While Americans and many Canadians flock to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a European golfing vacation, Portugal is the preferred destination. Since the late 1960s, Portugal has become a desirable golf destination, especially for golfers in the United Kingdom. Three-time British Open winner Sir Henry Cotton started the trend when he transformed what was once a rice field into an 18-hole championship golf course. The Penina Resort Course was the first of more than 75 golf courses in Portugal today. 

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Because of its hot summers and mild sunny winters, the Algarve is home to most of Portugal's golf courses. If you want to play numerous courses during your Portuguese golfing vacation, base yourself in the town of Vilamoura, a coastal resort with a glitzy marina, casino, and countless places to eat and drink. If any members of your party don't want to play golf, they can relax on a sandy beach, tour Roman archeological ruins, or shop till they drop.

Top golf courses close to Vilamoura include the following:

Quinta do Lago
The Quinta do Lago has three world-class 18-hole golf courses: The par 72 Laranjal, the par 72 South Course, and the par 72 North Course. The three courses are considered some of the best in Europe and feature the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and a Taylor Made Performance Center.

Ombria Resort Algarve
Home to the 141-room, 5-star Viceroy at Ombria Resort, the complex offers many sporting activities, including a challenging par 71 18-hold golf course.

Dom Pedro Victoria Golf
Designed by golfing legend Arnold Palmer, it is considered one of Europe's most challenging golf courses. The 7,273-yard par 72 is home to the Portugal Masters and has hosted the World Cup Championship. 

Vale do Lobo Resort
Advertising itself as the best golf, beach, and spa resort in Europe, the Vale do Lobo Resort has two golf courses, the Royal and the Ocean. The Royal ranks in the top 100 European courses and has one of the most photographed holes in golf. The par three 16th requires players to hit the ball 235 yards over three cliffs above the beach.

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While less challenging than the Royal, the Ocean course offers some of the most amazing views you will ever see from a golf course.

Dom Pedro Millennium Golf Course
Located in a park-like setting, the par 72 Dom Pedro Millennium Golf Course features many water hazards that test even the best golfers. The 17th and 18th are particularly tricky and need a well-thought-out approach.

Reasons to go to Portugal besides the golf

Besides the great golf, beautiful sandy beaches, and picturesque towns, the Algarve is famous for its fresh-off-the-boat seafood. If you are not a fish lover, don't worry, as grilled meat is widespread, accompanied by a glass of José Maria da Fonseca, Castelão wine. In recent years, talented Portuguese chefs have achieved Michelin Star status, turning the Algare into a destination for foodies. Also, unlike every other Southern European country, many Portuguese speak English, making communicating and making friends easy.

When arriving in the Algarve, your private jet will land at Faro International Airport (FAO). Faro Airport has two dedicated FBOs and VIP service personnel to get you through Portuguese Customs and Immigration speedily. 

Easily reached flying non-stop from the United States East Coast, using Teterboro Airport (TEB) as a starting point, a Gulfstream GS650 can cover the mile 3,408 distance in under six hours. 

If a Portuguese golfing vacation sounds appealing or you would like to visit the Algarve, Paramount Business Jets can arrange the perfect aircraft for your trip. You can visit Paramount Business Jet online at https://www.paramountbusinessjets.com/ or by calling Tel+1-877-727-2538, where operators are standing by 24/7.