ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
90% of the course’s tee boxes have direct ocean views, offering one of the most scenic and dramatic golf backdrops anywhere in Europe.
About
Palmares Golf (Praia Course) is the pure seaside 9 of the acclaimed 27-hole resort in Lagos, Portugal, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 2010. The Praia nine features authentic links golf with imaginative routing through dramatic sand dunes, sweeping ocean views, and exposure to the Atlantic breeze. It has become one of Portugal's most coveted and picturesque modern links experiences.
Caddie Tip
The Praia Course is highly exposed to ocean breezes; always check the wind direction before every shot and favor a lower, running ball flight. On the par 5s, resist being too aggressive on your approach—deep bunkers and fescue can quickly penalize the overambitious.
The Main Challenge
The Praia Course’s biggest challenge lies in navigating the strong coastal wind and managing shots from tight sandy lies and undulating fairways. The stretch along the dunes features penal rough, punishing miss-hits and demanding good course management. Strategic bunkering and unpredictable gusts require careful club selection throughout.
The Good
Golfers consistently praise the variety and beauty of the Praia Course, which delivers a pure links experience rare in southern Europe. The constant presence of ocean views, natural sand dunes, and ever-changing wind creates a round that is both scenic and strategically engaging nearly every hole.
The Not So Good
Some golfers note that heavy wind can make play inconsistent, and the walk between nines or from holes can be lengthy due to the resort’s routing. The links portion can also suffer from firm bounces in dry spells and maintenance can lag during periods of high play.
Signature Hole:
#
26
The 26th hole, a par 5 running parallel to Meia Praia beach, is widely considered the signature hole on the Praia Course. With its fairway carved through natural sand dunes and the ocean visible along the entire right side, it forces a strategic tee shot and a dramatic risk-reward second, with wind and scenery always impacting play.
Clubhouse
The architecturally striking clubhouse offers panoramic Atlantic views and features a fine-dining restaurant, snack bar, lounge, fully stocked pro shop, locker rooms, showers, and shaded terraces for post-round relaxation.
Practice Facilities
Palmares offers a multi-bay driving range with both mat and grass tees, an expansive short game area, putting greens, and a dedicated chipping bunker. The resort’s facilities are modern, with pros available for lessons and club fitting.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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