Sun-starved UK golfers eager to return to the Algarve can dust off their clubs, as the world’s finest golf destination (IAGTO 2020), embraces the forthcoming return of its golfing flock from May 17.   

Portugal has been added to the UK Government’s “green list”, giving golfers from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the opportunity to return to the tee on the world-renowned destination’s 43 sun-kissed courses. 

In the wake of the eagerly anticipated news, airlines are increasing flight capacity to Faro, while the travel industry reported a surge in bookings over the weekend, as long-overdue plans were finally put into action. 

The Algarve has seen significant investment during the lockdown period as the destination strives to provide a best-in-class experience with course maintenance teams across the region demonstrating unwavering commitment to ensure optimum playing conditions await the returning golfers. 

Meanwhile, a renovation of the South Course at Quinta do Lago will be ready for play in September, while the new Wyndham Grand Hotel has also opened nearby. Further west in Lagos, a brand new clubhouse at Palmares has opened to further complement the fantastic 27-hole resort. On the horizon, there is growing excitement ahead of the opening of the new Ombria Resort near Loulé set for its launch in early 2022. 

Playing golf in the Algarve has never been safer, with each golf venue following strict public health guidelines, golf courses, hotels and tourist businesses widely approved by the Portuguese authorities’ ‘Clean and Safe’ accreditation and Portugal approved as a ‘Safe Travels’ destination by the World Travel Tourism Council.

And away from golf, all shops have re-opened and restaurants are open until 10.30pm with plenty of opportunity to dine outside in the warm Algarve evenings.

A spokesperson for Algarve Tourism said: “It has been a difficult period for everyone and we cannot wait to welcome our UK friends once again with open arms. There has been a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes while we have been waiting for the announcement for people to travel again. We are safe and ready to offer the very best experience on our fantastic golf courses.”

Algarve, the world’s number one golf destination

For more than 50 years, golf travellers have been venturing to the Algarve, attracted by the promise of sunshine golf. Golf was born here in 1966 – when Henry Cotton first laid out the Championship course at Penina – and has blossomed over half a century to its position as a world-leading golf destination, as voted for by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), in 2020.

Visiting golfers are now met with a staggering choice of 43 nine or 18-hole layouts that can be played all-year-round, with the Algarve providing great hospitality to hundreds of thousands of golfers on its fairways each year.

Situated on the southern coastline of mainland Portugal, a host of international direct flights are received into Faro airport, with visitors benefitting from a 150-mile coastline, decorated by some of Europe’s best-known golf courses.

In addition, holidaymakers can enjoy spectacular beaches, picturesque rocky coves, quaint fishing villages and a rich cultural heritage.

The Algarve is the perfect destination golfers of all ages and abilities, with something to suit every taste and budget.