The Portugal Invitational 2026, the first PGA Tour Champions tournament to be held on European soil, had its grand opening this week with a day of golf full of attractions. Three legends such as Ernie Els, David Duval and Colin Montgomerie shared nine holes to celebrate the arrival of this new event in Portugal. There was also reflection on the major topics of world golf.
Among them, the Ryder Cup. Montgomerie, former European captain, did not shy away from the hottest topic: the appointment of Keegan Bradley as captain of the US team and the possibility of including himself as a player.
“It’s a very interesting dilemma that the United States has,” he stated. “They want to have their 12 best players, just like Europe. If Bradley and the rest consider him to be among the top 12, he should obviously play. Sometimes, decisions like this can make the difference.”
Monty wanted to be more explicit and took it to the ultimate consequences: “It would be terrible if the United States lost by, say, half a point, and Bradley hadn’t played. Then they would say: ‘If he had played…’”
However, on the ability to be captain and player at the same time, Montgomerie has more doubts: “It’s a very delicate situation, it requires a lot of dedication. If you play in the morning and then have to think about what pairings to make in the afternoon, it’s difficult to stay focused on everything, but it’s their decision.”
He hints at a solution that seems to be floating in the air. Tiger Woods to the rescue. Colin senses that the American team is keeping an ace up their sleeve. Ryder Cup, New York, the desire to reclaim the throne… all roads lead to Tiger: “He is likely to have his role alongside Jim Furyk, that’s what I’ve heard.” It doesn’t sound like any nonsense and it’s a rumour that is spreading as more than just a simple rumour.
Regarding the European team’s chances, the Scot was optimistic with the team that will be led by Luke Donald at Bethpage: “We have many options. Rory wants to win away from home, and with Rahm, Hatton or MacIntyre, we can compete. It’s going to be a very close Ryder.”
About Bob MacIntyre, he is clear: “He hits the ball very well and putts exceptionally. With a bit of luck, he can win a Major. Hopefully, he will be the next to do it, Scotland needs it.”
He also left the door open for the return of Sergio García, although he is not sure if this is the best year: “It will depend on what Luke and he discuss. Sergio is a fighter, a competitor like Olazábal, Seve or Rahm. We need that kind of passion in Europe, but he needs to regain his best form,” concludes one of the legends of this competition
