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Monte Rei (North), Portugal |
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Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
Sitio do Pocinho
Sesmarias
8901-907
Vila Nova De Cacela
Portugal |  | Jack Nicklaus |  | David Shepherd |
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Monte Rei Golf Club was originally nominated by Steve for inclusion on the Top 100 website as a gem and was added to the site on 19th September 2007. These are Steve’s original comments: “Not sure if you’d like to include Monte Rei Golf Club within the Portuguese section of the site as it is a fantastic new course, only open six weeks when I played it in late Aug 2007. Incidentally, this is a Jack Nicklaus signature course and he has done a superb job.” Since Steve’s original nomination, Monte Rei has risen meteorically in the golf course rankings.
The Algarve has remained popular with visiting golfers for many years providing an array of golf courses to suit all tastes and abilities. Some of the courses, like anywhere, are better than others in terms of conditioning, degree of difficulty and their ability to create a desire to return after the first visit. At Monte Rei Golf Club things are very different.
The club is located away from the concentration of courses that are abundant around the Albufeira area – Monte Rei is set in the hills northeast of Tavira towards the Spanish border and the mountain setting is very special, which is evident on arrival where stunning views greet you, providing a taster as to what to expect during the round ahead.
This is one of only a few Jack Nicklaus ‘Signature’ courses in Europe and the first to reach Portugal. The layout provides an unforgettable experience and, after our visit in September 2007, we can safely say that this is a wonderful golf course, which will surely be recognised as one of the great European layouts in the not too distant future.
The course features an abundance of water hazards and some of the very best bunkering we’ve seen for some time. Additionally there are no weak holes and the opener is a par four played from an elevated tee to a fairway that doglegs to the right. Huge bunkers must be avoided both off the tee and at the green to ensure a strong start to your round. There are too many great holes to list here but our favourites come into play at a special corner of the course. The 13th is a downhill par four with bunkers at the drive landing point and a lakeside green that undulates wickedly. Even though the approach to the green is likely to be less than 100 yards, a par is a great achievement. The 14th is probably the prettiest hole at Monte Rei – a medium length par three where the tee shot must carry a lake to find the green and anything pulled left will find a watery grave. The 18th is a cracking finishing hole, a par five that is in reach for the biggest of hitters but watch out for the lake that is in play for everyone’s second and third shots.
As well as having a fantastic golf course, Monte Rei pay attention to detail. The level of service in and around the sumptuous clubhouse is world-class, so expect to be treated well. Four more luxury courses are planned for the area in the coming years, which will be designed by Tom Weiskopf, Kyle Phillips and there will be a second Jack Nicklaus layout. These developments will ensure that Monte Rei goes on from strength to strength placing this relatively unknown golfing area firmly on the map. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |  | | The North course at Monte Rei is a little removed from the main Algarve golf scene - situated as it is to the east of Faro, near the Spanish border - but don’t let the relatively remote location put you off playing here as this is a layout of epic proportions which fully deserves to share the exalted company of the likes of Valderrama and the Stadium course at PGA Catalunya at the top of the course rankings for the Iberian peninsula. Nicklaus designs are not everybody’s cup of tea but, wow, what a fantastic job Jack did here on such a wonderfully diverse property – this is golf on a grand scale as fairways pitch and roll around heaving foothills in a clever routing that only ever allows the layout of the following hole to be revealed on arrival at the next tee.  Bunkers throughout may well be enormous but they’re proportionate to the magnitude of the expansive fairways and green complexes.
