Photo: Kolforn · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web
Algarve, Portugal
San Lorenzo Golf Course
A Joe Lee and Rocky Roquemore design at Quinta do Lago, bordering the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve — home of one of golf's most celebrated finishing holes.
Course overview
Designed by American architects Joe Lee and Rocky Roquemore and opened in 1988, San Lorenzo occupies a site at Quinta do Lago whose holes wind through umbrella pine forest, past freshwater lagoons and along the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve. Bermuda grass fairways lead to Penncross greens at a course rated 72.2 (slope 128) from the white tees. The 18th hole — running along the lagoon to a green framed by the estuary — is regarded as one of the finest finishing holes in golf and has won multiple World Golf Awards for Best Golf Course in Portugal.
The essentials
- Architect
- Joe Lee and Rocky Roquemore
- Established
- 1988
- Type
- Coastal
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,238 m
- Handicap
- HCP 0–28
- Location
- Algarve, Portugal
Character & atmosphere
A strategic, lagoon-framed layout where umbrella pines and the Ria Formosa shape every approach — the back nine alongside the water demands controlled aggression, and the 18th is one of the most celebrated finishing holes in Portuguese golf.
Highlights
Why play here
- Designed by Joe Lee and Rocky Roquemore, opened in 1988.
- A challenging round for golfers who enjoy a proper test.
- Part of a full golf resort, with facilities on site.
Signature Hole
18
Regarded as one of the finest finishing holes in golf, the 18th runs along the Ria Formosa lagoon to a green framed by the estuary. Accuracy and nerve are essential on the closing approach.
GolfTrip Score breakdown
Editorial scoring framework — not an official course rating.
Facilities
Practical guidance
Plan your visit
How to get there
Faro Airport is just 20 minutes from the Quinta do Lago estate. Car hire, taxis, and private transfers are all straightforward options. Car hire offers the most flexibility for the broader Algarve golf corridor.
Where to stay
Vilamoura is the Algarve's most established golf resort town, built around a yacht marina. Its concentration of courses, hotels, and dining options makes it the most convenient base for a dedicated golf trip.
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Portugal
Explore Algarve
Portugal's southern coast, one of Europe's most established golf destinations.