What makes a golf course truly memorable? The ability to recall each individual hole, to picture specific shots and challenges, to relive moments long after the round has concluded. When you can identify and highlight all 18 holes from a course you’ve played, you’ve discovered something special—a layout that deserves recognition amongst your top five or even top ten courses. The Old Course at Vilamoura has always been one such place, and following its recent transformation, it has elevated itself to new heights as the jewel in the crown of the Algarve’s golfing landscape.
A Long-Standing Favourite
My first encounter with the Old Course came approximately seven years ago during a pro-am event. Even then, amidst a schedule packed with rounds across multiple Portuguese courses, Vilamoura’s Old Course sparkled with something special. It stood apart from the competition, embedding itself firmly in memory as not just a favourite amongst Algarve courses, but as my preferred golf course in all of Portugal.
The defining characteristic has always been the magnificent pine trees that wrap themselves around the golf course. Threading your way through these towering pines creates a unique atmosphere where each hole feels like its own distinct entity, yet you maintain an awareness of the holes around you. This delicate balance between isolation and connection contributes significantly to the course’s memorable quality.
For years, the Old Course sat perfectly positioned amongst the pine trees in the Vilamoura resort area, a recognised gem in a region blessed with outstanding golf facilities. However, even gems require careful maintenance and occasional restoration to maintain their lustre.
A Thoughtful Transformation
The recent changeover from the Dom Pedro group to theDetails Group marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Old Course. The new ownership immediately demonstrated their commitment through a complete overhaul of the facility—but crucially, this wasn’t a reimagining or fundamental redesign of what made the course special.
They resisted the temptation to blow up holes, create entirely new layouts, or simply add length through new tee boxes. Instead, the Details Group recognised that the Old Course’s bones were already exceptional. What it needed was restoration, refinement, and elevation to world-class standards across every aspect of the facility.
The transformation focused on revealing the course’s inherent quality. Over the years, shrubbery between the trees had become overgrown, gradually encroaching on the playing corridors and obscuring sightlines. The new ownership carefully cut away this excess vegetation, opening up the land between holes whilst preserving the distinctive pine tree character that defines the course.
The Details Matter
The cart paths throughout the property received tasteful renovation. Interestingly, the original paths had developed their own character over time—lifted and undulating from the roots of the surrounding pine trees, they possessed an “oldie worldie” charm that some might have found endearing. However, the new ownership recognised that world-class facilities require attention to every detail, and the updated paths now provide smooth navigation whilst complementing rather than competing with the natural beauty.
Yet it’s the playing surfaces themselves that truly showcase the investment and care applied to this restoration. The quality of the greens, fairways, and tees has reached a new standard. These fundamental elements of any golf course have been brought to a level of conditioning that matches the best facilities anywhere, transforming the playing experience from excellent to exceptional.
The Welcome Experience
First impressions matter enormously in golf, and the Old Course now excels from the moment of arrival. The approach up the driveway now includes a welcoming reception area that never previously existed, immediately signalling the elevated standards throughout the facility.
The fleet of golf buggies has been comprehensively updated, ensuring comfort and reliability for every round. These might seem like small details, but they contribute to the overall experience that separates good courses from truly outstanding ones.
A Clubhouse Transformation
Walking into the clubhouse reveals the full extent of the transformation. What was previously showing signs of wear—inevitable for any facility over time—has been tastefully restored and brought back to former glory whilst simultaneously stepping forward into a new era.
The clubhouse now stands as a fitting complement to the quality of golf on offer. Every aspect has received attention, creating an environment that feels both welcoming and world-class. It’s the kind of facility that makes you want to linger after your round, enjoying the atmosphere and reliving the highlights of your day on the course.
Investment in Excellence
Perhaps nothing demonstrates the commitment to excellence more clearly than the practice facilities. The driving range now features TrackMan technology in every single bay—an investment that speaks volumes about the ownership’s vision for attracting serious golfers and providing them with world-class preparation opportunities.
This level of technology and attention to detail extends throughout the facility, creating an environment where golfers can work on their game with the same tools and feedback used by touring professionals. It’s exactly the kind of feature that will attract visitors from around the world, particularly the American market that the facility is now targeting.
The Jewel in Vilamoura’s Crown
The Algarve region of Portugal has long been recognised as one of Europe’s premier golf destinations, and Vilamoura sits at its heart with multiple outstanding courses competing for attention. In this context, the Old Course has re-established itself not just as a contender, but as the definitive golfing experience in the area.
The combination of that distinctive routing through the pine trees, the newly elevated conditioning and facilities, and the thoughtful restoration work has created something truly special. This isn’t a new course trying to make its mark—it’s a recognised classic that has been lovingly brought back to its full potential and then elevated beyond it.
A Lasting Impression
What makes the Old Course at Vilamoura so memorable isn’t any single feature, but rather the harmonious combination of natural beauty, thoughtful design, impeccable conditioning, and world-class facilities. It’s a course where you can recall each hole, where every shot demands both strategy and execution, and where the overall experience lingers long after you’ve left.
The transformation undertaken by the Details Group represents exactly what golf course ownership should aspire to—recognising inherent quality, investing thoughtfully in restoration and enhancement, and creating an experience that honours the course’s history whilst embracing modern standards of excellence.
For anyone planning a golf trip to Portugal, the Old Course at Vilamoura deserves to be at the top of your list. It stands as clear evidence that with vision, investment, and respect for what makes a course special, even an already outstanding facility can reach new heights. The Old Course has always been memorable; now it’s unforgettable.
Dan Hendriksen, PGA Professional