Portugal Invitational kicks off first PGA TOUR Champions event in Europe

The inaugural Portugal Invitational opened on July 31 at The Els Club Vilamoura, marking the first PGA TOUR Champions tournament ever staged in Europe. The three‑day event runs through August 2 and features a 78‑player field competing for a $3 million purse.

The press conference brought together senior figures from Portuguese tourism and golf, including Portugal’s Secretary of State for Tourism Pedro Machado, Turismo de Portugal President Carlos Abade, Turismo do Algarve President André Gomes, Mayor of Loulé Telmo Pinto, PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady, World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els, and Arrow Global co‑founder John Calvão. Arrow Global’s John Calvão said the tournament is “a proud moment… an important part of our vision to showcase Portugal, the Algarve and Vilamoura.”