Sustainable initiatives and environmental, social and governance measures implemented at the new Els Club Vilamoura have led to the newly renovated club being named Most Sustainable Championship Golf Course in Southern Europe at the Sustainable Luxury Awards.
Considerable efforts have been made since the club’s unveiling to integrate environmental responsibility, innovation, and eco-design into its operations, aligning with selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Efficiency in course management, architecture guided by eco-design, and the active enhancement of biodiversity are three areas of which major focus has been placed to oversee impactful change.
Ernie Els’ first European private members club was launched in July, where it was also announced that the Portugal Invitational will take place as the first PGA Tour Champions event in Europe in July 2026.
Having also received a World Golf Awards nomination for World’s Best New Private Golf Course, the club has quickly established itself as a global leader in innovation and sustainable development.
Among the sustainability initiatives taken by the club included the complete modernisation of irrigation systems, which ensures course preparation is possible with treated wastewater from the Vilamoura Waste-Water Treatment Plant. The highly precise system can be adjusted to suit the needs of all irrigated areas ensuring complete optimization of water consumption.
From a landscape architectural perspective, the replanting of existing large trees and exclusive use of native tree and shrub species in landscaped areas ensure the ecological integration of the course.
Regarding the clubhouse renovation, ideas were guided by eco-design principles, focusing on maximising natural light and ventilation while using natural materials in its structure.
Nature sanctuaries have been created and nesting boxes, bug hotels and bee & butterfly houses installed to create habitats and supply food sources and nesting areas for local fauna and birdlife. Existing lakes surrounding the course with vegetation covered banks also add to strengthening the connection of co-existing eco-systems.
Monitoring programmes for fauna and flora are also in place to ensure levels may be adjusted and maintain an ecological uniqueness and eco-awareness in every facet of the Els Club Vilamoura.
Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO of DETAILS, the management company overseeing the Els Club Vilamoura, and a host of sports and leisure assets across Portugal, said: “It is an honour to have been recognised within just two months of the launch for our efforts towards making meaningful and long-lasting environmental change. This is a testament to our wider team who have proved that it is possible to combine sporting excellence with exemplary environmental management – where nature and human activity co-exist in perfect harmony.”
To see a list of all the winners of the 2025 Sustainable Luxury Awards in the golf course category, click here.
