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Discover the Algarve: How this gorgeous Portuguese region is finding a new American audience

The Algarve, Portugal’s sun-soaked coastal region, has become a rising star in the golf world, thanks in part to a landmark PGA Tour Champions event held there this July. The tournament showcased the area’s blend of championship-level courses and idyllic beaches, offering players and fans alike a taste of its relaxed yet high-stakes atmosphere.

For legendary golfer Ernie Els, the Algarve holds deep personal significance—he spent years visiting the region during his family’s time in England and has long admired its perfect mix of golfing excellence and coastal charm. Els’ connection to the area deepened when he took on the renovation of Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, a project that honored the legacy of his childhood idol, Arnold Palmer, while reimagining the course for future generations.

The result is Els Club Vilamoura, now the Algarve’s first private golf club, where Zach Johnson recently claimed victory over Stewart Cink in a thrilling final round. Beyond Els’ personal ties, the region’s growing reputation as a premier golf destination—combined with its year-round climate and luxury resorts—is drawing American players and travelers to a corner of Portugal long favored by European veterans.

With seven PGA Tour Champions wins, including the 2024 Kaulig Companies Championship, Els embodies the Algarve’s appeal as both a competitive hotspot and a vacation paradise.

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