We know all too well that being the group leader for a golf holiday for a large group is a thankless task. It’s a delicate balancing act of contacting the group, agreeing on dates, obtaining quotes, settling debates on where to play, and then just when you think it’s all booked and you can relax, you need to collect a deposit from everyone.
At Glencor Golf Holidays, we’ve spent years transforming complex travel logistics into effortless, perfectly coordinated golf holidays. Algarve golf holidays continue to be among our most popular Portugal golf breaks thanks to the abundance of top-class courses, vibrant nightlife, and excellent flight connections from most UK airports into Faro International.
In this guide, we’re sharing our 2026 “cheat codes” built up over decades — from landing 1-in-8-go-free deals to highlighting which courses include complimentary golf transfers. We’ll also bring you up to speed on the latest news and trends, including the major transformation currently underway in Vilamoura.
The 2026 Spotlight: The Els Club Vilamoura
If you haven’t visited the Algarve since 2024, the landscape has changed. Vilamoura has seen a huge influx of investment from a group that has bought up a number of hotels and all of the former Dom Pedro golf courses. The biggest change thus far is that the Victoria Course has been completely re-developed by the Big Easy himself, Ernie Els, and is now named The Els Club Vilamoura.
- Glencor Golf Insiders Tip: Whilst the golf club has moved to a more exclusive private model, it is still possible to get green fees as a guest if you opt for a package staying at Victoria Golf Resort & Spa. This hotel has a small allocation of daily tee times for residents.
Where to Stay: Choosing the Right Hub for Your Group
We know that as a group leader, the success of your trip comes down to the location of where you are staying as much as which golf courses you play. Here’s our top three recommendations for 2026:
- Vilamoura (The All-Round Choice)
Ideal for Ideal for groups who want everything within easy walking distance, with all the resort’s facilities right on their doorstep.
Vibe: High-end but accessible, the Marina is the place to unwind after a day on the fairways.
Top Resort: Hyatt Regency Vilamoura Algarve was formerly Dom Pedro Vilamoura but has had a huge makeover as part of the new investment into the town.
- Albufeira (The Party Choice)
This is the place to be for groups who consider nightlife to be just as important as golf.
Vibe: Vibrant and bustling. Choose the Old Town for traditional charm or The Strip for late-night revelry.
Top Resort: The Patio Suite Hotel is just 15 minutes taxi ride away from the strip in Albufeira.
- Tavira (The Culture Choice)
If your group are more culture vultures and prefer to soak up a traditional Portuguese experience, then head East and opt for somewhere around the coastal town of Tavira.
Vibe: Slower, historic, and gastronomic. Tavira is often called the “Venice of the Algarve” with its Roman bridge and riverfront dining. You won’t find many neon signs here; instead, you’ll find incredible seafood, cobblestone streets, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Top Resort: Vila Gale Tavira is centrally located and just a short walk from all the excellent bars and restaurants. It’s also only 20 minutes from the Monte Rei – a real bucket list golfing experience.
And for those who are not driven by location within the Algarve but are fully focused on playing plenty of top golf:
- Amendoeira/Pestana/Penina (The Stay & Play Choice)
Perfect for large societies looking to reduce the amount of travelling and organising logistics whilst staying in an all-encompassing golf environment. You can make it even easier by going for an all-inclusive resort so you don’t have to squabble over the bill at the end of each evening. Great accommodation choices include Marriott Residences Salgados Resort, NAU Sao Rafael Suites and the Robinson Quinta da Ria in the Eastern Algarve.
Vibe: All about the golf — with luxury villas, private pools, and a more secluded feel. Many resorts also offer multiple courses on-site or nearby.
Top Resort: Amendoeira Golf Resort is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in golf. It features two 18-hole golf courses on-site and excellent villa accommodation.
The “1-in-8 Free” Secret: How to Save Big
One of the best ways to bring costs down is to select golf courses which offer some sort of group discount – often 1 in every 8 green fees plays for free. You can either snag this reward for your hard work in organising or split the discount across the group so everyone benefits.
