For the first time ever, the PGA TOUR Champions will come to Europe, bringing some of golf’s biggest names — including World Golf Hall of Famers Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie — to compete for a $3 million prize purse at The Els Club Vilamoura from July 27 to August 2, 2026.
The event marks Portugal’s first-ever PGA TOUR-sanctioned individual stroke-play event, and the tournament’s inaugural edition will include major champions, Ryder Cup legends and some of the most decorated players in golf history converging in one of Europe’s most sought-after locations.
A field of 78 players will compete at the new course designed by four-time major winner Els, as a five-year partnership begins between PGA TOUR Champions, Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal, and Turismo de Algarve, in what promises to be a landmark moment for the global growth for PGA TOUR Champions.
European Ryder Cup royalty will also be present, with Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke, who was on the winning side in four of his five appearances, joined by Spain’s Miguel Ángel Jiménez as they tee it up at the Algarve’s first private members club.
2016 Ryder Cup Captain Darren Clarke and 17-time PGA TOUR Champions winner Miguel Ángel Jiménez add to strong European contingent
American Stewart Cink will also return to the country where he played the 2005 World Golf Championships – World Cup, while fellow compatriot and 12-time PGA TOUR winner Justin Leonard has also joined the fight to become the first PGA TOUR Champions winner in Portugal.
With a host of announcements still to come, the field is expected to grow even stronger in the months ahead as anticipation continues to build towards the Portugal Invitational this July.
Tournament host Els, whose first private members club opened in Europe last July, said: “The strength of the field already committed to the Portugal Invitational really shows what this event means. PGA TOUR Champions represents some of the most accomplished players in the history of the game, and to see so many major champions, Ryder Cup figures and global winners coming together in Portugal is incredibly exciting not only for us as players but also for the fans.
“When we designed this course, we always had the idea of staging world class tournament golf in mind, and now approaching the opening event of this stature, and being able to play it alongside so many friends and major champions, is going to be a very special moment.
“Vilamoura and the Algarve are a spectacular part of the world with a real passion for golf. My family and I have been coming here for years to enjoy not only the golf, but also the welcoming atmosphere of the people and the natural beauty of the region, something I’m sure all of the players will experience when they arrive.
“I’m grateful to PGA TOUR Champions, Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal and Turismo de Algarve for sharing the vision and helping bring this tournament to life. I think the players are going to love the challenge, and I have no doubt the fans will experience something truly memorable this July.”
1997 Open Champion Justin Leonard and 2025 Charles Schwab Cup Champion Stewart Cink confirmed as first Americans announced
Tickets are now available for fans to purchase, with early bird sales running until June 1, and general tournament admission tickets (Friday, July 31-Sunday, August 2) starting from €20. A three-day pass is also available starting at €50. Children 16 and under admitted for free, one child per one ticketed adult.
Portugal Invitational Pro-Am and hospitality packages are also on offer, providing the exclusive opportunity to play alongside golf’s most prestigious stars as they prepare to battle it out for one of the PGA TOUR Champions largest prize pots. Hotel, golfing and tournament hospitality packages are also available. For more information, contact info@portugalinvitational.com
Volunteer registration is also now open. For an opportunity to get up close and personal to the legends of the game of golf and support the local community, sign up as a volunteer at www.portugalinvitational.com.
The Portugal Invitational will be televised in the United States on Golf Channel, the exclusive home of PGA TOUR Champions. Internationally, the transmission of the 2026 season of PGA TOUR Champions will be available in more than 170 countries and territories via 25 media partners worldwide.
