FOUR-TIME MAJOR WINNER ERNIE ELS REVEALED AS THE LEAD ARCHITECT BEHIND EXCLUSIVE NEW ALGARVE GOLF COURSE

• Ernie Els is set to open his first Els Club venue in Europe in the summer of 2025
• He is re-designing the Victoria Course, the former home of the Portugal Masters 
• Els spoke of his excitement on the project, branding the course design 'special'

Four-time major winner Ernie Els has been unveiled as the lead architect behind a stunning new private members golf club, which is being built in the Algarve.

The Els Club Vilamoura will be situated on the Victoria Course, which had hosted the Portugal Masters between 2007 and 2022. All of Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington and his compatriot Shane Lowry have won at the venue in the past.

The South African, who has led renovation works on several renowned courses around the world, including Wentworth's West Course - the host of the BMW PGA Championship - spoke of his excitement over the plans, branding the development 'special'.

Els currently has four exclusive golf clubs around the world, with this being the first to be built in Europe and is due to open in 2025.

The 19-time PGA Tour winner's courses are renowned for boasting world-class amenities and set the standard for many other courses around the world and this new venture is certainly set to live up to that benchmark.

'This one is really special,' Els, who has teamed up with owners Arrow Global, as part of the venture.

'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.'

Initial resolution images show this course to be a stunning track, that boasts a vast array of beautiful waterbodies, raised greens and some beautifully sculpted bunkers.

A luxury new clubhouse and private reception will also be built as part of the renovations to the signature 18-hole course.

Arrow Global had handpicked Els for the project, with his award-winning design team having already broken ground on the plot of land, owned by DETAILS.

'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,' Els added.

'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, customized experience for all members.'

He added that he would come and play courses in Vilamoura when he was younger, stating that coming to the Els Club felt like a 'homecoming'.

Co-chief executive officer of DETAILS, Nuno Sepulveda, 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.'

Read more

2024-12-09T17:27:19Z