Oceanico Old Course

This was our final round of our 4 course tour and even though it rained all day the course was in magnificent condition fairways meandering through pine trees and superb greens which rewarded good putts,anyone visiting the algarve has to put this course on there list of must plays.

MYSELF AND A GROUP FROM CO, ROSCOMMON IRELAND HAVE JUST CAME BACK FROM VILLAMOURA. WE ALL HAD A GREAT TIME THE WEATHER WAS FANTASTIC AND THE GOLF WAS HOT, OCT 3RD I WAS ON THE 15TH TEE BOX AT THE OLD COURSE GRABBED THE 9 IRON PUT THE BALL STRAIGHT IN THE WHOLE FOR MY 1ST WHOLE IN ONE. DAY 2 AT PINHAL STOOD ON THE 14TH TEE BOX SAME CLUB 9 IRON AND YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED THE BALL WENT IN THE WHOLE FOR THE 2ND TIME TWO WHOLE IN ONES IN 2 DAYS IS THAT SOME KIND OF A RECORD.

Have just returned from the Algarve where we played 8 rounds during a two week stay. We played the Old Course twice, firstly on Oct 4th then again on Oct 9th. On the first visit we were delighted to find the course back to it's best. On the 2nd visit we were less pleased. The Starter watched one member of the 4-ball in front take 5 air shots on the first tee, removing two massive divots in the process. The guy was still drunk from the night before and I was amazed that the Starter allowed the guy to play. The guy hacked his way round the course and when we complained to a marshall he said the course is very full and play is slow. 5hrs is more than slow. All the "Oceanico" courses we played were over full in my opinion. We had already booked for March '08 but we will be looking for an alternative venue for next October.

Played The Old Course May 06. After playing the majority of the courses on the Algarve this is definetely in our top two. Even though we played in the rain the condition of the course was outstanding. Every hole meanders through the trees with many doglegs and tight driving holes. The course does undulate a lot but is worth walking/carrying to appreciate the course. There are a collection of terrific par 3's (especially the 3rd). After playing the Vilamoura Millenium this is a big step up in class. Really cant fault this course.....go play it!

One criticism - the place was definitely overbooked when we played. Our round took 5 hours plus. They do ask for your handicap before teeing off but the guys in the groups in front of us could not possibly have been less than a 28 handicap. That said it is unequivocally a GREAT course - the atmosphere amongst the (heavily) tree lined fairways is magic. You do need to be straight - anything of line is in the aforementioned trees. It's more expensive than its Millenium/Laguna/Pinhal brothers but it is in different class in terms of challenge and design. A thoroughbred.

A fantastic course, expensive but I felt worth shelling out for. Played 20/4 and work was being carried out on some greens which left them very sandy but it didn't detract from how good the round was. The course had 4 truly fantastic par 3's. You need to take your A1 driving game as once in the trees you had to take your punishment.

Played the course in November 2006 and was impressed by the quality of the course even after a nights rain. The par 3 4th is a truly great hole. The mushrooms on toast in the clubhouse afterwards are worth waiting for.

A group of us visit the Algarve for a golfing holiday every year and the Old course is undoubtedly the favourite round of the holiday. It's tight and testing so accuracy is premium here. The course is always immacculate, except for a hiccup in Feb 06 as they had changed the grass mixture and lost a couple of fairways but to be fair we were warned before we played and offered the chance to play elsewhere. This has not stopped me reserving my Tee Time for March 07. This really is a must play course. The par 3 fourth with an umbrella pine in front of the green will long live in the memory.

Played the Old Course last Friday , what a fantastic course ! Immaculate condition , great layout and not over crowded. Worth every penny right up there with the best courses i have ever played.

After enjoying two rounds on this course in Feb 05, we did the same this Feb. What a contrast - even though last year, there was a terrible shortage of rain, the fairways were not too bad. This year, although the greens were good and fast, the fairways were some of the worst I have played. One in particular was almost totally devoid of grass. I am surprised by the previous players comments, as we must have played this only a short while afterwards. Sad to say, this course won't be on next years itinery.

The course is wrecked. None of the fairways have any grass on them. Through combination of lack of rain and frost the course is in a mess. Un playable and best avoiding.

This is a must play track. Staying in Vilamoura and not playing here is a golfing sin. This course will test your complete game, from the big dog to the putter. It is tight with fast fairways and greens. The first 2 par 3's are something to behold. If you can't hit it straight from the tee,bring your 'A'short game cos' you will need it!!!

Played this wonderful course the last 3 years, and again April 2005 to come. Our party love it without stressing us out too much. Condition fab, beautiful scenery and wildlife, its a must. Friendly staff, lovely clubhouse, roll on April 22nd.

2nd visit to the Algarve... Heard great reviews - so played the OC in January 05. Greens in very good condition. However in general the course didn't work for me - holes had a similar feel/look apart from 4th, 6th (good par3s). Overall disappointed. It hasn't made it on the "must play" for next time... Have also played (am not permitted to compare courses - so not in any order..) San Lorenzo, Vale do Lobo (Royal, Ocean), Quinta do Lago, Pinheiros, Parque da Floresta, Palmares, Laguna, Penina.

Just returned from a short break in the Algarve. 3 rounds in 4 days. Apprehensive about heat and condition of courses. Old Course played as well as ever, and best part of all, hardly any golfers going around. Avoid following parties of 4 from the continent, hacking there way around as if it was the first time they ever golfed, in February and November (I would like to check THEIR handicap certificates). Get yourself out there in June and enjoy the fact that the sun shines until forever.

Played in August 03 - just great, condition throughout excellent and a good test of golf

played this course twice now in the last 4 years, think it is the best thing since sliced bread, it is a bit pricey but if you go with the holiday mentality that money means nothing , dont leave the algarve without playing this course. TRULEY OUTSTANDING !!!!!!!!

A great way to end a week on the Algarve, this was my 3rd round after Parque de Floresta and Vila Sol and preferred the Old Course over both of them. It was in beatiful condition and I managed my best golf of the week. It is an easier course than the above 2 for a high-handicapper and it helped that we could drive the buggy to the ball. Don't forget your handicap certificate as this is always asked for.

Very nice course in superb condition but I am still unsure why people rave about it so much? It is quite flat and not very scenic compared with Vale do Lobo/Vila Sol/Pinheiros etc... Still it is a good test and should be on you list to play when in Vilamoura.

This course is a MUST for all players planning a trip to the Algarve. A beautiful, tree lined, course that is in superb condition. The greens are amongst the best I have played on and the fairways are very good. The service and food are also excellant. Make sure you are dressed appropriately, we saw someone refused permission to play for wearing trainers and 2 others refused for wearing non-taiored shorts. (Quite right)

WOW a fantastic course true greens,carpet fairways,picturesque,tree lined.even though I played badly it was truely a pleasure to play

Unbelievable! Picturesque and a fantastic round of golf. If your in Vilamoura this course is a must to play. Fairways are like carpets and the greens are rapid. Don't forget the big tree on the3rd to add to the lake and bunker. Overall a tough challenge

Outstanding course,Fabulous tricky greens,deceptively difficult rough,but a pleasure to play,beautifully maintained golf course,a must when planning a golf holiday.

Great course and both a superb layout and variety of holes. Par 3, 4th is the signature hole - a midiron that must carry both a lake and a deep bunker. The green are like velvet carpets and run very true. Accuracy from the tee is needed to score well on this magnificent course.