Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie among first names confirmed for the $3-million tournament
– March 26, 2026
The inaugural Portugal Invitational, marking Portugal’s first PGA TOUR-sanctioned individual stroke-play tournament, will take place from July 31 to August 2 at the Els Club Vilamoura, with a prize fund of $3 million.
The tournament will welcome some of golf’s biggest names, including major champions, Ryder Cup legends and some of the sport’s most decorated figures. Among them are World Golf Hall of Famers Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie.
As the Algarve prepares to host a new top-level event, a total of 78 players will compete on the course designed by four-time major winner Els. The event also marks the start of a five-year partnership between PGA TOUR Champions, Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal and Turismo do Algarve, in what is expected to be an important step in the tour’s international growth.
European Ryder Cup players will also be in action. Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke, who was on the winning side in four of his five appearances, will be joined by Spain’s Miguel Ángel Jiménez.
American golfers Stewart Cink and Justin Leonard are also confirmed. Cink returns to Portugal after playing the 2005 World Golf Championships – World Cup, whilst Leonard, a 12-time PGA TOUR winner, will be aiming to become the first PGA TOUR Champions winner in Portugal.
More names are expected to be announced in the coming months, with the field set to grow ahead of the July event.
“The strength of the field already committed to the Portugal Invitational really shows what this event means,” Els said. “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,” he added.
“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.”
Els also thanked PGA TOUR Champions, Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal and Turismo do Algarve for “sharing the vision and helping bring this tournament to life”, adding that players will enjoy the challenge and fans can expect “something truly memorable this July”.
The Portugal Invitational will be broadcast in the United States on Golf Channel, the exclusive home of PGA TOUR Champions. International coverage of the 2026 season will reach more than 170 countries and territories through 25 media partners.
Ticket details
Tickets are now available, with early-bird sales running until June 1. General admission tickets for July 31 to August 2 start from €20, whilst a three-day pass from Friday to Sunday is available from €50.
Children aged 16 and under can enter for free, with one child allowed per ticketed adult.
Volunteer registration is also open for those who would like to get close to the action and support the event. Sign-up is available on the Portugal Invitational website.
For more information, contact [email protected]