The Monte Rei is a prestigious Jack Nicklaus Signature Course – meaning the man himself has actually had a say in the design of the course rather than just putting his name to it. Monte Rei golf course has recently been ranked as the number one course in Portugal by the Top 100 golf course guide. Set in the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Algarve, the course has some impressive views of the Serra do Caldeirao Mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

The first of 2 Jack Nicklaus courses, the North only opened for play in June 2007. The course is a par 72 measuring 6567 metres from the championship tees and 11 of the holes feature water hazards. The configuration of the course is eight par 4′s, five par 3′s and five par 5′s and has a distinctive layout.

The spectacular layout has received numerous accolades since first opening for play in June 2007. With the course stretching out over beautiful terrain, taking advantage of natural elevations and fantastic vistas, it’s easy to see why this has become a firm favorite amongst golf holiday makers. This hidden gem of the Eastern Algarve is a five-star experience that few can compete with, whether its the perfect pyramids of golf balls on the driving range or your personalized bag tag, each element of your golf experience at Monte Rei is of the very highest standard.

Befitting of a golf course of this luxury, one key feature that has been noted in the 4golf.com offices is the 19th hole food. Rumoured to be home of the best club sandwich in the Algarve (Quinta do Lago is a close 2nd), this combined with a cold Superbock make this perfect golf activity.

As one of the finest Championship tests in Europe, Monte Rei is not for the faint-hearted, measuring in excess of 7,200 yards from the Championship markers, only those with the best long games should consider playing the course off these tees. However the par-72 layout does include five par-5′s so if you can keep it straight and long (a tough combination!) off the tee there are some good birdie opportunities to be had on the course.

We look forward to this course developing into one of the finest in Europe as it matures, this combined with plans to design a further championship layout in the ‘South’ course in coming years make this a very exciting proposition for golf holiday makers looking for a bit of luxury and a test of golf sure to exercise every facet of their golfing armory.

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