The inaugural Portugal Invitational brings PGA TOUR Champions stars to the Algarve this summer
The Algarve is preparing to welcome one of the strongest fields ever assembled in Portugal as the inaugural Portugal Invitational brings the PGA TOUR Champions to The Els Club Vilamoura from July 31 to August 2.
Marking the first PGA TOUR Champions event to be held in Portugal – and the circuit’s first tournament in Europe – the competition will see 78 players from 17 countries compete over 54 holes for a $3 million prize fund.
Jerry Kelly with the ISPS HANDA Senior Open trophy © Getty Images
The field includes five World Golf Hall of Fame members, six Ryder Cup captains and 18 former Ryder Cup players, with tournament host Ernie Els joined by golfing greats including Pádraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke, Retief Goosen, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Justin Leonard, K.J. Choi, Steven Alker and Tom Lehman.
Collectively, the players boast 224 PGA TOUR victories, 247 PGA TOUR Champions wins and 20 major championships.
Tournament director Todd Rhinehart believes the quality of the field reflects the appeal of the new event: “We are absolutely thrilled with the strength and quality of the field for the Portugal Invitational. The response from players has been tremendous,” he said.
The tournament forms part of a five-year partnership between the PGA TOUR Champions, Arrow Global, Turismo de Portugal and Turismo do Algarve, with organisers hoping it will further cement the Algarve’s reputation as one of the world’s leading golf destinations.
Speaking ahead of the opening round, Ernie Els, who designed The Els Club Vilamoura and will also compete in the tournament, said: “I’ve known and loved this area for more than 20 years, so to have the opportunity to create a championship golf course here, whilst also making it enjoyable for members and players of every level, has been very special. I’m very excited about what this event can become over the coming years.”
World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els pictured with the Portugal Invitational trophy at The Els Club Vilamoura. Photo: Portugal Invitational
André Gomes, president of Turismo do Algarve, described the tournament as “a major milestone for the Algarve and a strong recognition of our region as one of the world’s leading golf destinations”, highlighting its role in showcasing everything the region has to offer both on and off the course.
The championship also represents a significant moment for The Els Club Vilamoura, which has spent more than two years preparing to host its first professional tournament. Led by head greenkeeper Luís Pinto, the agronomy team has combined tournament experience with innovative technology to present the course in championship condition.
Among the innovations is TurfRad, making The Els Club Vilamoura the first golf course in Portugal to use the technology. Sensors mounted on maintenance machinery collect real-time data to optimise irrigation, whilst POGO sensors monitor moisture levels on the greens, allowing the team to reduce water use without compromising playing conditions.
“A lot of hand-watering, a lot of mowing and a lot of long days,” Pinto said of the final preparations. “For us, it’s important for the players to enjoy playing the course, but also for it to be a challenge.” He expects the fast greens, strategically placed bunkers and the Algarve wind to provide the tournament’s biggest tests, with the par-three 14th likely to be one of the most demanding holes.
The Els Club Vilamoura greenkeeping team uses advanced technologies including TurfRad and POGO sensors to optimise course conditions, helping prepare Portugal’s newest championship venue for the inaugural Portugal Invitational. Photo: Portugal Invitational
Away from the fairways, visitors can enjoy a range of family-friendly attractions, including a dedicated Kids Corner with supervised activities, giant games, music and face painting. There will also be an exclusive preview of Playhouse, a new entertainment venue planned for Vilamoura featuring retro arcade games, pinball machines, table football and a racing simulator. Children aged 16 and under can attend free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
The tournament will be broadcast live on Golf Channel in the United States, Sport TV in Portugal and Sky in the UK, with international coverage reaching more than 170 countries and territories, placing both Vilamoura and the Algarve firmly in the global spotlight.
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