The PGA TOUR Champions Portugal Invitational will make its debut the week of July 27, 2026, at The Els Club Vilamoura in Algarve, Portugal. This event marks the first PGA TOUR-sanctioned individual stroke play tournament held in Portugal, featuring a $3 million purse and a field of 78 players including members from the World Golf Hall of Fame, PGA TOUR Champions, and the Legends Tour.
Partnership Between Key Stakeholders to Establish the New Event
PGA TOUR Champions partnered with Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal, and Turismo de Algarve to create a five-year agreement for this tournament. Positioned between the ISPS Handa Senior Open and the Staysure Senior PGA Championship on the Legends Tour, the Portugal Invitational is set to be a highlight of a strong three-week European golf schedule, drawing some of the sport’s most iconic participants.
We are thrilled to partner with Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal, Turismo de Algarve and Ernie Els to announce this exciting, first-of-its-kind PGA TOUR Champions event in Portugal,
said Miller Brady, PGA TOUR Champions President.
This Tour is a global showcase of the game’s legendary players, and we know the great golf fans in Portugal and throughout Europe will welcome the opportunity to watch them compete in person at The Els Club Vilamoura.
The Championship Venue: The Els Club Vilamoura
The tournament will take place at The Els Club Vilamoura, designed by Ernie Els, a seven-time winner on PGA TOUR Champions and World Golf Hall of Fame inductee. The course recently underwent redesigns and has a rich history of hosting the DP World Tour’s Portugal Masters from 2007 to 2022, attracting champions such as Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington. Prior to this, Portugal’s only PGA TOUR-sanctioned event was the 2005 World Cup of Golf, a team competition.
Whenever our firm designs a golf course, we always have an eye on what makes it a successful tournament venue, so this was always a big part of our plans for The Els Club Vilamoura. It’s wonderful to see those plans now coming to fruition and we’re grateful to PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady, the team at Arrow Global Group and Turismo de Portugal and Turismo de Algarve, for sharing in our vision and bringing this exciting new tournament here,
said Ernie Els.
Working with Arrow Global and everyone at Vilamoura has been an absolute pleasure these past few years; they had a clear vision and mission from the get-go, which allowed us to focus our efforts on creating the very best golf course that we could. We’re very proud of this course; it looks incredible. There are a lot of great holes, a lot of memorable holes, and overall, it’s a really well-balanced test of golf. The practice facilities here are world-class, too. Everything about The Els Club Vilamoura makes it the ideal tournament venue. The players are going to love it, not just the golf course but this whole destination. It’s such a beautiful part of the world.
Vilamoura: A Premier Destination for Golf and Leisure
Vilamoura is recognized as one of the Algarve’s most sophisticated towns, offering stunning beaches, local wineries, olive groves, and fields producing fleur de sel. Visitors can explore the Ria Formosa islands, known for unique ecosystems and traditional oyster and clam harvesting. Nearby, the town of Loulé offers historic ruins and vibrant markets, while the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail provides an 11.5 km scenic coastal hike, adding to the region’s appeal for tourists and players alike.
Investment and Vision Behind the New Tournament
Arrow Global Group Fund, led by principal John Calvão, emphasized their commitment to elevating Portugal’s status as a top global golf and lifestyle destination. The organization has invested heavily in the region’s infrastructure, including world-class hotels, a renovated marina, upgraded golf courses, and a high-end equestrian center. Future developments, such as a country club and beach club, aim to create a comprehensive experience catering to families and residents across generations.
This announcement signifies the convergence of several heavyweights in the game of golf; the renowned golf destination of the Algarve, the might of Ernie Els’ design, and the legendary golfers who will compete on these fairways. For Arrow Global, this is a major step in realizing our vision for Portugal as one of the best global golf and lifestyle destinations, and we believe this tournament will showcase the world-class quality of the course and the strength of our long-term commitment to the region,
said John Calvão.
We’ve made a significant investment in the destination, elevating it with world-class hotels, a completely renovated marina, upgraded golf courses, and a high-end equestrian center. We’re also further developing high-quality real estate that reflects the lifestyle our guests and residents seek. Soon, we’ll be adding a country club and a beach club, making this a destination that truly has everything for families and all generations to enjoy.
Portugal’s Growing Reputation for International Sporting Events
Turismo de Portugal President Carlos Abade highlighted the country’s emergence as a premier venue for international sports and welcomed the Portugal Invitational as a natural advancement. This event will display not only the excellence of golf courses but also Portugal’s cultural richness and warm hospitality, inviting global players and fans to experience the Algarve throughout the year.
Portugal has increasingly become a world-class destination for major international sporting events and welcoming PGA TOUR Champions is a natural next step in that journey,
said Carlos Abade.
This tournament will not only showcase the excellence of our golf courses but also the beauty, culture, and hospitality that make Portugal a unique destination year-round. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to welcoming players and fans from around the world to the Algarve.
Algarve’s Ambition to Strengthen Its Golfing Legacy
According to André Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Board, hosting the Portugal Invitational represents a key milestone for the region and Portugal, elevating the Algarve’s global golfing reputation. The Els Club Vilamoura as the tournament venue reflects a dedication to quality and sustainability, supporting the Algarve’s objective to be recognized as a year-round tourist and golf destination.
Hosting the Portugal Invitational in Vilamoura is a historic milestone for the Algarve and for Portugal. This partnership with PGA TOUR Champions further raises our destination’s international profile and confirms the Algarve as an essential reference point in European golf. The Els Club Vilamoura, now the venue for an event of this magnitude, reflects our commitment to combining quality, sustainability and reputation with a distinctive tourist offering capable of attracting elite competitions,
said André Gomes.
The Algarve has been Portugal’s leading golf destination for decades, with around 1.5 million rounds played annually, and continues to invest in a diverse, contemporary and environmentally responsible offering. This tournament raises the bar and reflects the regional ambition to establish the Algarve as a year-round tourist destination, with a direct impact on the economy, employment and promotion of the region. We are ready to welcome the big names in golf history and show the world everything the Algarve has to offer — on and off the course.
Media Coverage and Leadership for the Portugal Invitational
All rounds of the Portugal Invitational will be broadcast exclusively on Golf Channel in the United States, part of PGA TOUR Champions’ cable television partnership. International viewers will access coverage through more than 22 media partners across 170 countries and territories. The tournament will also feature Legends Tour players, benefiting from the strategic alliance between PGA TOUR and the European Tour Group, which includes DP World Tour, Hotelplanner Tour, Legends Tour, and Ryder Cup Europe.
Todd Rhinehart, a veteran PGA TOUR executive with extensive experience managing major tours including PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, has been appointed as tournament director. Rhinehart’s leadership is expected to ensure smooth operations and help establish the Portugal Invitational as a premier competition on the global senior golf calendar.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is a PGA?
A. PGA stands for the Professional Golfers’ Association of America.
Q. What is the PGA?
A. The Professional Golfers’ Association started in the Victorian era thanks to the efforts of JH Taylor, James Braid, and Harry Vardon. These pioneering golfers wanted to improve the recognition and respect for players who made a living from golf.
Q. What does PGA mean?
A. The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America is a U.S. group for male golfers, founded in 1916. It organizes major golf tournaments yearly. The PGA also holds its own PGA Championship annually.
Q. What is PGA for skin?
A. Polyglutamic acid (PGA) is a type of peptide that can easily enter the upper layers of the skin and help produce collagen. It draws water from the air and brings it into your skin. As a polymer, it forms a shield on your skin to prevent water from escaping, keeping your skin moist.