The elevated tee shots on holes 1 and 10 set the scene at the start of both nines, with plunging drives hanging in the air for ages before finally falling to ground. Lakes come into play to the right of the fairway at holes 2 and 3 then again on the back nine at 12, 14 and the final two holes. I’m not a big fan of risk/reward golf involving water and so the short par four 12th - where the fairway horseshoes around a lake - is easily my least favourite hole on the course. Fortunately, it’s followed by the hole I liked best; a visually stunning downhill par four that swoops sharply downhill to a raised green perched on the side of a lake. All five short holes at Monte Rei are thrilling par threes requiring heroic carries across gullies (or water, as on the 14th) to well protected greens where a “3” marked on the card will feel like a birdie. Buggies are an absolute must when playing such a vast layout so traditionalists just have to swallow their pride and enjoy the motorized ride. A generous slope rating of 136 from the 6030-metre Championship markers has been assigned to the North course and some may view that particular indicator of playing difficulty as rather understated for such an engaging track. It’s definitely a course that’s not to be missed when visiting Portugal. Jim McCann. |
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| 04 December 2012
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| | Having played here twice in the last week I can say that which ever way the wind blows this course is an exceptional and memorable track. You are treated exceptionally well; Valet Parking, porterage, range balls, Buggy and guidance are all part of the service. The faultessly maintained course is a fabulous challenge set through undulating natural scrub land. Every hole is pure eye candy and makes you think strategically. You are presented with inviting testing tee shots and challenging approaches to well protected but ultimately fair greens. Every hole is brilliantly designed and exceptionally varied using this wonderful bit of ground to full advantage. There are plenty of wow moments here as you play down to long par threes, over gauges, over massive lakes, along side huge bunkers and up to parapet greens. It is a transparent and honest challenge of monumental scale. it is in my top 5 of all time. Go. You will love it! JCB Lay |
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| 12 November 2012
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| | A terrific course, a collection of 18 great holes. One little complaint, the speed of the greens, way too slow. A lot of downhill tee shots so it doesn't really play the full 6500 meters. Service is 5 star too, and little attentions like the included stroke saver and the bag tag you receive after your round also count. It's pricey but the buggy is included so it's not that much more expensive than Vale de Lobo for example, and the course is so much better! I'll return... Cédric |
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| 07 October 2012
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| | Just returned from playing 7 straight days at Monte Rei.Having done Les Bordes, Valderrama, & Morfontaine, Monte Rei in my opinion is the No 1 in Europe. From start to finish it is 5 star all the way. Favourite holes No 3 Stunningly spectacular tee shot, No 13 second shot into real shallow green with hazard over the back and to the right.Also the tee shot at 15 and second shot to green. Par 3's 11 & 14 just class.Par 5's 6 & 16 are both uphill and unless you are 'godzilla' no chance of reaching in 2.If playing when the Bermuda is dormant, don't be put off by the browness, the lies are still great. Played once off back tees, as they say 'been there done it'. One word describes AWESOME!!!! |
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| 27 March 2012
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| | Outstanding! Played in mid August 2011. Impeccable condition, spectacular environment, great design, truly an incredible golf experience. Par 4 15th and par 5 16th were my favourites amongst many memorable holes. Definitely in my top 5 in Europe. Discounts available for tee times after 2pm (EUR 130). Hard to compare to other great courses like Sunningdale and Ballybunion, but it sits amongst them. |
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| 30 August 2011
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|  Simply put Monte Rei is one of the finest golf courses I have ever played. The setup (practice grounds, clubhouse, staff) is exceptional and the golf course itself is nothing short of stunning. Great variety, great turf, amazing green complexes, most holes are secluded from one another and (unlike many in Portugal) most are not overlooked by property. Monte Rei has gone straight into my top 5, probably dislodging Muirfield in the process. |
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| 22 May 2011
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| | This place is special, from the second you switch the engine off and are greeted by the Caddie masters staff. The service is second to none and you get a sense that you are at a Top 100 venue.
From the practice area you are escorted to the 1st tee and let loose. The course is challenging and was in excellent condition on 18/02/11 and some of the holes when stood on the tees are nothing short of stunning. It is a must play for any golfer. |
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| 02 March 2011
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| | I have been fortunate enough to play all The Top 100 Courses of GB & I along with all the Algarve Courses - Monte Rei is, despite my despair of the Nicklaus "one mile buggy ride from green to tee" - FANTASTIC!!
