Monte Rei Golf Course To Impress You With Their Splendor
A little bit different
The Monte Rei golf course is the upstart of the Portuguese golf scene that dares to be different and is succeeding by hogging the limelight. First open to the public in 2007 the Jack Nicklaus design is a relative newcomer to the Portuguese golf scene. Monte Rei is not located in the typical region of the Algarve but near the Spanish - Portuguese border. This area near the Spanish border is mountainous with the high altitudes that makes the ball travel further through the air so you should get a few extra yards on your drives.
The course design
As you would expect from a famous American course designer, there is plenty of water on the course ready to give your ball a quick wash. The opening hole is a par four with a tee shot from an elevated tee that makes you feel like the king of the course much like the Golden Bear himself. As Nicklaus was a famed fader of the ball, the opening hole dog-legs to the right and you'll need a left to right tee shot to get away with a par 4.
The 18th is a hole that sets up for a grandstand finish, a par-5 that is reachable in two for big hitters who want to end the round on a birdie or eagle. Be careful though, as there is a lake in play that could lead to a watery grave for your ball and an ugly 8 or worse on your scorecard.
Green fees are in the premium price range however twilight rates can be very reasonable. Online booking of tee times is also available but keep in mind that with 30 minute gap between groups (to prevent slow play and bottle necks on the course) there aren’t many tee slots available.
Beyond the course
Not only is the course in great condition, the clubhouse and facilities are up to a high standard that you would expect from a club that carries the name of Jack Nickalus. Frequent visitors to the resort for golf (and non-golfing) holidays, marriages and escapes from the stress of working life, have praised the resort and its staff. Can you think of any other clubs where you can hit balls off the turf at the driving range or have your clubfaces cleaned after the round?