June Newsletter

Hi Everybody

The summer sun has now at long last arrived, with current temperatures in the mid to high 20s! We have had to put up with bad periods of showery weather at the start of the Golf Season. Now things have changed and we can look forward to the really good warm sunny days ahead.

The Golf Courses have really benefited from the inclement weather after last year’s drought; when most of the courses had to buy water. All of the courses are now approaching pristine condition and I have no doubt the Algarve will again achieve the No 1 status as the “Most Popular Golf Destination” in the World”!

The courses on the Eastern side are the” Hidden Gems” of the Algarve! Complete satisfaction assured to all that have the pleasure of playing them.

What is the recipe on the Eastern side to give it the edge over the rest?

To start with it’s much cheaper, has great courses and excellent food all at reasonable prices. This is what you get in the Eastern Algarve!

 

The Courses

You have the most eastern course Castro Marim Golfe and Country Club. A definite hidden treasure which has been a favourite of mine lately. The course boasts three nines. When you have visited and played them, it goes without saying, you will confirm this is a real gem.

Apart from the golf, the restaurant is renowned for quality affordable food. The club is also a famous wedding venue and one of the most scenic on the Algarve.

We have one of our own, Michael Hegarty as the Manager of the Clubhouse Catering and Wedding bookings!  It goes without saying that the Irish are very well looked after here, and a visit to the Dining Room will leave a fond and lasting memory.

Adjacent to Castro, on the other side of the road “so to speak” is Quinta da Vale, the last course Seve designed before his illness. Sadly he never made it for the official opening.

The course is unique in its design. It has six fives; six fours and six threes, making up its layout. Needs to be played more than once because like Augusta the smart designer knew what he was creating here.

Very scenic and open, when playing it the course seems OK and you want to take it on, second time round you will be giving it the respect the layout has earned. You lay up when you’re not sure, take an iron when you need to play safe, think more about each shot and you’ll come off this course with double your previous points scored.

The complex has gone through some uncertain times, but is now trying to achieve a greater quality golfing environment under new management.

The beautiful Complex of Quinte da Cima and Ria is now in the best condition ever presented. A really nice experience to incorporate these two courses in your Itinerary . They are completely different in design yet both are quality and a good golfing challenge.

On one side you have the scenic “Ria” down by the Formosa, beautiful scenery all the way. This course hosted a “Seniors Open” and many qualifying events in the Amateur calendar over the years.

Cima one of my favourites, you will use every club in the bag to achieve a good score! It could be your most satisfying games as there is a long track to be negotiated.

Benamor 18 is now getting better and better! It used to be regarded as a holiday vacation course, but no more. It’s currently in great condition and if you can get an entry for their wine tasting days you’ll have a very memorable experience (if you don’t drink too much of course)! Also now a great place to have a meal after your game.

What can you say about Monte Rei.  The best eighteen hole course in Portugal, and rated very high in Europe. It may be the most expensive to play but it’s an amazing experience. Ask us to incorporate this great course in your golfing holiday itinerary, even on an affordable Twilight specials.

You will not be disappointed with Monte Rei. Treated like a king from the time you arrive until you leave. Most people cannot wait to get back and repeat the fabulous experience!

 

Hotels

Hotels are experiencing quite a good start to the season with bookings up on the 80% plus. This is due to the fantastic affordable quality being offered. The standards on the Eastern Algarve have not dropped and we are pleased to be able to pass this on to our clients.

Summer holidays are also an option to book, with or without golf. We guarantee the Sun!

We have added the Eurotel in Altura to our partnership and we can say without doubt, this is a real quality 4* Hotel!

The hotel more than most meets the needs of golfers and non-golfers alike. Located on the beach in a beautiful small town with quality restaurants and bars.

 

Specials

A number of really good value specials are currently on offer. We have the fantastic new Villas at Castro with golf included. Also some short visit specials to Vale at affordable rates.

We can also seek out other current deals and pass them on to suit your personal preferences.

Either way you can’t lose right now!

 

Summer Holidays

There will be unprecedented value at the “Dunamar” for early holiday bookings in this “Apart” Hotel” which is sited on the beach at Monte Gordo. Look no more and let us know your requirements.

O Connor Golf Tours are in their third operational year, providing the personal attention to ensure your enjoyment is guaranteed at this holiday destination.

Cars or Transfers

We don’t recommend driving if you are coming on a golfing holiday! Tolls now apply on all roads and the motorways are now heavily patrolled by the highway police.

Leave the transfers to us as we get you hassle free from A to B!

Enjoy a few drinks after golf or even travel to your recommended restaurants! We are waiting to take you safely back to your base. However if you need to drive, we will provide a very competitive quote

 

Algarve Cup

For those that like a bit of competition, we are now taking bookings for the Algarve Golf Competition in November. This is a heavily sponsored event with golf on a number of different courses. It’s played with a little fun and a lot of socialising, makes for a great week.

We are now on Face book and Twitter and hope to get some social integration with our great Clients and Partners.

 

Have a good Golf Season

Gerry O Connor

 

O Connor Golf Tours