Vilamoura Pinhal Golf
Pinhal is one of the original courses of Vilamoura, opened in 1976 to a Frank Pennink design and later refined by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Its name means the pine wood, and that is exactly what it is, a classic, tree lined parkland test carved through dense umbrella pine in the heart of the Algarve's best known golf resort.
Photo: Pinhal Golf Course Vilamoura via Google.
The verdict
Pinhal opened in 1976 as the second course at Vilamoura, a Frank Pennink layout in the same tree lined tradition as his celebrated Old Course next door. Robert Trent Jones Sr came in during the 1980s to redesign and strengthen several holes, and the result is a mature, characterful parkland routed through the umbrella pines that give the course its name.
It does not have the championship pedigree of the resort's Victoria course or the heritage of the Old, but it is a hugely enjoyable, accessible round, the kind of course that anchors a buddies trip without breaking the budget. Set within walking reach of the Vilamoura marina and its bars and hotels, it is the easy, sociable heart of an Algarve golf week. See our best of Portugal ranking and the golf in Portugal guide.
Vilamoura Pinhal at a glance
- Course opened
- 1976
- Designer
- Frank Pennink
- Type
- Parkland, pines
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,355 yds
- Green fee
- Mid
Designer, year and par verified June 2026 from GolfPass, the resort and course databases. Pinhal, designed by Frank Pennink, opened in 1976 and was later refined by Robert Trent Jones Sr, a par 72 of about 6,355 yards from the standard tees that has been lengthened over the years. Green fees sit in the mid range for Vilamoura as an indicative 2026 guide, from around 100 to 130 euros by season, with resort and multi round deals common. Rates vary by season; always confirm the current rate directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Pinhal plays through avenues of pine, the trees crowding the fairways and demanding a straight, controlled drive off almost every tee. Pennink routed it in the classic manner, with subtle doglegs that ask you to shape the ball, and Robert Trent Jones Sr added teeth where the original was gentle, tightening greens and bringing the bunkering into play.
It is a course that rewards position over power, where finding the fairway is everything and a wayward tee shot brings a tree into the line almost every time. The greens are honest and the routing flows naturally through the forest, with the gentle Algarve terrain making it a comfortable walk.
It is a course to enjoy rather than to fear, a relaxed, atmospheric round that pairs perfectly with the livelier modern golf elsewhere in Vilamoura. As part of a multi course resort trip, it is the dependable, well loved member of the family.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort course open to visiting golfers year round; book ahead in peak spring and autumn season |
| Green fee | Mid range for Vilamoura, an indicative 2026 guide from around 100 to 130 euros by season |
| Booking | Reserve online, through the resort or with your trip planner; buggies and carts available |
| On the day | Walkable parkland through pine forest; accuracy off the tee is key; standard golf dress code with collared shirts |
| Getting there | In the Vilamoura resort near Loule, about 25 km and twenty five minutes from Faro airport |
| Best months | Spring and autumn are ideal; mild year round, with the pines giving welcome shade in summer |
Fees and access verified June 2026; the indicative green fees reflect 2026 pricing and vary by season, so always confirm the current rate and tee availability directly before booking. Book a tee time through our trip desk.
Where to stay nearby
Vilamoura is built for golf trips, with hotels of every level a short drive or even a walk from the course, the marina lined with restaurants and bars, and tee times across five resort courses bookable from one base. Staying in the resort keeps transfers short and the evenings lively.
For a fuller Vilamoura golf week, pair Pinhal with the heritage of the Vilamoura Old Course, the open run of Vilamoura Laguna and the modern challenge of Vilamoura Millennium.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Vilamoura.
Build an Algarve golf trip
We book the tee times at Pinhal, set you up in the Vilamoura resort near the marina and build the rest of an Algarve golf week around your golf. Tell us roughly when and who is traveling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Vilamoura Pinhal questions
Who designed Vilamoura Pinhal and when did it open?
Pinhal opened in 1976 to a Frank Pennink design, one of the original Vilamoura courses, and was later refined by Robert Trent Jones Sr in the 1980s. It runs through dense umbrella pine, which gives the course its name.
What is the par and length at Vilamoura Pinhal?
It is a par 72 of about 6,355 yards from the standard tees, a tree lined parkland test that has been lengthened over the years to stretch toward 6,900 yards from the back markers.
What are green fees at Vilamoura Pinhal?
Pinhal sits in the mid range for Vilamoura, with indicative 2026 green fees from around 100 to 130 euros depending on season, and frequent resort and multi round deals. Always confirm the current rate directly before booking.
Can visitors play Vilamoura Pinhal?
Yes. Pinhal is a resort course open to visiting golfers year round, bookable online, through the resort or with a trip planner, and it sits within easy reach of the Vilamoura marina and its hotels.
Related
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, year and par verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.