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.
