The Els Club Vilamoura

April 23, 2025

I recently had the pleasure and honour of meeting Ernie Els during a private invitation to experience his newest venture in Portugal. The Algarve is long celebrated as one of the world’s premier golf destinations and is about to welcome a game-changing addition: The Els Club Vilamoura.

Slated to open in the summer of 2025, this exclusive private golf club is the first of its kind in the region and marks a significant milestone for both Vilamoura and Ernie Els, the South African golfing legend behind its design. As a fellow South African and someone who has spent years immersed in the Algarve’s unique blend of luxury and natural beauty, I can confidently say that this project is poised to redefine golf and lifestyle experiences in the region.

A Vision Born from Experience

Ernie Els, affectionately known as “The Big Easy,” is no stranger to designing world-class golf courses. With four Major championships under his belt and a reputation for crafting some of the most iconic courses globally, Els brings a wealth of expertise to this project.

But what makes the Els Club Vilamoura particularly special is its personal significance to him. As he shared, his connection to Vilamoura dates back to family holidays spent playing on its courses. “Every time I come here, I feel like I’m coming home,” he said, reflecting on his deep affection for the region.

This emotional connection, coupled with his professional drive for excellence, inspired him to take on the challenge of transforming Vilamoura’s Victoria Course into something extraordinary.

The Victoria Course itself holds a storied history, having hosted the Portugal Masters from 2007 to 2022. Now, under Els’ meticulous eye and in collaboration with Arrow Global and DETAILS, it is being reimagined as a championship-level course that blends seamlessly with Vilamoura’s natural beauty.

Setting a New Standard for Exclusivity

The Els Club Vilamoura is not just another golf course; it’s a statement. As the first private members-only golf club in the Algarve and the first Els Club in Europe, it sets a new benchmark for exclusivity and luxury.

Memberships are limited, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for those fortunate enough to join. This exclusivity extends beyond the course itself to encompass state-of-the-art facilities designed to elevate every aspect of the golfing experience.

From a modern clubhouse offering panoramic views and fine dining options to cutting-edge practice facilities and a luxury pro shop stocked with premium equipment, every detail has been carefully considered.

The club also features an Ernie Els-designed 261 Tap Room, adding a unique touch that reflects his signature style. For members seeking more than just golf, these amenities promise a lifestyle of unparalleled sophistication.

A Course Designed for All Levels

One of Ernie Els’ hallmarks as a designer is his ability to create courses that challenge seasoned players while remaining accessible to newcomers. The redesigned Victoria Course exemplifies this philosophy.

With expertly contoured fairways, strategic bunkering, and pristine greens, each hole offers a unique blend of strategy and scenery. Whether you’re navigating its challenges as an experienced golfer or simply soaking in the stunning views of Vilamoura’s landscapes, the course promises an unforgettable experience.

What sets this project apart even further is its commitment to sustainability. Modern practices such as water conservation and natural landscaping have been integrated into the design, ensuring that the course not only provides an exceptional golfing experience but also respects its surrounding environment.

Why Vilamoura?

Vilamoura has long been synonymous with luxury living and world-class amenities. From its marina filled with superyachts to its Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end resorts, it attracts discerning travellers from around the globe.

But what truly sets it apart is its ability to offer tranquility alongside sophistication—a rare combination that makes it an ideal location for a project like the Els Club Vilamoura.

For Ernie Els, choosing Vilamoura was about more than just its reputation; it was about its potential. “The Algarve, and particularly Vilamoura, are extraordinary destinations,” he explained. By bringing his vision here, he aims to elevate what is already one of Europe’s premier golf destinations to new heights.

Beyond Golf: A Lifestyle Investment

The Els Club Vilamoura isn’t just about golf; it’s about creating a holistic lifestyle experience. The club is part of a broader vision for Vilamoura that includes luxury residential developments designed to complement its world-class amenities.

These residences offer modern design combined with comfort and sustainability, making them an attractive option for those looking to invest in property that aligns with their lifestyle aspirations.

For potential investors or homeowners, this presents an unparalleled opportunity. Imagine waking up each morning with direct access to one of Europe’s finest golf courses while enjoying all the benefits of living in one of Portugal’s most sought-after locations. It’s not just an investment in property; it’s an investment in quality of life.

Anticipation Builds for Summer 2025

As we look ahead to the summer of 2025, in anticipation for the opening of the Els Club Vilamoura continues to grow. This project represents more than just another addition to Portugal’s impressive roster of golf courses; it symbolises a new era for luxury tourism in the Algarve.

By combining Ernie Els’ visionary design with Vilamoura’s unique charm, it promises to attract golfers and travellers seeking something truly exceptional.

For me personally, seeing projects like this come to life reaffirms why I chose to make my home here in the Algarve. It never ceases to amaze me how this region continues to evolve while staying true to its roots—a place where natural beauty meets human ingenuity in perfect harmony.

If you’re passionate about golf or simply appreciate fine living, keep your eyes on Vilamoura in 2025. The Els Club Vilamoura isn’t just raising the bar; it’s setting a whole new standard—one that will undoubtedly leave its mark on both Portugal and the world of golf for years to come.