Monte Rei

For me this has been the ultimate golfing experince - a superb and very challenging course set in the wild, Portugese landscape of rolling, scrub covered hills highlighted with creative, deep and guarding bunkers, streams and lakes. The men hit an additional 1200 metres further then the women. 

Greeted by charming young men, our clubs were swiftly transferred to our carts and we were led down to the practice fairway.  When our teetime came we were asked to follow a cart up to the tee where we were informed of the local rules before commencing our round. I played with Barb, Geoff and Andy our local organiser.

What a lovely course to play!  Frequently the tees were elevated and the fairways stretched into the distance guarded by bunkers and water with plenty of run to get you into trouble.

I was thrilled to have a par 3, par 4, and a par 5 for 54 points today.  Felt I played well and thoroughly enjoyed the round.
On completion we left our clubs to be cleaned and loaded onto the bus before adjourning for an elegant, silver service lunch served by smiling staff on the terrace overlooking the lush gardens and the course. A fantastic experience.

Check out the club house, members lounge and surrounds.  A round here costs 195€ if you can get on! Monte Rei has only been open since 2007 but is well establushed and rated No 1 in Portugal.