A New Era for European Golf
In a groundbreaking development, four-time major champion Ernie Els is set to host a new PGA Tour Champions event called The Portugal Invitational in 2026. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first PGA Tour-sanctioned individual stroke play event held in Portugal. The tournament will take place at the newly renovated Els Club in Vilamoura during the week of July 27.
The Els Club, located in Vilamoura, will welcome a field of 78 players, including World Golf Hall of Fame stars and PGA Champions Tour members. Through a strategic alliance with the DP World Tour, Legends Tour members will also have the opportunity to participate. The event will feature a prize purse of £2.23 million ($3 million), drawing golfing legends such as Bernhard Langer and Miguel Ángel Jimenez, who have expressed their excitement about the announcement.
All three rounds of the tournament will be televised on the GOLF Channel, placing The Portugal Invitational between the ISPS Handa Senior Open and the Staysure Senior PGA Championship on the Legends Tour. This lineup promises to showcase an outstanding display of golf in Europe.
Strategic Partnerships and Vision
The PGA Tour Champions, Arrow Global Group, and Turismo de Portugal de Algarve have formed a five-year strategic partnership to bring this event to Portugal. PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the global appeal of the Tour and the potential to engage Portuguese and European golf fans.
Portugal has long been recognized as one of the premier golf destinations in Europe, though currently, only the Hotel Planner Tour visits the country in 2025 for the Open de Portugal. However, with the upcoming Portugal Invitational, the country is poised to gain even more recognition.
Els, known for his victories in The Open and the US Open, is leading the renovation of the course, formerly known as the Victoria Course. This venue previously hosted the Portugal Masters from 2007 to 2022, with notable winners like Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood, and Shane Lowry. The renovations are expected to enhance the course's appeal as a tournament venue.
A Vision for Excellence
Els shared his excitement about the renovations, emphasizing that his firm always considers the success of a tournament when designing a golf course. He praised the collaboration with Arrow Global Group and Turismo de Portugal, expressing pride in the final result.
The Algarve region, renowned for its golf offerings, sees the Portugal Invitational as a significant step forward. John Calvao, Fund Principal at Arrow Global Group, highlighted the importance of bringing top golfers to Portugal and the region's commitment to becoming a global golf and lifestyle destination.
Investment in the Region
Beyond the golf course, Arrow Global Group is investing in Vilamoura as a whole. Plans include adding multiple hotels, a beach club, and upgrading existing facilities. These investments aim to elevate the region's status as a premier destination for families and all generations.
Andre Gomes, President of the Algarve Tourism Board, emphasized the historic significance of hosting the Portugal Invitational in Vilamoura. He noted the event's role in raising the Algarve's international profile and reinforcing its position as a key player in European golf.
The Algarve has long been a leader in golf tourism, with millions of rounds played annually. The Portugal Invitational is expected to boost the region's economy, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable tourism practices. As the event approaches, the Algarve is ready to welcome golf legends and showcase its unique offerings to the world.