Els Club Vilamoura in the Algarve, Portugal, will open in summer 2025 with a golf course by Ernie Els Design.
This story was originally reported by Golf Course Architecture magazine.
The club, owned by investment management company Arrow Global, will be the Algarve’s first private members’ golf club.
“This one is really special,” said Els. “We have been keeping this one under wraps as we know the standing this property has in the eyes of the golfing public and wanted to hit the mark with the design. I have loved the challenge of creating something exceptional for this part of the world – and I can’t wait for people to see it.”
The new layout has been built on the site of the Victoria golf course, the former home of the Portugal Masters. It closed in 2023 after being acquired by Arrow Global, which went ahead with a total redesign.
Construction of the new course began in early 2024 with DETAILS, the management company owned by Arrow Global, overseeing the project.
“Any time you get the chance to work with an ownership group with a clear vision and mission, it allows us to focus our creative efforts in how we architect a product and experience that will stand the test of time,” said Els. “The Algarve, and in particular Vilamoura, are outstanding destinations and for me to see The Els Club proposition take its first steps in this market is a watershed moment and we couldn’t be prouder.
“Whenever we design a golf course, we always have the eye on what makes it a championship golf course. Most of our courses, thankfully, have hosted events; whether that’s on the PGA Tour, Asian Tour, DP World Tour, or Latin American Tour. Most of our courses have had championships of some calibre and this is going to be no different with an exclusive, customised experience for all members.
“When the kids were small, we lived in England and could come down to this area for summer holidays. We would come down and play golf in the courses in Vilamoura. So, when the opportunity came up, through DETAILS, it really made sense to me. When I come here, I feel like I’m coming home.”
Nuno Sepúlveda, Co-CEO of DETAILS said: “It is a real honour and privilege to work with Ernie Els on this extraordinary private club which will offer members a new level of service and privacy previously unattainable in the Algarve. The Els Club Vilamoura will reflect his passion and demand for excellence in everything we do.”
