Flights, 3 Nights, 2 Rounds
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Ernie Els doesn't just put his name to a layout, he shapes how you think your way round it. The Els Club Vilamoura, formerly the Victoria Course, has been revamped under the Big Easy's watch and it now plays like a proper modern championship test.
The fairways are neatly framed and ask for placement rather than pure power, with bunkers that sit right on the lines you actually want to take. Miss your spot and you'll be scrambling. Hit the right side and you're rewarded with a clear angle in. The greens are the star of the show, quick, true and full of subtle movement, so approach play and pace putting really matter.
It's also a rare one for the Algarve, a private club with limited visitor tee times, which helps keep conditioning high and the round moving along nicely. Sustainability is part of the approach too, with an emphasis on working with the site through water-conscious maintenance and naturalised areas rather than forcing a look that doesn't belong.
If you're building a trip to Vilamoura and want a round that feels a step up in both presentation and challenge, this is one of the best courses in Vilamoura and an ideal headline day on the itinerary.
Who is this for?
Golfers on a Vilamoura break who want a premium round with private-club standards, top-class greens and a strategic test that rewards smart course management.
Who is it best for?
Confident mid-handicappers and single-figure players, plus societies looking to add one standout course to a multi-round Algarve itinerary.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
Flights, 3 Nights, 2 Rounds
These are example flights.
You'll choose your departure airport, and flight requirements later.
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We have included everything that you need for a perfect golf trip including flights and a golf bag.
Flights, 4 Nights, 3 Rounds
These are example flights.
You'll choose your departure airport, and flight requirements later.
The course has been extensively redesigned by Ernie Els and was recently selected to host the World Cup of Golf, one of the four high profile World Golf Championship Events.
The course can be stretched to 7,105 from the tips, and is dotted with a number of large man-made lakes which are a real threat, and create a beautiful contrast with the crystal white swathes of sand that guard the greens. This is a formidable test that can humble even the most skilled player, and is an essential part of any trip to Vilamoura for the golfing aficionado.
The 17th is a long par-5 stretching well close to 600 yards from the back tees with water in play off the tee and on the approach to the green. With a favourable wind, you can reach this in two but you'll be faced with a high number if you fall short of the green. The 18th, measuring over 450 yards is a very stern test to challenge its par of 4. Water is in play all along the left-hand side of the hole with bunkers guarding the right off the tee. Anyone managing to find the fairway then needs to play the perfect 2nd shot with a large undulating green that'll be sure to welcome a 3-putt.
The course has a private clubhouse that features the 261 Bar & Restaurant, golf boutique and members only facilities.
Signature Hole: 18th Hole - Par 4 - 462 yards - Stroke Index 4
Without doubt the hardest par 4 on the course is the lengthy 18th hole, which is bordered by a water hazard to the left and several bunkers on the right. The tee shot must be long and accurate to have any hope of making birdie. The degree of difficulty is turned up a notch by a challenging approach (usually into the wind) to a well-protected pin.
Els Club Vilamoure is ranked as one of the best courses in Portugal
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Ernie Els |
| Opened for play | 2025 |
| White | 6,651 metres | SSS 74.6 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 6,094 metres | SSS 72.5 |
| Gold | 5,628 metres | SSS 72.0 |
| Blue | 5,164 metres | SSS 70.2 |
| Red | 4,762 metres | SSS 67.4 |
Gudmundur
✓18 May 2026
Proper golf course. Immaculate!
Gordon
✓14 Dec 2023
Great course to play (but not easy). Will be superb after refurbishment.
Darren
✓17 Nov 2023
The water on certain holes demands accuracy. Fabulous course .
Derek
✓13 Nov 2023
Exceptional golf course, it has to be played for the experience alone. Everything was great on the day, all staff very welcoming, and informative at all points. It's simply as must play if your going to the Algarve for golf.
George
✓9 Nov 2023
Amazing! What an incredible place. Fairways and greens were the best I have ever played and the facilities were excellent. I know it’s expensive, but you get what you pay for. It has a Hard rating as the rough is tough!
Mark
✓8 Nov 2023
Course is in good condition and you can open up your shoulders as the fairways are nice and wide
Peter
✓6 Nov 2023
enjoyable and challenging course.
Roy
✓1 Nov 2023
Enjoyable
John
✓22 Oct 2023
This is a great course, great test for any amateur golfer, there was a lot of rain the night before which left it a bit wet in places but you expect this after a lot of rain
James
✓18 Oct 2023
Great course,but same comment on golf cart costs.
