Situated at the heart of one of the Algarve's most developed resort areas between Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago, Vila Sol is a picture postcard of Portuguese golf. Though opened only in July 1991, the course already shows a considerable degree of maturity as a result of its excellent upkeep.

This course, which winds through an immense pine wood, where fig trees, oaks and almond trees also feature, is the work of the famous English architect Donald Steel. It is a typical inland golf course of the British school, posing a test of the golfer's strategic skills. Its narrow fairways demand accurate driving. The player also has to face several obstacles during the game - lakes and bunkers - as well as fast grass on the greens. A low overall score will be the fruit of early successes on the first four holes, reckoned to be the most difficult on the entire course.

Vila Sol earned high marks in its most challenging test - hosting the Portuguese Open in 1992 and 1993 - when the invigilators were Europe's top professionals. These golf stars heaped praise upon the excellent playing conditions and the quality of its greens, which they considered as good as the best in Europe.