the superlative condition of a few years ago, still a favourite course - providing variety and some scenic holes. It's a pity that so many players hit the green leaving pitch marks which mar the greens. We routinely 'repaired' 3 to 4 marks in addition to our own!!! This isn't the fault of the course, but perhaps small signs with reminders placed next to a few greens might help those who have forgotten how to be responsible golfers. Playing an early bird round in a hair over 3 hours was pure pleasure. Staff was friendly.
Charlie from United States
on Sat, 5th Nov 2022
How much !
Had a fabulous round it a premium course in algarve, but 3€ per 20 practice balls is a bit steep.
Niall from Ireland
on Sun, 30th Oct 2022
Vale de loba - must play course
This course was fantastic, great views on every tee box and , 15 16 17 . One of the best I’ve played - Royal Course
Tim from United Kingdom
on Fri, 21st Oct 2022
Great course
Really enjoyed this course despite the on and off rain showers. Good variety of holes and of course the stunning 16th which is a must play hole. Fairways are like carpet and make iron shots that little bit easier and greens medium pace and true. Only gripe is the lack of pitch mark repairs but that is disrespectful golfers not the course. We spent the afternoon in the club house with Spikes bar providing great food and service. Highly recommend this course.
Claire from Ireland
on Wed, 19th Oct 2022
Played in Ocean course twice the previous week and the service with staff was only ok, got buggy o. both days with no water and no ice, people we were put out with the lady had only started playing golf and played between 10/20 shots on every hole which made it so slow shocking for the money you pay. Played on royal course a few days later difference on staff service and condition of course was unbelievable much better.
Paul from United Kingdom
on Sun, 16th Oct 2022
Poor greens
Course was nice in places but the greens let it down. Course management was awful, letting 2 balls out in the middle of 4 balls whilst the course was very busy, felt pushed all day.
Paul from United Kingdom
on Sun, 16th Oct 2022
Poor greens
Course was nice in places but the greens let it down. Course management was awful, letting 2 balls out in the middle of 4 balls whilst the course was very busy, felt pushed all day.
peter from United Kingdom
on Mon, 10th Oct 2022
Played this course many times and always a pleasure returning. Pace of play was excellent, it can be very slow sometimes but managed 18 holes in 3.5 hours in a 3 ball. There has been some work done on the course to improve the buggy paths but buggies dont have navigation which is a shame as without a distance finder its harder to judge some holes. Pitch marks are also a small problem due to the high volume of traffic… we played at 8.50am, i imagine by 3 pm some greens would resemble a golf ball. Overall though a very nice course if not a bit pricey with a buggie.
Stuart Denova from United Kingdom
on Thu, 29th Sep 2022
Absolutely fantastic
Superb course, fantastic facilities, lightening quick greens and some incredibly well places water hazards. Favourite course I've played in the Algarve. The sole Par 3 on the back 9 is just stunning!
Mark from United States
on Tue, 27th Sep 2022
VdLR September 2022
Good course, great set up …… a lot of villas in danger of getting hit by any wayward shots though!
Alan from United Kingdom
on Thu, 22nd Sep 2022
Must Play This Course
This course is a must. It is great shape in every aspect. The set up at Vale do Lobo for both courses is great. It was a pleasure to play there. Highly recommended from our view.
Derek from United Kingdom
on Thu, 22nd Sep 2022
Great Views, Worth Playing
Great course, enjoyed it a lot as per usual.
Damian Lenagh from Ireland
on Thu, 15th Sep 2022
Always in great condition super course the royal very playable and enjoyable for all handicaps.
Iain from United Kingdom
on Mon, 5th Sep 2022
Excellent course and layout.
Rhys from United Kingdom
on Thu, 1st Sep 2022
Needs some TLC!
Played the Ocean course in April 2022 and thought that was far better than the Royal.

There are some good holes on the course and fantastic views, but condition wasn’t great.

The buggies were also a bit tired, think the course needs some attention to bring it back to where it needs to be.

Peter from United Kingdom
on Sat, 25th Jun 2022
Played the Royal course, absolutely loved it but that white ball refused to go in the hole 😫

P

Damian from Portugal
on Tue, 21st Jun 2022
Excellent condition challenging course
Darren Howes from United Kingdom
on Sat, 18th Jun 2022
A lot of short insignificant holes even off the back tees, but it has 4-5 great holes and one of the best par 3’s you will ever play. 16th is worth the green fee alone. 235 yards into a wind over the beach. Par 3’s don’t get harder that that
Peter from United Kingdom
on Thu, 16th Jun 2022
Great track
Excellent track and in great condition. Will come again.

