The Els Club Vilamoura Review
The Els Club Vilamoura is a modern Algarve championship layout designed by Ernie Els — the four-time major champion and one of the most distinguished course designers active today. The course brings contemporary design thinking to the Vilamoura golf complex.
Course at a Glance
- Architect: Ernie Els
- Holes: 18, par 72
- Style: Modern championship resort
- Location: Vilamoura, central Algarve
- Distance from Faro Airport: 25 minutes
What Makes The Els Club Special
Els’s design balances challenge with playability — the layout tests low handicappers without punishing higher ones unfairly. Modern bunkering, generous fairways and undulating greens reward strategy. The Vilamoura location means easy combination with other courses in the complex (Old, Pinhal, Millennium, Vila Sol).
Compared to the older Vilamoura courses (the parkland Old Course from 1969), The Els Club has a more modern feel — wider fairways, larger greens, contemporary aesthetic. It pairs well with a traditional Vilamoura round.
For the Visiting Golfer
The Els Club works best as:
- A modern complement to traditional Vilamoura golf
- Part of a 4-5 round Vilamoura itinerary
- A round for golfers who appreciate contemporary design
Practical notes: book 2-3 weeks ahead. Pair with the Old Course for a contrasting same-day experience.
Related Pages
More courses in Algarve
- Álamos Golf Course (18 holes, par 71)
- Alto Golf Pestana Golf Resort (18 holes, par 70)
- Amendoeira Faldo Course (18 holes, par 72)
- Amendoeira O’Connor Jnr. Course (18 holes, par 72)
- Benamor Golf (18 holes, par 71)
➡️ See all golf courses in Algarve.