Ombria Golf Course

Nestled within the enchanting hillsides north of Loulé, the Ombria Golf Course is a captivating 18-hole treasure that deviates from the well-trodden paths of Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago. This remarkable golfing retreat, with its gently undulating landscape and abundance of meandering streams, offers a truly distinctive and unblemished experience for those seeking a refreshing departure from the ordinary.

Spanning a modest 6,345 yards from the back tees, the Ombria Golf Course isn’t one that demands brute force from its players. Rather, it entices golfers to employ finesse and strategic thinking, rewarding them with a thought-provoking round that is both challenging and exhilarating. With an array of cunningly placed hazards – from babbling brooks to sandy bunkers and treacherous water traps – the course presents an exquisite test of skill and judgement that leaves even the most seasoned golfers thoroughly engrossed.

Ombria does well to create and atmosphere of serene beauty and ancient charm, which stands in stark contrast to the bustling golfing hubs nearby. The course’s design not only showcases the natural splendour of the region but also encourages golfers to appreciate the delicate interplay between risk and reward, making each shot an exciting endeavour.

Course Design 

Designed by Jorge Santana da Silva, construction started in 2019. Ombria presents itself as a sustainable  resort. It has received the much coveted GEO Foundation certification, the highest accolade a course can receive for sustainability.

The course blends into its surroundings and makes use of the many contours and natural features that abound on the site. A lot of effort has been made to ensure that this unspoilt part of the Algarve remains that way.

Golfers can take in the natural flora and fauna whilst enjoying a relaxing round of golf. Magnificent holm oaks, Azinheiras, have grown on these hills for generations and still stand as natural hazards and regional references, whilst bunkers work within the contours of the hillsides, lying in wait for any errant shot. 

The fairways are sewn with Bermuda grass, while the greens are bentgrass and the rough is Fescue.

Course Information

Ombria Golf Course is designed to offer players an engaging experience, with its meticulous layout and diverse golfing challenges. 

The course is a par of 71, striking a balance between demanding holes and rewarding opportunities. It features a range of tees to accommodate players of varying skill levels, ensuring that each golfer can find the right level of challenge.

For those looking to test their skills to the fullest, the Championship Tees provide a truly competitive experience, which stretch over 6,345 yards (5,801 metres).

If you’re seeking a slightly more forgiving round, the Yellow Tees measure 5,850 yards (5,348 metres), allowing for an enjoyable yet still challenging round of golf. 

Meanwhile, the Red Tees cater to those who prefer a more accessible course, spanning 5,429 yards (4,966 metres) and providing a gentler test.

Course Layout: A Journey through Ombria’s Scenic Golfing Landscape

The 18-hole layout at Ombria Golf Course is composed of two distinct loops of nine holes, each offering their unique charm and challenge. As you embark on your golfing adventure, you’ll be greeted with stunning vistas and a variety of strategic decisions that will keep you engaged throughout your round.

Upon stepping up to the first tee, players are welcomed with a breathtaking panorama of the front nine, gracefully unfurling across a picturesque river valley. The opening hole, a formidable par-five with a stroke index of 5 immediately presents you with your first risk-reward decision: play it safe or boldly attempt to reach the green in two?

The eighth hole poses another intriguing challenge, as golfers, under the watchful gaze of the clubhouse and hotel, may be enticed to drive the green. However, a cunningly positioned stream lurks just before the green, threatening to punish those who fall short with a dreaded drop and a blemish on their scorecard.

The ninth hole introduces more aquatic elements, as it gracefully dog-legs left around an impressive lake. Keeping to the right side of the fairway is crucial for setting up a manageable approach shot to the green.

Transitioning to the back nine, the terrain flattens out, offering a more leisurely stroll through the expansive plains nestled within Ombria’s surrounding hills. This section of the course is particularly suitable for those who prefer a gentler walk or may be unsteady on their feet.

The twelfth hole stands out as the most formidable challenge on the back nine. With a stroke index of 2, this par-five hole tempts golfers to try for the green in two shots. However, caution is advised, as a sizeable bunker lies in wait to punish those who veer too far left on their approach.

The Greens: A Masterful Blend of Challenge and Precision at Ombria Golf Course

Ombria Golf Course’s greens, meticulously maintained by head greenkeeper Luis Pinto, offer a delightful playing experience. 

Sown with bentgrass, these putting surfaces are designed to run both fast and true, rewarding those who can master their pace and line.

There’s a delightful variety in size and challenge at Ombria. Golfers will encounter larger greens that invite a more aggressive approach, allowing players to confidently aim for the flag. Conversely, the course also features smaller, tighter greens that demand precision and control, where securing an up-and-down relies heavily on accurate shot-making.

This harmonious balance between challenge and playability ensures that each green at Ombria Golf Course presents its unique test, providing a captivating putting experience for golfers of all abilities.

Ombria Signature Hole: The Sixth

Ombria Golf Course’s pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the sixth hole. This par-5 masterpiece, stretching over 487 yards, presents golfers with a demanding test that will linger in their memories long after their round has concluded.

Players are faced with the challenge of carrying their tee shot over an imposing bunker that spans the entire width of the fairway. To add to the excitement, a menacing water hazard hugs the left side of the hole from tee to green, making golfers think twice before opting to draw their shots.

The third shot on this hole is no less daunting, as it requires a precise approach to an undulating green, with water once again asserting its presence on the left rear side of the putting surface. Successfully navigating the hazards and complexities of the sixth hole is a feat worthy of celebration.

To Conclude: Ombria Golf Course – A Must-Play Destination for Discerning Golfers

In summary, Ombria Golf Course offers a truly immersive and rewarding golfing experience. While it may not be the longest course, it demands precision and strategic thinking, challenging players to bring their best game to its fairways and greens.

Ombria’s commendable commitment to sustainability is a shining example of how golf can coexist harmoniously with the natural environment. The course’s design and maintenance have been meticulously carried out to ensure seamless integration with the breathtaking Algarve landscape, allowing golfers to revel in the unspoilt beauty of the region as they navigate its captivating holes.