One gripe; too many single players racing round and pressurising 3 and 4 balls. Not good.

Adam from United Kingdom
on Sun, 12th Jun 2022
Amazing
Amazing course, we played 4 big courses this holiday and this was the best by a mile
Stephen from Israel
on Fri, 10th Jun 2022
Royal is worth considering
Arguably not as much a test of golf for the serious player, but we rated it highly as it was fun to play and all golfers would enjoy. (We were paired with 2 high handicappers, 1 M 1 F, and although they didn’t score well they had fun and we weren’t incessantly looking for balls.)
Stephen from Canada
on Thu, 9th Jun 2022
Great condition
Darren from United Kingdom
on Wed, 1st Jun 2022
Great course
Love the Royal always a good test especially the 16th par three.
Morgan from Portugal
on Mon, 23rd May 2022
Course is not that interesting and lacks distance by modern standards.

Needs a lot of upgrade especially bunkers which are well overdue for modernisation

Standard of players playing the course must be poor as pitch marks and bunker raking is virtually non existent

Tiernan from Ireland
on Thu, 12th May 2022
Wet tight course with no forgiveness for a miss placed shot
Hugh from United Kingdom
on Mon, 9th May 2022
Really enjoyable
Played this with my 21 year son and he said it was best course he has played, not a bad hole on the course. My third time playing and I probably appreciated it more this time. Some cracking holes. One of my favourite holes I have ever played is the 9th playing down to lake on right then large water feature on your left as you play up to the green. Iconic holes to the beach never fail to impress. Course was in pretty good condition and the green were very receptive. Great way to spend 3.15 hours.
Karen Clarke from Portugal
on Sat, 2nd Apr 2022
Vale do Lobo Royal Course is a must play.
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.
David from Portugal
on Sun, 27th Mar 2022
Not Great
Greens were good but rest of the course scrappy to say the least. It looks overplayed and wouldn’t hurry back
Richard from United Kingdom
on Sun, 27th Mar 2022
Losing something
Marginally disappointed in conditions when we played there in March 22. Opinions vary of course but I just feel that VDL Ocean was better, however it is some time since we played there. We all felt that the famous par 3 - 16th - is over-rated (but we have had the good fortune to play on many courses).

Tees a bit untidy, although greens ran well (but not as slick as say Alamos). I wonder if VDL is losing out to nearby neighbours at Quinta ….. ? Much better options in the Algarve I feel.

paul from Netherlands
on Tue, 22nd Mar 2022
Royal course.
beautiful challenging golf course with a beautiful hole 16 on the sea. nice terrace to finish the round of golf.
Karl from United Kingdom
on Fri, 11th Mar 2022
Without a doubt a jewel

Every hole is a different challenge Nice social scene and clubhouse

Bruno from Portugal
on Thu, 10th Mar 2022
Toller Platz
Toller Platz! Sehr gepflegt! Gute Zeiteinteilung
francoise from Belgium
on Wed, 9th Mar 2022
Très beau parcours
Les derniers trous sont les plus beaux

Et par 3 au trou 16 .. challenging

Ricardo Paulino from Canada
on Mon, 7th Mar 2022
All around nice , 16 hole over the gully was hard , lots of wind from ocean side,

View of 16 hole is priceless!!!

Christopher from United Kingdom
on Sat, 5th Mar 2022
Great course in great condition - loved it
Tony from Portugal
on Fri, 18th Feb 2022
A pleasure to play
Great course and a pleasure to play.
Urs Luther from Switzerland
on Sat, 12th Feb 2022
Vale do lobo excellent
Excellent condition

Must play

Chris from Portugal
on Tue, 8th Feb 2022
Excellent fairways and greens,but a lot of crossing roads. Views are nicer on the Ocean course.
Tony from Portugal
on Mon, 7th Feb 2022
Enjoyable Royal
Always enjoy Royal but on balance the Ocean course is better.
Birgit from Germany
on Mon, 31st Jan 2022
Overall good condition. Nice greens. Bunkers a bit varying depending on location on the course. Challenging but fair course.

Golf Course

Post Review

To post a review, score or a notice on Vale do Lobo Royal page's or to connect with other Vale do Lobo Royal golfers, please log in to your account or sign up using Google or Facebook.
Browse…
Browse…
Green Fees & Tee Times
All golf course green fees, deals, and tee times displayed on Algarve Golf are offered at the lowest discounted rates permissible. We look forward to assisting you with your booking in Portugal. ⛳
Algarve Golf uses cookies.