There are some sports and pastimes which are highly enjoyable, and which allow participants to enjoy a pleasant hour or two of distraction. They can help to pass a little time with friends and like-minded individuals, and of course they may incur a little light-hearted banter along the way. There is one sport, however, which above all others can induce an almost obsessive passion in players of all ages and from all walks of life.
Golf is, to all intents and purposes, a battle between the player and the course. Even if a golfer is in competition against another, essentially it’s a case of trying to succeed against a succession of difficult shots from tight lies, bunkers, uneven ground and enclosed spaces. Slick greens, tricky hazards and strategically placed trees can all make the difference between a good day and a disastrous one.
Every summer, large numbers of golfers head to the sun-kissed golf resorts of Portugal in a bid to test their skills under a hot sun and beautiful blue skies. The Algarve region offers some of the finest courses in Europe, as well as an entertainment infrastructure that ensures the feel-good factor extends beyond the eighteenth green and into the evenings as well. If you’ve never been before, it’s high time you discovered the magic for yourself.
Views that will remain in the memory for a lifetime
One of the most pleasing aspects of playing in Portugal is the sheer beauty of the courses. Many of the holes begin on elevated tees which offer stunning views of the fairway ahead as well as the countryside around you. There are also several seaside courses on the Algarve that are simply must-visits, where players are rewarded with panoramic vistas across the beautiful blue ocean.
If you happen to consider yourself a master with the putter back home, you could be in for something of a shock in Portugal. Many players tend to feel they’ve done the hard work by getting their ball on the green, but here you’ll find large, undulating putting surfaces that tend to be exceptionally quick. Many a promising round has been ruined by regular three or four-putting several of these treacherous greens.
The Portuguese have spent large sums of money on creating superb golf courses, and they haven’t skimped on clubhouse facilities either. After eighteen strenuous holes, every player likes to relax completely with a cold drink and a hearty meal, and it’s easy to find just what you need at the venues themselves. For five-star golf followed by five-star hospitality, you should be booking a trip to Portugal.
David Showell is a UK golfer who works for 121carhire.com.
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