Espiche Golf

Espiche Golf sits in the countryside of the western Algarve at Espiche, just outside Lagos. Its 18-hole course was laid out to follow the existing landscape rather than reshape it, and the site lies within a protected natural area, so the surrounding scenery and wildlife are very much part of the round.

The course

The layout was created with South African golf architect Peter Sauerman, working with the three entrepreneurs who first found the site some two decades ago. The aim was a course that mixes strategic challenge with natural beauty, and lakes feature among the fairways and greens. The club describes its approach as Nature Golf: fairways, greens and water are managed to protect wildlife and conserve water, and native planting keeps the local flora and fauna in place.

Clubhouse and Gecko Restaurant

The clubhouse was designed with sustainability in mind and has received international recognition for its architecture and the way it fits into the landscape. Inside is the Gecko Restaurant, which serves relaxed meals throughout the day. The clubhouse has all-round views over the course and the Algarve countryside, and the kitchen works with fresh, seasonal ingredients drawing on local and Mediterranean cooking. The restaurant has its own phone line and email, separate from golf reception.

Playing and membership

Visitors can reserve a round through the club's online booking, and regular players can join as members to make fuller use of the course and facilities. The website also lists an academy and events, and a hotel and residential development is planned for the future.

Espiche Golf suits holidaying golfers based around Lagos who want a quieter round in natural surroundings, as well as anyone with an interest in environmentally minded course design. Non-golfers joining a group can still enjoy a meal on the clubhouse terrace views at Gecko.