Four golf legends praise the condition of The Els Club Vilamoura and the Algarve’s prospects on the eve of the first PGA TOUR Champions tournament to be held in Europe.
The PGA TOUR Champions lands in Europe for the first time this week, accompanied by some of the most important names in the recent history of golf. Zach Johnson, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer and Miguel Ángel Jiménez have expressed their enthusiasm for competing in the Portugal Invitational, which begins this Friday at The Els Club Vilamoura.
After several days of practice, activities and the Pro-Am, all eyes are already on the first round of the tournament. A total of 78 players will compete over 54 holes, through to Sunday, on the course designed by Ernie Els in the Algarve.
The first impression from the biggest names has been almost unanimous: the course is ready to host a top-level event.
Zach Johnson arrives in Portugal in great form during his first season on the PGA TOUR Champions. The two-time major winner and US Ryder Cup captain in 2023 has already recorded three wins in 2026.
“It’s a first-class tournament and the course is really excellent. I think it’s spectacular,” the American said.
Johnson is also returning to an area he visited in 2005, when he competed in Vilamoura. More than two decades later, his assessment of the destination could not be more positive.
“Coming back to the Algarve and being here again in Vilamoura is special. I can understand why more and more people choose to spend time here, whether for holidays or to live. There is so much to enjoy: the ocean, the food, the golf and the lifestyle. It’s a place that is very easy to be in and the climate is fantastic,” he said.
The American was particularly surprised by the maturity of a course that is very recently created.
“The greens are incredible and the ball rolls really well. It’s hard to believe this place is so new because it feels like it has been here for a long time,” he explained.
Harrington is already thinking about his future home
Padraig Harrington, a three-time major winner and this week announced as European vice-captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup, was even more emphatic in describing the condition of the course.
“The Els Club is managing to stand out. It is in the best condition you could imagine. It couldn’t be better. It’s a championship course and you really feel that the PGA TOUR Champions is bringing a great tournament to the Algarve,” he said.
The Irishman has been visiting the Portuguese region since 1990 and does not hide his affection for the destination.
“It’s a fantastic country to play golf in and a magnificent place to build courses. Without a doubt, when I retire — if I ever retire — this is where I would buy my holiday home,” Harrington added.
Bernhard Langer has known Portugal for even longer. The German, one of the leading figures in senior golf and a two-time Masters champion, played his first tournament here 50 years ago.
“So far, everything has been top-level, five-star. It’s very convenient to be able to stay on the course itself and have everything you need close by. The experience has been incredible and I think everyone is loving the course as well,” he said.
Jiménez: “The Algarve has everything it needs”
Miguel Ángel Jiménez will be one of the main attractions for the Iberian public. The Málaga native highlighted the combination of golf, climate and lifestyle that makes the Algarve a natural setting for the PGA TOUR Champions’ European debut.
“The Algarve has everything needed to host a great golf tournament: fantastic weather, a very strong golf culture and a place where people really enjoy spending time. The course is in excellent condition and it’s wonderful that the PGA TOUR Champions has come to Portugal with this field of players,” Jiménez explained.
PGA TOUR Champions president Miller Brady said that the reaction of the golfers and their families during the previous days demonstrates the importance this new event can achieve on the calendar.
“Our players arrive at the hotel with their eyes wide open. They are enjoying the warm hospitality of this country. That is precisely what this week represents for our tour. There is a family atmosphere and I think it will grow every year. It’s fantastic for tourism, for golf and for the Champions Tour,” he said.
Todd Rhinehart, tournament director, believes everything is ready for a very special first edition.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better preparation for the first Portugal Invitational. The course is in fantastic condition, the players are excited and everything is set for a very special opening day on Friday,” he said.
A debut with 78 players and three rounds
The Portugal Invitational will be played from this Friday 31 July until Sunday 2 August. The format will be the usual PGA TOUR Champions format: 54 holes spread over three rounds and no cut.
Johnson and Harrington lead a field that includes major champions, Ryder Cup legends and several of the most prominent players on the US over-50 circuit.
The tournament has primary backing from Arrow Global, Vilamoura, Visit Portugal and Visit Algarve, along with a wide network of Portuguese partners and media aiming to consolidate the event on the calendar in the coming years.
The three rounds will be broadcast in the United States by GOLF Channel. International coverage of the PGA TOUR Champions will reach more than 170 countries and territories through the tour’s network of partner operators.
Vilamoura is ready. So are the legends. This Friday officially begins the PGA TOUR Champions’ first European adventure.
