The Els Club Vilamoura is Europe's first Ernie Els Club design—an invitation-only private members' club that opened in July 2025 on the completely redesigned site of the legendary Victoria Course. Spanning 90 hectares of immaculate Portuguese landscape, this championship layout seamlessly blends world-class course architecture with the natural beauty of rolling hills, strategic water features, and thoughtfully preserved wetlands. Ernie Els and his team reversed the back nine routing, creating an entirely new nine holes while refining the front nine, resulting in a layout that challenges professionals yet remains remarkably playable for golfers of all levels. The course features generous fairways with undulating greens, signature water hazards on seven holes, and meticulously positioned bunkers that reward precision and strategy. The setting is extraordinary—the course integrates dozens of lakes and waterfalls into 90 hectares of carefully landscaped terrain, offering panoramic views of the Algarve's natural contours. Beyond the greens, The Els Club delivers an unparalleled luxury experience: a modern clubhouse with the acclaimed 261 Bar & Restaurant, state-of-the-art practice facilities including a driving range and 2,500m² putting green, and professional golf academy coaching. The club maintains a members-first ethos, ensuring exclusivity and service standards that define every step of the experience. For visiting golfers, stay-and-play access is available through the five-star Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, making this Europe's most prestigious private club accessible to select visitors seeking championship golf with world-class amenities.
Ernie Els' complete redesign of the Victoria Course featuring new back-nine routing, strategic water hazards, and championship-level playability across 90 hectares.