ZealousGolfer.com

Americans hear a lot about Spanish golf. Great weather, Sergio Garcia, etc. However, Portugal, as Spain's neighbor to the west on the Iberian Peninsula, is too often left out

of the conversation.

It shouldn't be. As a terrific coastal nation, Portugal should be on the top of any golfer's list when planning a golf trip to Europe.

One "can't-miss" course in Portugal is at the Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Golf Resort. Found in southern Algarve, Portgual, Dona Filipa overlooks the fantastic coast and the Atlantic Ocean. More about that later.

Dona Filipa's crown jewel is certainly the San Lorenzo Golf Course. Combining the features of natural woodlands, water, and undulating Bermuda grass greens, the San Lorenzo course will not disappoint.

The course is a fairly recent (1988) design by American Joe Lee, an icon in the golf architecture community. He is the one responsible for designs at Cog Hill, the Walt Disney World Resort (ZealousGolfer.com Reviewed), and the La Costa Resort.

As a resort course, San Lorenzo offers many options for everyone from experienced to new golfers (the white tees play at over 6,200 yards and the red tees are set at roughly 5,200 yards).

Players often encounter numerous forms of wildlife during their rounds at San Lorenzo. Many attest to seeing flamingoes, nesting storks, and turtles while on the property.

With a short game area consisting of practice bunkers, a full size putting green, and two chipping greens, San Lorenzo offers golfers ample opportunity work on their games or warm-up before rounds. A driving range is also located on site.

San Lorenzo's clubhouse is fit with a bar and a restaurant to accommodate the needs of golfers before or after their rounds.

All in all, San Lorenzo is definitely worth playing. As a consistent leader in Portuguese golf, San Lorenzo should be on your agenda during your golf trip in Portugal.

Although the Dona Filipa Resort is well-known to hand out enticing deals to guests, it remains a respected five-star hotel.

154 luxury rooms, three tennis courts, a heated pool, a spa, and close proximity to the ocean make the Dona Filipa hotel appealing to the golfer and the non-golfer alike.

Recent visitors have cited the staff's service as the hotel's most valuable asset. With a team eager to ensure that you enjoy your vacation, the luxurious accommodations of the hotel cannot be beat.

While Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo provide guests with many entertainment options on the property, the area surrounding the resort is well known for phenomenal dining and shopping. Unlike many resorts, it is tough to get bored when staying here.

On top of that, the resort borders the Vale de Lobo beach, which is often recognized as one of Portugal's nicest beaches.

If you are planning a European golf adventure, you should definitely investigate a stay at the Dona Filipa and San Lorenzo Resort. Great golf and great accommodations make this resort a unique gem among the many European golf options.