Ernie Els Launches First Private Golf Club in Europe

Ernie Els Unveils Exciting New Golf Club Venture!

Get ready, golf enthusiasts! The legendary Ernie Els, a name synonymous with excellence, is gearing up to bring his first private members’ golf club to Europe, and it’s happening in a gorgeous region known for stunning landscapes and fabulous weather. That’s right, the celebrated four-time major champion is teaming up with owners Arrow Global to create something truly special that will elevate the experience for golfers far and wide!

The Big Easy’s Vision

At 55, Els isn’t slowing down one bit. With a resume that boasts an impressive 28 titles on the European Tour and 19 on the PGA Tour, including two U.S. Opens and two Opens, the South African superstar is on a mission to introduce his unique brand of golf luxury to the European market.

He’s been busy working on his latest project, the Els Club Vilamoura. This is no ordinary golf club—it’s poised to be the first private members’ golf club in its area, aiming to set new standards for golf enthusiasts who crave both excellence and exclusivity. “This one is really special,” Els shared with palpable excitement. As he prepares to welcome a select group of Founder Members in the summer of 2025, you can tell he’s genuinely invested in creating something exceptional.

A Club Like No Other

So, what can members expect from the Els Club? For starters, it promises to offer a blend of top-notch golf course design and unparalleled service. Els’s brand has become well-known for guaranteeing excellence, so when you see that blue and gold stamp, you know you’re in for something special. He mentioned keeping the design under wraps until now, as he knows the high expectations golfers have for this locale. “I can’t wait for people to see it,” he added enthusiastically.

Transforming a Course

Part of the magic lies in his clever redesign of the signature Victoria Course, which previously hosted the Portugal Masters. Under Els’s expert guidance, this course is undergoing a remarkable transformation to become the backdrop for this super-exclusive club. With a design team renowned for crafting championship golf courses, Els is focused on making this site not only aesthetically pleasing but also a thrilling challenge for players of all calibers.

He recalled fond memories of family vacations spent playing golf in the area, making the project even more meaningful. “When I come here, I feel like I’m coming home,” he shared. Golf lovers will find that sentiment echoed in the thoughtful designs tailored to create memorable experiences.

Collaboration and Future Plans

Els is collaborating closely with a local management company known for handling sports and hospitality assets, overseeing a project that is as much about community as it is about golf. The club aims to provide an unprecedented level of service and privacy—something that has been hard to come by in the area. Nuno Sepúlveda, Co-CEO of the management company, articulated the excitement surrounding the project, emphasizing Els’s commitment to excellence.

“It is a real honour and privilege to work with Ernie Els on this extraordinary private club,” Sepúlveda stated. The Els Club Vilamoura isn’t just about golfing. It will play a crucial role in building a multi-purpose resort, integrating equestrian services, hotels, and residential developments to create a vibrant lifestyle hub.

A Milestone in Golf

As the construction phase takes shape, anticipation is building for what many hope will be a game-changer in the golfing world. It’s not every day that a golf club comes along that promises to raise the bar so significantly, offering a tailored and luxurious experience that members are bound to cherish.

With a promise of championship-level play and unparalleled service, the Els Club Vilamoura looks set to offer a golfing experience like no other. As Els builds a legacy, golfers can only imagine the exhilarating rounds that await them!