VILAMOURA, Portugal – Four-time Major winner and former World No.1 Ernie Els is partnering with owners Arrow Global to bring the first Els Club to Europe and the first private members golf club to the Algarve.
The Big Easy’s eponymous club brand has become synonymous with excellence with its blue and gold hallmark acting as a stamp of assurance for golfers around the world to expect world class amenities and service.
The Els Club Vilamoura will have the additional distinction of becoming The Algarve’s first private members’ golf club offering a new standard of exceptional and privileged access when it opens to a small group of Founder Members in Summer 2025.
“This one is really special,” said Els, who has opened four of his exclusive Els Clubs around the world to date, adding he was delighted to finally bring the luxury concept to Europe.
“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 South African legend was handpicked by Arrow Global to redesign the Victoria Course, the former home of the Portugal Masters acquired as part of a major investment in Vilamoura in 2023 and transform the signature course into the venue for his first exclusive club on European soil.
Els and his award-winning design team, are well under way, having broken ground earlier in the year on the much-transformed site overseen by DETAILS, the management company owned by Arrow Global that manages sports and hospitality assets in Portugal, including golf courses and hotels in Vilamoura.
“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. 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”, Els continued.
“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, customized 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.”
Els, who has guided renovations and new designs at several of the world’s best courses including Wentworth’s West Course, host of the DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship, has been working in close collaboration on the project with DETAILS.
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.”
The Els Club Vilamoura is an important asset in Vilamoura, owned by funds managed by Arrow Global. Alongside the equestrian centre, golf courses, hotels, and new residential developments, it plays a pivotal role in creating a multi-purpose resort that mitigates the effects of seasonality, attracts a diverse clientele, and delivers long-term value.
For more information on The Els Club Vilamoura, please visit here.
