Vilamoura Old Course (Dom Pedro Old Course)
The Algarve's grand old parkland - Frank Pennink's pine-lined 1969 classic at Vilamoura, restored by Martin Hawtree and open to every visiting golfer.
Vilamoura Old Course (Dom Pedro Old Course) in photos
Can I play Vilamoura Old Course (Dom Pedro Old Course)?
Yes - the Old Course is a public-access resort course, so any golfer can book a tee time. Guests staying in Vilamoura and at affiliated hotels receive preferential rates and priority, but outside visitors are welcome throughout the year. It is the pick of Vilamoura's several courses for classic parkland golf.
How to book: Book online through the Vilamoura Golf (formerly Dom Pedro) reservation system, by phone or email, or via a stay-and-play package. Twilight and multi-round rates offer good value, and advance booking is advisable in the spring and autumn high season. A complimentary shuttle and practice balls are typically included.
About Vilamoura Old Course (Dom Pedro Old Course)
The Old Course at Vilamoura, laid out by English architect Frank Pennink in 1969 and sympathetically remodelled by Martin Hawtree in 1996, is the Algarve's original championship course and still among its most admired. Wide avenues of mature umbrella pines frame classic doglegs on gently rolling ground, rewarding position and shape over brute power across a par of 73. Long a public-access resort course (formerly branded Dom Pedro, now Vilamoura Golf), it hosted the Portuguese Open in 1976 and remains a must-play for visitors to the region. Its traditional, tree-lined character sets it apart from the Algarve's more modern layouts.
Signature hole
The pine-lined closing holes, where tight tree-framed fairways demand precision off the tee - a classic Pennink finish that has decided many a match.
What makes it special
The Algarve's original
Opened in 1969, this Frank Pennink design was the region's first championship course.
Classic pine parkland
Avenues of umbrella pines frame traditional doglegs that reward shot-making.
Public-access heritage
A former Portuguese Open host that any visitor can still book and play.
Tournament pedigree
- Portuguese Open (1976)
Need to know
Best time to play
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal; winter is mild and popular with northern Europeans, while high summer is hot and busy. The Old Course's pines offer welcome shade.
Dress code
Standard golf attire: collared shirt and tailored trousers or shorts; no denim. Soft spikes required.
Good to know
The Old Course is comfortably walkable, though buggies are available (roughly EUR 30-35); a complimentary shuttle, range balls and first-tee coffee are usually included. Allow around four and a half hours, and favour accuracy over distance off the tee.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Faro (FAO) ~25 minutes.
On arrival
Vilamoura is on the central Algarve coast, about 25 minutes' drive west of Faro airport via the A22 or N125. Hire cars, taxis and resort transfers are all straightforward, and the Old Course is a short drive from Vilamoura's marina.
Stay near the course
Stay in Vilamoura itself - the Tivoli Marina, the former Dom Pedro hotels and countless apartments put you minutes from the tee - or in nearby Quarteira, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. The marina offers plenty of dining and nightlife.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
Quarteira
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Domes Lake Residences
Quarteira
A taste of the luxury stays near Vilamoura Old Course (Dom Pedro Old Course) — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Vilamoura — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Vilamoura.
Explore VilamouraFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play the Vilamoura Old Course?
Yes - it is a public-access resort course open to all golfers, with resort guests getting priority and preferential rates.
How much does it cost?
Indicatively EUR 150-215 for a standard round by season, with twilight rates from around EUR 77 and buggies about EUR 30-35. Prices are approximate and seasonal.
Is it the same as Dom Pedro Old Course?
Yes - the course was branded 'Dom Pedro Old Course' for years and is now marketed as the Vilamoura Old Course under Vilamoura Golf.
When is the best time to play?
Spring and autumn for the finest conditions; winter is mild and popular, summer hot and busy.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.