– Zach Johnson, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer and Miguel Ángel Jiménez praise The Els Club Vilamoura and the Algarve ahead of the inaugural Portugal Invitational
Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal – July 30, 2026 – With just one day to go until the inaugural Portugal Invitational tees off, anticipation is building at The Els Club Vilamoura as some of the biggest names in golf prepare for the first PGA TOUR Champions event in Europe.
After a week of practice, Pro-Am action and preparations in the Algarve, attention now turns to Friday’s opening round. Ahead of the first competitive tee shots, players including Zach Johnson, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer and Miguel Ángel Jiménez have praised the condition of the host venue and the quality of the destination welcoming the 78-player field.
Johnson arrives in Portugal in outstanding form during his debut PGA TOUR Champions season, with three victories already in 2026. The two-time Major champion and 2023 U.S. Ryder Cup captain was impressed by both the tournament and its host venue. “It’s a first-class event and the golf course is really, really good,” Johnson said. “I think it’s spectacular.”
The American also highlighted his return to a destination he first visited when competing in Vilamoura in 2005. “Being back in the Algarve, being back here in Vilamoura, it’s special,” he said.
“I can understand why more and more people are choosing to spend time here, whether for a holiday or as a place to live,” Johnson said. “There’s so much to enjoy – the ocean, the food, the golf and the lifestyle. It’s an easy place to be, and the weather is terrific.”
Johnson was particularly impressed by the maturity and condition of The Els Club Vilamoura. “The greens are awesome. They roll really, really well. It’s hard to believe that this place is pretty new because it looks like it’s been here for a while.”
Harrington, a three-time Major champion who was announced this week as a vice-captain for Europe’s 2027 Ryder Cup team, was equally emphatic in his assessment of the course.
“The Els Club is setting itself apart here. It’s in the best condition you could ever imagine. You couldn’t get it any better,” Harrington said. “It’s a championship golf course, so it really feels like PGA TOUR Champions are bringing a big event to the Algarve.”
The Irishman, who has been visiting the Algarve since 1990, also underlined the region’s long-standing appeal as a golf destination. “It’s just a great golfing country, a great land for golf courses,” Harrington said. “It’s definitely somewhere that, when I retire – if I ever do retire – this is where I’d be buying my holiday home.”
Bernhard Langer, who made his debut in Portugal 50 years ago, also praised the standards he has found on his return to the country.
“Everything so far has been top notch, five-star,” Langer said. “It’s very convenient to stay right here on the golf course, with everything you need close by. So far it’s been amazing, and I think everybody loves the golf course as well.”
Miguel Ángel Jiménez also highlighted the combination of golf, climate and lifestyle that makes the Algarve a natural setting for the Portugal Invitational.
“The Algarve has everything you want for a great golf event – a fantastic climate, a strong golf culture and a place where people really enjoy spending time. The course is in excellent condition, and it is great for PGA TOUR Champions to come to Portugal and bring this field to Vilamoura.”
PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady said the reaction from players and their families during the last days reflected the wider significance of bringing the Tour to Portugal.
“Our players are showing up, arriving at the hotel, eyes wide open,” Brady said. “They’re enjoying the warm hospitality of this country. This is what this week is about for our Tour. It’s a family atmosphere, and I think it’s just going to grow more and more every single year. For us, it’s great for tourism, it’s great for golf, and great for the Champions Tour.”
“We couldn’t have asked for a better build-up to the first Portugal Invitational,” added Tournament Director Todd Rhinehart. “The course is in fantastic condition, the players are excited, and everything is set for a very special opening round on Friday.”
The Portugal Invitational begins on Friday at The Els Club Vilamoura, bringing PGA TOUR Champions competition to Europe for the first time. The 78-player field will compete over 54 holes from July 31 to August 2, with Johnson and Harrington among a line-up featuring Major champions, Ryder Cup legends and some of the leading players on PGA TOUR Champions.
Beyond the course itself, 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/.
