Vale Do Lobo - Ocean or Royal

[wetherfield]

Hi Guys,

New here, so I'm sorry if this is posted in the wrong section.

I am flying out to Portugal on Saturday for a few games of golf.

To summarise, i am a 19 handicap lefty.

I am playing Espiche Golf, Palmares, and I'm just about to book Vale Do Lobo, but I am really torn between Royal (purely for the 16th & 9th famous holes) or Ocean which looks a lot more 'safer' for the occasional slice!

Any feedback on either course would be appreciated, just want to make sure I don't pusnish mysel with Royal over the sake of two holes whereas Ocean on paper looks like the better course?

Thanks guys

 

[peld]

Both pretty reasonable courses and you'll be fine off 19.
Obv the Royal has the 16th but you are right the Ocean has a bit more of a traditional layout - i love the back 9 of the Ocean and the par 3 along the sea is lovely. The 9th on the Ocean is one of my favourite holes, but I do think 6/7/8 on the Ocean are pretty poor.
The Royal is possibly a more complete golf course but the 18th lets it down a bit (just a "nothing" hole). 9/10/11 are good as well at the 16th.

One important note is the Ocean is walkable (6>7 and 8>9 are fair walks), but the Royal definitely is not a walking course.

 

[IanM]

I'd play Quinta do Lago South over both. It's just down the road.

 

[TerryA]

I have played them both numerous times and I would always take the Ocean over the Royal - the views on the back nine are superb.

 

[Bratty]

I'd go for the Ocean ahead of the Royal.
But I'd go for Quinta South or North over both of them.

 

[peld]

if we are talking alternatives in the area then Laranjal is better than them all !

 

[wetherfield]

Thank you for your suggestions guys! Much appreciated

 

[IanM]

if we are talking alternatives in the area then Laranjal is better than them all !

Our gang often debate whether we prefer South or Laranjal! I can live with either!

 

[Bratty]

Laranjal is my favourite, I just wasn't sure it's a good course for a 19 handicapper.
But I might be wrong and in which case Laranjal is absolutely a great, great course.