– Langer began his first season with playing rights on the European Tour at the Portuguese Open in 1976, aged 18. Half a century later, the two-time Masters champion returns as PGA TOUR Champions stages its first event in Europe
– The German legend began his Portugal Invitational campaign alongside Pádraig Harrington and Darren Clarke at The Els Club Vilamoura
Vilamoura, Algarve, July 31, 2026 – Fifty years after Bernhard Langer arrived in Portugal to begin one of golf’s most remarkable journeys, the German legend has returned to compete in the Algarve, looking to continue his unparallelled success on the PGA TOUR Champions.
There was a fitting symmetry to the moment. In 1976, an 18-year-old Langer travelled to the Portuguese Open for the first tournament of his debut season with playing rights on the European Tour. Half a century later, he has now struck his opening tee shot at The Els Club Vilamoura in the PGA TOUR Champions’ first European event, sharing the group with fellow major champions Pádraig Harrington and Darren Clarke.
“The Portuguese Open was my very first tournament exactly 50 years ago, so it’s been an incredible journey, a long ride travelling the whole world. But it all started right here,” said Langer.
Langer’s first journey to Portugal was very different to the one he makes today. With little money and professional golf offering very few of the modern day comforts, he drove approximately 2,500 kilometres from Munich before continuing to tournaments in Spain.
“I had very little money. The prize money was very low. There were no courtesy cars, no range balls, no food. You had to buy everything and bring everything yourself,” he recalled. “I couldn’t afford a caddie, so I was pushing and pulling my own trolley. Things were difficult in those days, but it made you probably work even harder to succeed.”
What followed was an extraordinary career. Langer became a two-time Masters champion, won 42 times on the European Tour and three times on the PGA TOUR, before establishing himself as the most successful player in PGA TOUR Champions history.
His 47 victories are an all-time record, as are his 12 senior major titles. He has also won a record six Charles Schwab Cups and recorded at least one PGA TOUR Champions victory in 18 consecutive seasons, claiming his 47th title at the age of 67.
Fifty years later, the desire to compete remains: “I still enjoy competing. I still enjoy playing golf. It’s just a wonderful game,” said Langer. “The camaraderie we have with all these guys out here is phenomenal. Some of them I’ve known for over 50 years. You create friendships, and it’s great to hang out together.”
A new chapter in Portugal
Langer’s return comes as Portugal hosts another landmark moment, with the Portugal Invitational becoming the first PGA TOUR Champions event staged in Europe.
“I think it’s fantastic. We’re branching out,” he said. “Now it’s the first time in Europe, and maybe there’s more in the future. Who knows? I could foresee in the future that we have maybe two or three tournaments here.”
The Els Club Vilamoura has also made a strong first impression.
“It’s playable off the tee and has challenging second shots with a lot of water, especially when the wind blows,” Langer said. “Ernie has done a great job with the greens. They’re challenging and undulating, but not crazy. It’s going to be a beautiful challenge.”
For Langer, Portugal is therefore once again the setting for a beginning. In 1976, it marked the start of his first season on the European Tour. In 2026, he returns as PGA TOUR Champions begins its own chapter in Europe.
“It’s great to be back in Portugal. It’s a wonderful place to play golf with great golf courses,” he said. “We’re thrilled to be coming here for at least five years and hopefully even more.
“Hopefully it will draw a lot of attention to the Portuguese people, but I think it will draw attention all over the world because it will be televised in America, in Europe, in Asia. You have a world-class field with the best players over 50, and just about everybody is here, which is an incredible testimony to Ernie and the sponsors, so it should be a thrilling week.”
The inaugural Portugal Invitational has brought together a strong network of partners and broadcasters, helping to give the tournament a significant platform from its very first edition. Arrow Global, Vilamoura, Visit Portugal and Visit Algarve are joined by Mercedes-Benz, Kress, Reflo, Dils, Deloitte, Lusíadas Saúde, Loulé, Heritage Wines, Heineken, Nespresso, Pacheca, Vista Alegre and InfraMoura.
Media partners include SIC Notícias, Expresso, Sport TV and JCDecaux. Their support provides a strong platform for the tournament’s debut and helps build momentum for the continued growth of the Portugal Invitational in the years ahead.
All three rounds will be televised in the United States on GOLF Channel. International PGA TOUR Champions coverage is available in more than 170 countries and territories through the Tour’s network of media partners.
The first round begins this Friday, 31 July, with the inaugural Portugal Invitational champion set to be crowned on Sunday, 2 August.
For more information about the Portugal Invitational, including tickets and the latest tournament updates, visit https://www.portugalinvitational.com/
