A new chapter in professional golf is set to unfold in Portugal, as PGA TOUR Champions has announced a landmark five-year agreement to launch the Portugal Invitational, beginning in July 2026. The partnership brings together PGA TOUR Champions, Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal, and Turismo de Algarve to stage the event at the prestigious Els Club Vilamoura.
Scheduled to debut the week of July 27, 2026, the tournament will feature a field of 78 players, including members of the World Golf Hall of Fame, PGA TOUR Champions, and the Legends Tour. The Portugal Invitational will offer a $3 million purse and will be the first individual stroke-play PGA TOUR-sanctioned event ever held in Portugal.
Elevating Portugal’s Presence in Global Golf
This announcement is a milestone not only for the country but for the broader European golf calendar. The Portugal Invitational will be strategically positioned between the ISPS HANDA Senior Open and the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship, forming a three-week stretch of high-level competition across Europe.
The event will be contested at the Ernie Els-designed Els Club Vilamoura, which underwent significant renovations in recent years. The course, formerly home to the DP World Tour’s Portugal Masters, has hosted champions like Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington and is now poised to welcome the legends of the game once again.
Vision and Investment for a Golf Destination
“We envisioned a venue that could not only challenge the world’s best but also elevate the global profile of Portuguese golf,” said Ernie Els, designer of the Vilamoura course and a seven-time PGA TOUR Champions winner. “The course looks and plays incredibly well, and the entire destination offers a first-class experience for players and fans alike.”
The development reflects broader investments by Arrow Global Group, which has made strategic enhancements to Vilamoura, including the renovation of its marina, expansion of luxury hospitality, and development of real estate, equestrian centers, and recreational facilities. Plans are also underway for a beach club and country club, further solidifying Vilamoura as a lifestyle-driven golf destination.
A Strategic Step for Portuguese Tourism
“Portugal continues to grow as a premier location for international sporting events,” said Carlos Abade, President of Turismo de Portugal. “This new tournament will not only showcase our golf excellence but also promote Portugal’s culture, natural beauty, and hospitality to a global audience.”
Echoing this sentiment, André Gomes, President of the Algarve Tourism Board, noted that the tournament affirms the Algarve’s status as a leading European golf destination. “With more than 1.5 million rounds played annually in the Algarve, this event enhances our ambition to be a year-round destination for both sport and tourism.”
Broadcasting to a Global Audience
All three rounds of the Portugal Invitational will be broadcast on GOLF Channel in the United States, with international coverage extending to more than 170 countries and territories through over 20 global media partners.
The event will also welcome players from the Legends Tour, part of the strategic alliance between the PGA TOUR and the European Tour Group. The tournament will be directed by Todd Rhinehart, a seasoned PGA TOUR executive, ensuring world-class execution and operational standards.
The Portugal Invitational marks a transformative moment for golf in Portugal—uniting global icons, cutting-edge course design, and a region rich in culture and beauty. With long-term investment and world-class infrastructure in place, Portugal is firmly stepping into the spotlight of international golf.
IMAGE: Turismo de Portugal
