World Golf Hall of Famers Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie among first icons headlining star-studded Portugal Invitational
2016 Ryder Cup Captain Darren Clarke and 17-time PGA TOUR Champions winner Miguel Ángel Jiménez add to strong European contingent
1997 Open Champion Justin Leonard and 2025 Charles Schwab Cup Champion Stewart Cink confirmed as first Americans announced
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PGA TOUR Champions will arrive in Europe for the very first time with some of golf’s biggest names, including World Golf Hall of Famers Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie, already confirmed to be competing for a prize purse of $3 million at The Els Club Vilamoura from July 27-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 4-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.
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.
The details
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, who’s 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.”
Tickets are now available for fans to purchase, with early bird sales running until June 1, and general tournament admission tickets (Friday 31st July-Sunday 2nd August) starting from €20. Three-day pass is good for each day, Friday to Sunday, is also available starting at €50. Children 16 and under admitted for free, one child per one ticketed adult.