Penina Golf Course - Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course
The Legacy of Portuguese Golf, by Henry Cotton
Inaugurated in 1966 and designed by three-time winner of the British Open, Sir Henry Cotton, the Penina Championship is the first 18-hole course in the Algarve. This audacious project truly launched the region on the path to international golfing fame.
The Algarve
- Number of holes: 18
- Architect: Sir Henry Cotton
- Year: 1966
- Style: Links parkland – Championship course
- PAR 73
- Slope 138
- Distance: 6273m
The route in detail
This par73 of 6273m is a rather flat, but demanding, parkland-style course, with fairways framed by mature trees, subtle ridges, elevated greens, water hazards and well-placed bunkers — a real challenge, even for experienced players.
The hole13, a par‑3, is a real gem: it is among the 500 best golf holes in the world, with its lake playing on the right and an undulating green protected by bunkers to the front and left
Services & Location
The course has hosted the Portugal Open on ten occasions, as well as other prestigious competitions. It remains a historical and sporting reference in the region.
Installed within the Penina Hotel & Golf Resort, this course offers high-end infrastructure:
- Driving range, practice greens (putting & chipping), pro-shop, friendly clubhouse with catering and changing rooms
- The resort also offers two additional 9-hole courses (Resort Course par35 and Academy Course par30), perfect for warm-ups or beginners
Location
Golf hotels
Penina Hotel & Golf Resort 5*
Nestled in the heart d’un domaine verdoyant de 360 hectares, entre Lagos et Portimão, le Penina Hotel & Golf Resort est un lieu à part, symbole de l’histoire du golf au Portugal. Premier resort golfique de l’Algarve, il est aussi le berceau du célèbre Championship Course signé Sir Henry Cotton, hôte à plusieurs reprises de l’Open du Portugal.