*The data in the table below was accurate at the time of publishing
| Resort / Course | 2026 Group Deal | Best For… |
| Vilamoura | ||
| Pinhal | 1 in 8 | Like the Old course but cheaper & more forgiving |
| Laguna | 1 in 8 | High handicappers & recovery day |
| Millennium | 1 in 8 | Great all-round choice |
| Old Course Vilamoura | 1 in 8 | Bucket list experience |
| Premium Experiences | ||
| Vale Do Lobo | 1 in 8 (most of the year) | Famous cliff-top view on the 16th of the Royal Course |
| Quinta Do Lago | 1 in 16 | The ultimate luxury experience |
| Western Algarve Gems | ||
| Espiche | 1 in 8 | Stunning clubhouse |
| Palmares | 1 in 8 | 27-holes and links style experience |
| Boavista | 1 in 8 | Great value green fee |
- Glencor Golf Insiders Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to book your tee times, even if there is no expiry on the group discount. Once tee times are gone, they are gone. For groups, the earlier you secure your tee times, the more likely you are to play back-to-back at your preferred time.
Group Logistics: Transfers vs. Car Hire
The biggest rookie mistake is booking multiple rental cars. Between flight cases and suitcases, you will spend half your trip playing ‘luggage Tetris’!
- Private Transfers: We can arrange for dedicated minibuses or coaches – depending on the size of your group – to pick you up from Faro Airport and take you directly to your hotel, as well as drop you off and pick you back up for each round of golf. Now no-one needs to be a designated driver and you all get to the first tee at the same time.
- The ‘Free Golf Shuttle’ Hack: There is a free golf shuttle bus which runs around the Vilamoura golf courses and many of the main hotels in the town. Other golf clubs which offer free golf shuttle services for groups of four or more include Vale Do Lobo, Quinta Do Lago and Amendoeira.
- Club Hire: Airline golf carriage fees have crept up over recent years to anywhere between £60 and £100 per bag. We can arrange for your pick of clubs to be delivered directly to your hotel and picked back up from there before you check out – saves hauling them through airports!
The Best “Society” Courses in the Algarve
If your society has a healthy spread of handicaps then you don’t want to spoil a 20+ handicappers’ day by making them spend their hard-earned golf break continuously looking for their ball. With that in mind, we have selected five courses that should suit everyone:
You’ll recognise the 16th hole here – it is an incredible cliff-top tee with the beach below and is one of the most photographed holes in golf.
For those who pick their courses based on how good the clubhouse is, this is the place to play! This is a lovely 18-hole course with a modern clubhouse that has fantastic views from the terrace.
This is a stunning 27-hole course with modern luxury apartments on-site. The links-style course is made up of three distinct loops of nine holes.
Widely regarded as a true bucket-list course in Portugal, this 18-hole layout has recently benefited from significant investment, with service from the staff that is second to none.
One of the oldest courses in the Algarve, having opened in 1966. This parkland-style course sits in 360 acres and has a luxurious five-star hotel on-site.
Group Trip Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time for a group trip?
May and September are regarded as peak golf season in the Algarve, offering superb weather. However, for similar conditions with slightly lower green fees, consider travelling in June or October.
How far in advance should I book for a group of 12+?
For groups of 12+ – especially if you’re targeting the popular Vilamoura courses – we recommend booking at least nine months ahead (ideally 12). Securing three or more back-to-back tee times in the mid-morning takes early planning, and regular Algarve travellers will tell you the same.
Can we book buggies in advance?
Yes, you can and we would recommend you do so as not all courses have a fleet big enough for every golfer. However, it’s worth noting that not all courses allow this – the Pestana golf courses for instance will not allow any pre-reserving or pre-paying of a buggy unless there is a medical condition and doctors note.
Can we handle separate payments?
Yes, we provide an online portal where group leaders can view the booking and manage payments. You can also allow access to the rest of the group for them to pay individually too.
About Glencor Golf Holidays
Ready to stop doing the chasing and being the group secretary? Hand all of the admin over to Glencor Golf Holidays by sending your group size and preferred travel dates, and we will put together a perfect itinerary with all the current group discounts applied.
