The Victoria Golf Course, designed by American Arnold Palmer and widely regarded as one of the most difficult in Europe, closed for good on December 11, 2023, after nearly 20 years in operation. Its last tournament was the 35th Vilamoura Grand Trophy. The course, clubhouse, and their surroundings will all undergo extensive renovations as part of Victoria’s reopening in February 2025. Approximately 17 million euros have been set aside for this renovation.
The well-known South African professional Ernie Els, who is making his first appearance in Portugal, is creating the new course. Els and his architectural team recently designed the course’s makeover after spending a week in Vilamoura.
The former Victoria Golf Course has hosted the Portugal Masters sixteen times and the 2005 World Cup. The course closed in December, after operating for 19 and a half years. On February 20, 2025, it will reopen with a fresh layout.
At the same time, the Old Course, a golfing treasure in the Algarve, will be closed for about a month starting on December 11, 2023, and is expected to reopen in early January. The course’s design, fairways, and greens will be improved. The Old Course’s clubhouse is undergoing enhancements to better serve visitors.
Arrow Global Portugal Group is actively seeking to increase its presence in the Portuguese golfing market, as it has several courses throughout the country’s northern, central, and Algarve areas.
While the Victoria Course and the Old Course remain closed, other greens from the group remain available, such as Pinhal Golf Course, Laguna Golf Course, and Millenium Golf Course. You can book your green fee in Vilamoura directly with us here at Tee Times.
via Valdemar Afonso
