Get ready for a game-changer in Portugal’s golf scene. From 31 July to 2 August 2026, the Algarve’s sophisticated resort town of Vilamoura will host the Portugal Invitational, a brand-new professional tournament on the PGA TOUR Champions calendar. More than just a sporting event, this marks a major milestone for Portugal—and particularly for Vilamoura—as a world-class destination for championship golf, international tourism, and high-end lifestyle experiences.
What sets this tournament apart? For starters, it will be played at the newly transformed Els Club Vilamoura, an elite golf destination designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els. Golf fans will recognize the site as the former Dom Pedro Victoria, once home to the Portugal Masters. But the new Els Club is no mere facelift—it’s a full-scale redesign, reimagined to meet the highest standards of professional play. With signature holes, pristine practice facilities, and thoughtful landscaping that captures the Algarve’s natural beauty, the course is poised to become one of the top golf venues in Europe.
“Whenever my team and I design a golf course, we always keep in mind its potential to host professional tournaments,” said Els. “We are very proud of this course; it is incredible… a truly balanced test of golf.”
The Portugal Invitational will feature a field of 78 players, including icons from the PGA TOUR Champions, the World Golf Hall of Fame, and the Legends Tour. With a $3 million prize purse and global TV coverage via GOLF Channel and 22 international media partners, this is not just a regional highlight—it’s a global golf event.
This 2026 debut also marks the beginning of a five-year commitment between the PGA TOUR Champions, Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal, and Turismo de Algarve. As part of a three-week stretch of senior-level golf in Europe, the tournament is set to attract fans from across the continent and beyond.
More details, including ticketing information, on PortugalConfidential.com as they become available.
Photo at Top ©Jacob Sjoman courtesy of Els Club Vilamoura