Built in the grounds of the Le Meridien Penina Hotel, the Championship Course was the first course on the Algarve opening for play in 1966.  A masterpiece created by Sir Henry Cotton, the course has been carefully upgraded over the years and has played host to a number of major tournaments including the Portuguese Open on 7 occasions.

Built on flat terrain, each hole has its own character with tight fairways lined with huge trees, strategic bunkers and well concealed water hazards to catch any errant shots.  A number of greens have huge undulations and are double tiered making accuracy imperative in order to leave a straightforward putt.

At par 73, the course measures just under 7000 yards and is a tough test of golf for the more experienced lower handicappers although still seems a firm favourite among higher handicap golfers to the area, lured by it's aura and prestige.