Fly south to experience the top golf courses in Portugal's Algarve region

The Algarve remains a favourite destination for European golfers. Follow in the footsteps of the European Tour this autumn and enjoy a golf break combining the venue of the Portugal Masters, and the finest Algarve courses.

As autumn begins to fall, the European Tour flies south to the warm, sunny climes of the Algarve for the Portugal Masters at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura from October 20-23.

Hosting the stars of the game since 2007, the Victoria course has earned itself a stellar reputation over the past decade. With an abundance of championship courses within close proximity, as well as glorious beaches, it's not hard to see why the event has become one the favourite stop-offs for players and fans alike.

With the European Tour Travel Club, you can follow in the footsteps of some of the world's best players and enjoy a unique experience playing the tournament venue and the finest golf courses the sun-drenched Algarve has to offer.

Vilamoura

Located in the harbour town of Vilamoura, the Arnold Palmer designed Victoria Course, which forms part of Oceanico's extensive golf portfolio, is ranked among Portugal's finest.

Playing 7,300 yards from the back tees, golfers are required to take on narrow fairways, stern bunkers and water hazards, making this a true test for even the most accomplished of players.  

The finale of this course is spectacular in the form of the par-5 17th, which measures nearly 600-yards. With water in play down the right-hand side, there's a premium on length as well as accuracy. Closing with an equally demanding and water-lined finishing hole, it's a thrilling finish to a phenomenal golf course.

The Old Course, with its tree-lined fairways, offers a very different test to its hazard-laden neighbour, and is often considered the jewel in Oceanico's crown. Opened in 1969, the cork and pine trees give the course an air of charming maturity.

Also on site are the Millennium and Laguna courses both offering a fair test of golf and picturesque scenery, delighting all who grace their fairways.

Gold and green

Golf courses are in abundance on this stretch of Portuguese coastline, which enjoys year-round Mediterranean sunshine.

Arguably the most famous of them all is Quinta do Lago, set within the 2,000 acres of sandy beaches, lagoons, lakes and rich greenery that make up the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Part of the European Tour Properties network of world class golf venues, Quinta do Lago features three golf courses including the South Course, an eight-time venue of the Portuguese Open, and the North Course, named Best New Golf Course in Europe at the 2014 World Golf Awards, as well as Laranjal, an enjoyable resort style course.

The legendary Sir Henry Cotton layout at Penina remains a firm favourite and is just a 35-minute drive from Vilamoura, while San Lorenzo, which consistently ranks among Europe's top courses, is also only a short drive away.

Out and about

The region's top quality courses are matched by an array of fantastic accommodation options, many of which are located in Vilamoura itself. Among the most highly regarded is the 5* Tivoli Victoria Hotel which is conveniently located adjacent to the Victoria course and offers all the facilities you'd expect from a luxury hotel.

Golfers needn't tread far from the course to find a whole host of other activities to enjoy. Vilamoura's buzzing bars and restaurants ensure an action packed evening, whilst the Algarve's celebrated beaches await those seeking relaxation after a day on the course.  Head a little further from the developed golfing complexes and tranquil, often little visited, nature reserves await.

With great golf, beautiful weather and friendly people, it's no surprise that Vilamoura remains at the top of many golfers' travel list.

BOX PACKAGE

The European Tour Travel Club Package

The European Tour Travel Club offers unique experiences for golf fans looking to combine breaks away with once-in-a-lifetime rounds. With the European Tour again staging the Portugal Masters at the Victoria course from 20-23 October, golfers you can also enjoy Vilamoura's top-class golf facilities with the below package.

Venue: Vilamoura

Package Includes:

• 3 rounds of golf (Millennium, Laguna and Victoria course)
• 3 nights' B&B at the 5* Tivoli Victoria Hotel

Package Price: From £429

Package information: www.euroepantourtravelclub.com/victoria