Play it!! |
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| 19 October 2010
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| | Played virtually all the courses in the Lisbon region and all those in the Algarve and I would place Monte Rei at the very top. Played it yesterday for the fourth time and was hugely disappointed with the greens. All 18 had been hollow-tined and sanded. No mention was made of this at check-in which some courses do when under maintenance. I would have been even more disappointed to have paid the €190.00 green fee. So, avoid for at least another six weeks then go and play it. It is special. |
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| 18 September 2010
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| Response: | | | Graham Methold | 18 September 2010 | | It is always disappointing to play a course after it has been hollow-tined, but giving this course a two star is very harsh, particularly with the positive comments you made. I played the course in August. It is a really special course - one of the best of its type that I have played. |
| | | Fantastic course, easily the best in Portugal. I've played Monte Rei twice and the 2nd time was even better than the 1st (probably helped by better weather). From the moment you arrive the place shows quality, the service (as is the norm with Troon Golf Management), the clubhouse and range are all world class! Pyramids of balls await, even in the practice bunker! The chipping & pitching greens make you want to stay and practice all day. The view from the 1st tee is breathtaking, a sweeping downhill dogleg, as you progress down the hole and get a view of the green you know today is going to be a good day! Perfect playing surfaces, fast greens (they were sanded and still 10.5 on the stimp). A cool but difficult feature are the bunkers, all the faces are prepared compact so all balls roll down to the middle of the bunkers, no plugged lies under the lip but lots of 6 to 10ft uphill shot from a flat lie onto rapid greens, nice! The prevailing wing makes the uphill par 5 6th and 16th holes play very long. The 3rd and 13th, 14th & 15th holes are stunning. The course has everything. Open stadium type holes like the 12th & 18th, also tree lined holes like 8 & 10. The only slight negative (apart from no nearby motorway exit) is the 235 yard par 3 7th green, for me a bit too tricky when you’re hitting 3 wood with a left to right crosswind. But all in all un unforgettable experience, and what’s more, there’s hardly anyone playing it. Another thing, 15 min tee time spacing! I’ve played Valderrama (great but the snobby service left me with a bad impression, 24 range balls and 15 mins warm up time for 290 euro!), Les Bordes (would be my No1 continental course but it doesn’t qualify now it’s private, pity), PGA Catalunya, La Biella, Oitavos Dunes and I’d put Monte Rei ahead of them all. If the pines were replaced by cactus it would hold it’s own in Scottsdale with Troon North, Grayhawk & We Ko Pa. If you’re in the Algarve don’t miss it! |
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| 10 December 2009
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| Response: | | | Andy Pullen | 12 May 2010 | | I agree with the comments, and find Monte Rei gets better every time I play it (I have wealthy friends who take me!). However, in fairness to the superb golf staff, who I have spoken to many while there, and know that Monte Rei is independently owned and managed - and is not run by Troon Golf as suggested! |
| | | I've been lucky enough to play this course twice now, and for anyone visiting the eastern Algarve who wants a special golfing experience, put Monte Rei at the very top of your list.
It really is a class act from the moment you arrive and, whilst still relatively young, the course itself is superb. In a few years when it has matured a little do not be surprised to see it on the European Tour schedule.
It's hard to pick out a favourite hole, but an eagle at 18 on my first visit means that one sticks in the memory. Drive and 9 iron into a long par 5 over water, and a snaking 30 footer - awesome! (It was wind assisted before anyone asks!!).
I'm due to play there twice in February and cannot wait. |
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| 06 December 2009
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| | fatastic layout and condition-bit pricey but worth it holes 13,through to 16 in particular very tasty!! |
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| 17 August 2009
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| | One of the most beautiful and difficult golf courses I have ever played. We were booked in the middle of a golf classic. We were treated as if we were entrants in the classic. We were welcomed into the meal afterwards, given stroke savers and given bag tags with our names engraved. Your feet won't touch the ground here, top class experience. The course will not enjoyable for high handicaps though. I would say 16 HC and lower. |
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| 27 April 2009
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| | Great Design, but for such an expensive course i also expect perfect conditions. we found both aspects on our algarve trip on the Faldo course of the Oceanico Resort. |
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| 27 April 2009
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| Response: | | | Martin Boon | 08 July 2009 | | This comment is laughable - presumably written by the salesman at Oceanico! Having played both courses there is literally no comparison with Monte Rei superior in every respect. The comment should be removed for the integrity of the website. | | | Fez | 23 November 2010 | | I played 3 of the Oceanico courses. It is a travesty to compare those to Monte Rei, which was better by a country mile. |
| | | i thought this course was amazing. something very special. how it is behind vilamoura's old course i dont know, but this is eaily the best course in portugal |
