‘This is a place you want to be’: Ernie Els reflects on landmark week for new golf course

For four-time major champion Ernie Els, the successful debut of the PGA Tour Champions event in Portugal represented more than a landmark week for professional golf.

Zach Johnson may have lifted the inaugural Portugal Invitational trophy on 2 August, but Els saw the tournament as the culmination of a vision years in the making at The Els Club Vilamoura, a new private club in the Algarve.

“My history with this area goes back more than 25 years,” said Els, winner of 79 professional titles around the world, including 19 on the PGA Tour and 28 on the European Tour. 

“When my family and I lived in the UK, this was our holiday destination. I knew the area well long before this project ever existed.”

That long-standing connection with the Algarve made Vilamoura the obvious choice when Els was given the opportunity to create the first Els Club in Europe.

“I already knew what made this place special. Great golf, incredible weather, fantastic food and people who genuinely make you feel welcome. When people come here, they understand why so many of us have loved this place for so long.”

Els says the investment and development taking place across Vilamoura is helping to create a destination with appeal far beyond the golf course.

“All I can say is get here now. This is a place you want to be, not only for us, but all kinds of age groups to come and live and holiday.”

Working alongside Greg Letsche, Senior Design Associate and partner at Ernie Els Design, Els transformed the former Arnold Palmer layout into a championship venue designed to appeal to golfers of all abilities.

“From the very beginning, we wanted to build a championship golf course, but also one that everyone could enjoy. We wanted players to have options and experience different ways of playing the game.”

But Els' ambitions extended beyond the golf course itself.

“We wanted to recreate the kind of holidays my family enjoyed here for so many years; a destination where people who love golf could come with their families and experience everything this region has to offer.”

The inaugural Portugal Invitational provided the first major opportunity to showcase that vision on the world stage, bringing major champions, Ryder Cup legends and World Golf Hall of Fame members to The Els Club Vilamoura.

“It was a very momentous week for us. So much work had gone into the golf course, the clubhouse and the whole infrastructure. Seeing it all come together was something we’re incredibly proud of.

“I’ve been talking this up all the way since last year’s opening, how great this area is and I think everybody’s had a good time, so I’m very thankful to have pulled this one off.”

With the Portugal Invitational set to return to Vilamoura in 2027, Els believes the event was only the beginning.

“We’re on our way. This was the first big step, but there’s much more to come.”