The Els Club Vilamoura, scheduled to open in the summer of 2025, will mark the debut of the Ernie Els brand in Europe and will be the Algarve’s first private golf club.

Four-time Major winner and former world number one Ernie Els is collaborating with Arrow Global to create Els Club Vilamoura, the first Els Club in Europe and the first private golf club in the Algarve.

The club brand that bears the name of the “Big Easy” has become synonymous with excellence. Around the world, its blue and gold seal guarantees golfers world-class amenities and services.

The first private golf club in the Algarve, Els Club Vilamoura, will open to a select group of founding members in the summer of 2025, setting a new standard for exclusive and privileged access.

“This project is really special. When my children were little, we lived in England and came to this region for the summer holidays. We played golf on the courses in Vilamoura. Therefore, when this opportunity arose through DETAILS, one of Portugal’s main leisure and hospitality operators, it made perfect sense to me. Every time I come here, I feel like I’m coming home”, says Ernie Els, who has so far opened four exclusive Els Clubs across the world.

“We have kept this project a secret because we know how important this property is in the eyes of the golfing public, and we wanted to get the design right. I loved the challenge of creating something exceptional in this part of the world – and I can’t wait for people to see it,” he added, revealing that he is “delighted to finally bring the concept of luxury to Europe.”

Els and his award-winning design team have already made significant progress, having started work earlier this year on the former site of Vilamoura’s Victoria Course, which hosted the Portugal Masters.

Nuno Sepúlveda, Co-CEO of DETAILS, considers that “it is a true honour and privilege to work with Ernie Els in this extraordinary private club, which will offer members a level of service and privacy previously unattainable in the Algarve. Els Club Vilamoura will reflect his passion and demand for excellence in everything we do”.

“Every time we have the opportunity to work with a group like Arrow Global with a clear vision and mission, it allows us to focus our creative efforts on architecting a product and experience that will stand the test of time. The Algarve, particularly Vilamoura, are extraordinary destinations, and seeing Els Club’s proposal take its first steps in this market is a milestone and a source of great pride”, explains Els.

“When we design a golf course, we always have an eye on what makes it a championship course. Most of our courses, fortunately, have hosted events, whether on the Asian Tour, DP World Tour or the Latin American Tour. This will be no different, with an exclusive and personalised experience for all members”, he adds.

Els, who has led renovations and new designs at some of the world’s best courses, including Wentworth’s West Course, host of the DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship, has been working closely with DETAILS, the manager of Arrow Global Portugal, which oversees sports and hospitality assets in Portugal, including golf courses and hotels in Vilamoura.