Penina Golf Resort Hotel

"We played the championship course on Saturday 1st November. We’ve played the course many times over the preceding 30 years so, having read numerous reviews slating the condition, we approached this one with trepidation. No, it’s not in the condition that it was when the European Tour regularly visited but it was by no means shabby. I would question the technique of those complaining about the bunkers - not a lot of sand but enough to control your shot quite easily. Greens had been spiked but rolled well at a reasonable pace and the fairways were also in good nick. We don’t stay in the hotel or play the Resort Course so I can’t pass comment on those. All in all a very enjoyable and good value visit so please don’t believe all you read - apart from this of course!!"

"20 golfers. package deal. overpriced in my opinion compared to what else is available on the Algarve. The Resort course is embarrassing. Dug up & patchy, terrible greens. They should not let people out on it. It just gives an awful impression. The Championship course is ok. quite nice and challenging but you cant give a review without mentioning the bunkers. They were appalling - solid, earthy sand, many of them flooded. it really lets the place down. Although there is a starter, the first tee box was crowded with late starters pushing everyone back. We were behind a 3 ball and kept pace but the Ranger was going around telling everyone (including us) to speed up!!! which was probably just an inexperienced guy showing his frustration! Overall the staff were very good. but the confusion in the pro-shop was honestly like a comedy show... having booked the buggies in advance (I offered to pre-pay, this was declined, I offered my room number, he didnt need it - but assured me that I had booked 2 buggies on 2 separate days...) and of course, to my surprise, the next day he was scrambling to find me a buggy as he had let them all out. When I got a buggy, I asked the same diligent pro-shop guy where was the driving range... he pointed the way to go (about 7-8 mins walk) and we went on our merry way - only to find a machine that needs tokens from the guy in the pro shop... Then the buggy broke down. as did two others - we saw them being towed back. so yeah, we wont be back - certainly not at the rate we were given - and only if I hear of significant improvements."

"This course has a great layout but the condition is very poor. Difficult yes. Greens not bad. Complaints from other people as we checked in, not a good look"