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| 17 March 2009
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| | Played end Septemeber 2008. Initial impressions very good & as expected, a Rolls Royce level of service @ guest reception/clubhouse. 20 members in our party give a mixed bag of comments, but without exception courses condition rated second to none, with very fast but receptive greens and bunker edges hand clipped by scissors!! (I kid you not). The negative comments came from myself & others who have played other Nicklaus courses. i.e. a major feeling of Déjà vu. i.e. Huge buggy drives to yet another raised tee box, to yet another fully laid out in front of you wide fairway. Take away the scrubby hill landscape (I thought this very attractive & almost desert-like) and you could be playing any Nicklaus course. Also, every green is raised at the front, sides back, meaning if the bunkers are missed then you can expect to playing lob shots all day from tight lies; no chip & runs or other shot making imagination required. This is undoubtedly Stadium golf at close to its best, just don't expect anything different to what experienced elsewhere with regards this type of golf course. |
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| 29 September 2008
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| | Very good but not great. Super bunkering, good greens, several very interesting holes - the downhill par four thirteenth is terrific. And yes, the service is over the top good, typical of a Troon property. But a virtually impossible walk because of the long gaps between holes, too many water hazards (typical boring water-filled par five home hole) and a slight feeling of saminess in places. And as the houses on the hilltops get built in the experience will deteriorate. Play it now while it's at its best. |
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| 17 September 2008
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| Response: | | | D | 23 September 2008 | | "Virtually impossible walk"? Why would you be walking, the green fee includes a buggy? And to find the final hole boring is a shame. I had a great score on the go, and was left with a risk / reward option of going for it in two. I did, and made it, so I'll never forget it. But yes, it's a shame the houses are to come along and spoil this place. | | | Ady | 06 December 2009 | | I agree the comments about 18 are odd. It's a classic risk/reward closing hole where good scores can be consolidated by brave players or ruined by the unsure. The fact I eagled it the first time I played it does add a touch of bias, though! I also find the long walk comment strange, given a buggy is included in the fee and, to my knowledge, you cannot play without one anyway. |
| | | Stunning! As simple as that. A world class resort where you are treated like a king from start to finish. Buggies are included in the price of a green fee, and the whole day was a real treat. I certainly came away thinking my Euro's had been well spent. Holes 13, 14 and 15 are the highlight. |
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| 08 May 2008
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| Response: | | | Antony Read | 13 September 2008 | | When you arrive the outstanding clubhouse, the service is first class you are treated like you are the only golfer in the world. Then there is the course, flawless running through valleys with scenery to die for. Every hole takes your breath away not one is the same. Bunkers are a pleasure to be in. This a must course, play it and you won’t stop talking about it. |
| | | Without doubt the best golf course I have ever played in the world! I am a member at Woburn Golf Club and have been lucky enough to play many of the courses in the list of Top 100 both in the world and of Britain but this course is in a different league! It is perfectly manicured course, there is not one thing out of place and with a selection of about 5 tees to play from will cater players of any ability. If ever in portugal this is a course you have to play without a doubt. |
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| 02 February 2008
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| | In a word stunning. Everything about the setup and service here is absolutely faultless. The course is immaculate, the design and layout are brilliant. Whilst the design does look like a Jack Nicklaus (thos bunkers!) it manages to fit in naturally with it's surroundings. The only thing is the lack of people playing here. I don;t know if it's early days or the expense but it does feel a little like a ghost town here. There are plans for more courses here and lots of expensive houses. It deserves to succeed. |
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| 05 January 2008
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| | Earlier this year I played and posted a review for the Cornelia course in Turkey and thought it was the best new European course for a while. Well after my round at Monte Rei, the Cornelia has to make way. The first course at Monte Rei is spectacular and is 18 holes of pure joy, mix this with high class standards that I have rarely come across before and this experience will stay with you for a long time. The service includes, clubs taken from the car to the buggy, an ice box on the buggy with drinks, much needed cold towels after nine holes, clubs cleaned after the round and then returned to the car. As for the course, this is one of Jack Nicklaus’s best – beautifully carved holes, with severe bunkers, and lots of water. There is a wow factor when arriving on each tee and a need to shape your shots to avoid the hazards, whether they are wet or sandy. Not easy to play to handicap but you certainly will not tire of trying. I have no doubt that this is set to become the premier golf venue on the Algarve, already taking the holiday golf feeling to a level that up to now did not exist here. |
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| 16 October 2007
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