Ernie Els' approaching showdown in Vilamoura, a potential life-changing event.
Laid-Back Lowdown on The Els Club Vilamoura's Grand Debut
Golf enthusiasts, get ready! The Algarve's exclusive members-only club, The Els Club Vilamoura, is gearing up for its launch in mid-July. ernie els, the mastermind behind the revamped Victoria course, is spearheading this project in collaboration with DETAILS, the go-to hub for sports and luxurious hospitality, owned by Arrow Global.
eln's enthusiasm shines through as he shares, "It's been a thrill to bring our design philosophy to Portugal, and it's just as amazing as we imagined."
The transformed course, meticulously designed with lead architect and senior design associate Greg Letsche, is set to impress. "The Algarve might seem familiar, but it won't be the old golf course," eln teases. "We've flipped the back nine and created fresh layouts... The feedback has been phenomenal."
Accompanying the revamped course is a spectacular elite practice area, prepared to test the skills of even the most seasoned golfers. Included in these challenges is the par-5 11th, described by eln himself as one of the standout holes due to its strategic risk-reward layout, water hazards, and winding stream.
"It's breathtaking, and the golf course presents the ideal blend of challenge and reward," eln enthuses. "There are several holes that will keep golfers coming back for more."
However, eln is all about balance. "A golf course ought to cater to every skill level. I want players to have options, so the fairways are spacious. The latter shots, I like to make slightly tricky - things like angled greens and strategically placed bunkers."
eln, with his 35 years of diverse golf course experiences, has developed a knack for the minute details. "Designing a golf course is very much like signing a painting. It's personal," he reflects.
Vilamoura, steeped in championship golf history, has hosted Portugal Masters champions such as Shane Lowry (2012) and Lee Westwood (2009). eln believes the course's championship-worthy qualities will continue with The Els Club Vilamoura. "A majority of courses in our Ernie Els Design collection have hosted events, and we're confident this one will follow suit," eln boasts.
Not just for the elite, The Els Club Vilamoura is also designed for the enjoyment of members, with every effort made to ensure an exceptional experience for everyone.
eln's affection for Vilamoura extends beyond golf. "The whole family loves it here," he says. "We'd often come here for summer holidays when the kids were young, play golf, and frolic in the area. The location is outstanding, the people friendly, the food delicious, the weather perfect. It feels like coming home!"
Finally, The Els Club Vilamoura will join the esteemed Els Club venues scattered across the globe, including South Africa, Dubai, and Malaysia.
Fun Fact: DETAILS, responsible for overseeing construction and managing The Els Club Vilamoura, also oversees The Els Club Algarve, another Ernie Els-designed gem in the region[3]. Make no mistake, DETAILS is the backbone of these exceptional golfing ventures.
- The grand debut of The Els Club Vilamoura, a luxurious members-only golf club in Algarve, Portugal, is eagerly anticipated by golf enthusiasts, as it promises to host events and offer an exceptional lifestyle experience, thanks to the efforts of Ernie Els and DETAILS.
- The Algarve's golf scene will receive a significant boost with The Els Club Vilamoura's launch, as its meticulously designed course, prepared to challenge even seasoned golfers, will join other championship-worthy courses in Portugal's history.
- Beyond its golfing prowess, The Els Club Vilamoura aims to cater to every skill level, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all members, reflecting Ernie Els's appreciation for the region's charming lifestyle, especially Vilamoura, where his family once spent memorable summer holidays.
