Ernie Els Unveils His First Private Golf Club in the Algarve

Golf Legend Ernie Els Expands His Brand with Exclusive Club in the Algarve

It’s official, folks! Golf enthusiasts are in for a treat as the iconic Ernie Els, a name synonymous with excellence in the golfing world, is bringing his signature style to the Algarve. That’s right—the powerful swinging champion, a four-time major winner and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, is unveiling plans for his first private members golf club in Europe. This will also mark the very first Els Club to grace the sun-kissed landscape of the Algarve!

A Dream Collaboration

Teamwork makes the dream work, right? Els is teaming up with Arrow Global, owners of the land, to create what promises to be a stunning addition to the golfing community. Set to open in the summer of 2025, this club—the Els Club Vilamoura—is going to offer a level of access and service previously unseen in the Algarve. Els has opened four other exclusive clubs worldwide, but this one is particularly special to him. “We have been keeping this one under wraps,” he said, expressing his excitement about finally bringing this brand to Europe.

What to Expect?

Golf aficionados will remember the Victoria Course, formerly home to the Portugal Masters—this iconic course is going through a major redesign to become Els’s first exclusive club in Europe. It’s a significant project for Els and his award-winning design team, who have already broken ground on the renovations. Els is all about creating championship-level courses, and this one is no different. He emphasized how every new design aims to fulfill expectations of quality and excellence that golfers have come to associate with his name.

A Personal Touch

For Els, this isn’t just another business deal; it’s a slice of nostalgia. Reflecting on his own childhood memories of family vacations to the Algarve, he explained how the project feels like a homecoming. “When the kids were small, we lived in England and could come down to this area for summer holidays,” he reminisced. It’s a delightful transformation for him, merging the memories of yesteryears with the ambition of creating something extraordinary.

Vision for the Future

With a clear vision in mind, Els is determined to elevate the golfing experience. “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,” he noted. This isn’t just about golfing; it’s about creating a lifestyle where members can indulge in peace and exclusivity. Imagine—golfing, amenities, and a vibrant community all rolled into one fantastic experience!

A Word from the Collaborators

Taking the helm of the management side of things is Nuno Sepúlveda, Co-CEO of DETAILS, the management company in charge of sports and hospitality assets in the area. He couldn’t have expressed it better when he said: “It is a real honour and privilege to work with Ernie Els on this extraordinary private club which will offer members a level of service and privacy previously unattainable.” Members can look forward to exceptional service that caters to the elite and the aspiring golfers alike.

The Bigger Picture

The Els Club Vilamoura is not just another golf course; it’s part of a larger plan that includes an equestrian centre, various golf courses, hotels, and residential developments. This multi-purpose resort aims to enhance the area’s appeal, mitigating the effects of seasonality and attracting varied clientele. Long-term value is the target, making it a significant investment for all involved.

As golf fans everywhere gear up to experience a new standard in golf management and pleasure, one thing is clear—Ernie Els knows how to swing for the fences. The golfing world will surely be abuzz while waiting for the grand opening of the Els Club Vilamoura in 2025, and trust us; you won’t want to miss it!