World Golf Legends to Enliven the 2026 Portugal Invitational

Portugal will host the 2026 Portugal Invitational. This prestigious event, scheduled to take place at The Els Club Vilamoura, Algarve from 31 July to 2 August 2026, will bring together an elite lineup of global golf legends on one course.

A total of 78 golfers from 17 countries have been confirmed for the tournament. The participant roster features iconic names that shaped international golf history, including five World Golf Hall of Fame inductees, six former Ryder Cup captains, and 18 ex-Ryder Cup players.

Headlining the event is Ernie Els, who will compete against fellow legends including Pádraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke, Retief Goosen, Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson, Justin Leonard, K.J. Choi, and Steven Alker.

Also appearing at the tournament is Tom Lehman: 1996 Open Championship winner, former men's world number 1 golfer, and captain of the United States squad that lifted the 2006 Ryder Cup.

This calibre of participants cements the Portugal Invitational as one of the highest standard golf tournaments ever staged in the country.

Combined, the entire field holds an exceptional competitive record: 224 PGA Tour victories, 247 PGA Tour Champions wins, 20 professional major titles, and 44 senior major championship titles.

Beyond being a premium sporting showcase, the Portugal Invitational represents a landmark moment for golf development within Portugal.

This will be the first official competition ever staged in the country by PGA Tour Champions, the global professional golf circuit for athletes aged 50 and over.

Beyond Golf: Family Focused Entertainment

Organisers have planned far more than just elite on-course action. For the full duration of the tournament, visitors will have access to a wide range of family designed entertainment activities.

A major highlight will be The Playhouse: a purpose built new entertainment precinct constructed in Vilamoura close to the coastline.

Guests can enjoy classic attractions including retro arcade cabinets, pinball machines, table football, and professional racing simulators developed by Estoril Racing Lab.

Families with children will have access to a dedicated Kids Corner offering interactive games, music activities, bubble machines and face painting. All visitors aged 16 and under may attend the tournament free of charge when accompanied by a responsible adult.

Event organisers aim for the Portugal Invitational to not only reinforce Vilamoura's standing as one of Europe's leading golf destinations, but also prove the region's capacity to host large scale international sporting events.

The tournament will air live in the United States via Golf Channel, while global broadcast coverage will reach over 170 countries and territories through the official PGA Tour Champions international network. Local viewers in Portugal can watch all matches on Sport TV.

Source: The Resident