‘DO you play golf?’ Now, there’s a question?

To which the answer would have to be either ‘not very often’ or ‘occasionally, but very badly’.

But, when I realised who was asking, before I could stop myself I simply answered ‘yes’.

That then, is how I found myself at Quinta do Lago North, an absolutely fantastic golf course on the beautiful Portuguese coastline.

And up until the fourth hole, my quite appalling lack of golf experience was still a reasonably well kept secret. Several factors aided this.

1. The organisers of the press trip had insisted upon providing me with a set of clubs – meaning my antiquated, cob-web infested clubs were still lying against my garage wall!

2. Somehow I’d actually managed to hit a few reasonable shots (in no small part due to the decent clubs).

And 3. My playing partners were not exactly Lee Westwood or Nick Faldo – although they were obviously better than me, like me, they too were finding plenty of water and sand.

So, having been unable to resist the temptation of a long weekend at the Four Seasons Fairways, Quinta do Lago with tee times booked on two excellent golf courses, just how good was it?

Given my golfing knowledge, I should probably start by describing the quite spectacular villa we stayed in. Quite simply it was superb – our every need had been catered for and inside and out it was simply gorgeous. It may have been bracing at first, but even this late in the year the villa’s private pool was still well worth a dip!

And, the complex itself had every luxury on hand. Once I’d finished in the sauna and steam room, I still found time for a frame of snooker, before our hosts treated us to the most exquisite meal.

No, it’s fair to say my golf may not be top notch, but everything else at Four Seasons Fairway certainly was.

Now, I realise the vast majority of people visiting this delightful little corner of Portugal will be itching to get out on a golf course, and there is no doubt these courses are some of the best in the world, but even if you’re not a golfer (as I’m really not!) this is still a fantastic place to visit.

I couldn’t possibly give you details of all the local attractions, but a couple are certainly worthy of mention. For a reasonable, and yet excellent, local restaurant with bags of atmosphere Churrasqueira de Almancil is definitely worth a visit. And while you’re in the local village of Almancil the gokarting track is another must.

Easyjet flights from Gatwick or Heathrow mean getting there couldn’t be easier, so whether you fancy teeing off on a great course, or are just tee’d off and fancy a relaxing break, Four Seasons Fairway could be perfect.

Oh, and the golf courses are a dream.

Four Seasons Fairways, Quinta do Lago Alamncil, Portugal +351 289357500