It is easy for an amateur golfer to select which golf course is best to hone their skills because the golf course that is close to home will be used more often and serve the needs of the new golfer best. A new golfer will have to learn about the rules of golf, and might select the golf course that has a golf pro on staff so that he can learn which golf clubs to use on various shots during a golf game and which stance to use to tee off for their first game.
The golf pro is always at the golf course to help all golfers improve their golf game. The golf course where he works may be a professional course that sanctioned by the Pro Golfers Association. If so, it will undoubtedly be used as a tournament course at some time during the year and the local golfer will be sure to buy tickets to see the golfing action that occurs during those tournaments.
This type of exposure to the professional world of golf is a good way for a new golfer to select the type of golf course that they want to use to improve their game. Some courses are notably harder than others because the designers have configured them with sand holes and bits of forest that tend to block the view to the area where the flag is standing. Some golfers practice on these difficult courses more than any other because it gives them the best opportunities to hone their skills to be able to overcome those obstacles.
The avid golfers that want to go on vacation and use their free time to hit a few balls for relaxation purposes might prefer to find golf courses that have all of the amenities they need to have a good time. These golfers will be centered on improving their golf game during daylight hours, and will expect the golf course to present them with many challenging holes of golf to play so that they can improve their game.
More than 1000 golf courses throughout the United States are fashioned to be posh resorts and golfers can dine in elegant surroundings that border around some of the prettiest golf courses in the world. Golfers have access to weight rooms, saunas and massage therapists to ease tensions while they are not on the golf course. All of these amenities will require hefty fees but golfers on vacation think that improving their golf game is worth the price they pay for such indulgences.
Some golfers will select the East Coast to play golf, and follow a winding trail of golf courses throughout the South. They become accustomed to playing golf in rainy weather and enjoy the hospitality that Southerners are famous for immensely. Some golfers rely on recommendations for the best golf courses that they find listed in golfing magazines. The four-star ratings can be deceptive at times and new golfers will have to find golf courses that do not present such a challenge to their skills.
Three of Algarve's best
Two 18-hole courses make up the ocean-side fairways of Vale do Lobo ? the Royal, where straight hitting is required, and the Ocean, which has been named by Golf Digest Magazine as one of the top three courses in Portugal. You will definitely enjoy the dramatic views of the Atlantic on the challenging Par 4's of the 11th and 14th Ocean holes, and the Par 3 15th is actually set beside a beach.
The Royal is known for its spectacular and challenging 16th, although the final hole, with its narrow fairway and baffling green, makes for a difficult conclusion to your round.
Five links holes of the scenic Palmares course run beside the Meia Praia beach sand dunes, while the other 13 holes sit within rolling hills overlooking the Bay of Lagos. Just 2 km to the east of Lagos, the beautiful course is at its best in spring, when its many acacias, almonds, and other shrubs are in flower.
The open 18-hole, Par 71, features challenging holes on sand dunes, and you can get plenty of practice on the driving range, chipping green, and putting green. While Palmares can be a challenge, it is excellent for golfers of all abilities.
One of the very best Portuguese courses, Quinta da Ria, is located
in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, with views of the sea and the Algarvean mountains, from many aspects. With over 300 olive and carob trees set amongst the 18 holes, there are many tricky doglegs to negotiate and many greens are well guarded by sand hazards and lakes.
There are two driving ranges, one designed for practice with irons, which includes a golf academy devoted to iron shots, and another that allows for some long practice hits with your woods.
An old favourite on the Lisbon Coast
On the Lisbon Coast, the renowned Estoril, one of the oldest and best-known golf courses in Portugal, has often hosted the Portuguese Open. Set in a mature pine and eucalypt forest, the 18-hole, Par 69 course features the internationally renown 16th with its challenging 184-metre fairway.
For less experienced golfers, there is another 9-hole course where they can hone their skills. Afterwards, excellent Portuguese cuisine is available at the clubhouse restaurant, with its spectacular views of the Atlantic.
Portugal's golfing island of Madeira
Santo da Serra, overlooking the bay of Machico, hosts PGA European events, including the Madeira Island Open. The original course, built in 1937, was redesigned in the 1990s by Trent Jones, into a 27-hole golf course with panoramic views. The 2nd and 4th holes of the Machico section of the course are both memorable and challenging.
There are four optional tees at each hole, so you can experience different levels, from a relaxing to a challenging game. Semi-roughs and roughs are scattered throughout the course, and four beautiful lakes, surrounded by shade trees, provide relief on a hot day.
Rodney Ritchie has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Golf Guide and Travel and Leisure. Rod Ritchie, a travel writer and editor, writes for many publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors. Teetimesanywhere.com offer discount. Rodney Ritchie's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.