Algarve Golf

Tee Times Golf Holidays Algarve – All things related to the region and city of Algarve in the south of Portugal. Great sunny weather, culture, traditions, food and awesome warm sandy white beaches and golf resorts are here.

Portugal Invitational 2026: PGA Tour Champions Makes History in Vilamoura

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The PGA Tour Champions is coming to Portugal. From 31 July to 2 August 2026, The Els Club Vilamoura hosts the Portugal Invitational — the first PGA Tour-sanctioned individual stroke play event on Portuguese soil, and the first PGA Tour Champions event staged anywhere in Europe.

Portugal Invitational 2026

A natural milestone for a region that has spent decades building one of the continent’s most compelling golf destinations.

What the Portugal Invitational Actually Is

The PGA Tour Champions is the professional circuit for golfers aged 50 and over — populated by Major winners and some of the most recognisable names in the modern game.

The Portugal Invitational carries a $3 million purse and a field of 78 players drawn from PGA Tour Champions members, World Golf Hall of Fame inductees, and Legends Tour players. It sits within a three-week European swing alongside the ISPS Handa Senior Open and the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship. (PGA Tour Champions official announcement)

The Field: A Who’s Who of Senior Golf

Bernhard Langer — holder of 47 PGA Tour Champions wins and six Charles Schwab Cups — heads a field that also includes three-time Major champion Pádraig Harrington, two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal, host Ernie Els, and Colin Montgomerie.

Retief Goosen, David Duval, Thomas Bjørn, and Ángel Cabrera are also confirmed. A Pro-Am is part of the week, giving amateur participants direct access to players of this calibre. (Golf Circus)

The Els Club Vilamoura: The Course at the Centre of It All

Els Club Vilamoura Portugal Invitational 2026

The Els Club occupies the former site of the Victoria Golf Course — an Arnold Palmer design that hosted the DP World Tour’s Portugal Masters from 2007 to 2022, producing winners including Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington.

Redesigned by Ernie Els, one nine retains its original routing while the other is an entirely new layout. The result is the fifth Els Club in the world and the first in Europe. (Golfweek via Yahoo Sports)

Why Vilamoura Was Always Going to Host Something Like This

Vilamoura is consistently ranked among the finest golf resorts in Continental Europe. Five golf courses, premium accommodation — including the recently arrived Hyatt Regency — and a food scene that takes itself seriously.

Vilamoura Marina View
Faro Airport sits 25 minutes away, with direct routes to 89 airports across 20 countries. Transfers and car hire are easily arranged. The tournament is backed by a five-year partnership between PGA Tour Champions, Arrow Global Group, Turismo de Portugal and Turismo do Algarve — this is not a one-off. (Portugal Invitational)

Planning Around the Portugal Invitational

Tournament week runs 27 July to 2 August, with the 54-hole competition concluding on 2 August. Spectator access and ticketing details will be confirmed closer to the event.

Whether the plan is to watch the professionals and then play the same course, or simply use the tournament as the nudge to finally book that Algarve golf holiday, the summer of 2026 has handed you a rather good excuse.

The Remarkable History of Golf in the Algarve

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The history of golf in the Algarve true begining occurred in 1966, when architect Sir Henry Cotton opened the first traditional grass course, The Penina.Golf’s journey from Scotland to the sun-drenched fairways of the Algarve is a remarkable tale of cultural expansion, innovation, and timeless appeal. Though the game began with feather-stuffed balls and windswept dunes, it found fertile ground in Portugal during the early 20th century, capturing the hearts of players with its elegance and challenge.

The Algarve’s introduction to golf dates back to the 1920s, inspired by the sport’s growing popularity across the British Empire. The region’s first course, between Portimão and Praia da Rocha, was rudimentary—its greens made from sand and oil due to a lack of freshwater. However, the true transformation occurred in 1966, when legendary golfer and architect Sir Henry Cotton opened the first traditional grass course, The Penina, now called the Sir Henry Championship Course. Spanning 360 acres and featuring tree-lined fairways, lakes, and a five-star resort, the Penina set the standard for what Algarve golf would become.

Sir Henry’s vision ignited a golf revolution. Architects from around the world flocked to the region, drawn by its mild climate and stunning landscapes. The Algarve quickly became a top destination for golf tourism, especially in the cooler months. The Portuguese Open cemented the area’s reputation, attracting elite players and international attention.

Tee Times and the History of Golf in the Algarve

For over 30 years, Tee Times Golf Agency has played a pivotal role in this story. Based in Portugal, we have become synonymous with excellence in golf tourism, offering curated packages that combine world-class golf with the region’s rich culture, cuisine, and hospitality. From the iconic Penina to the finest courses across Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, and Monte Rei, Tee Times connects golf lovers with the best Portugal has to offer.

Whether you’re chasing birdies under blue skies or soaking in the rich history of golf in the Algarve, the region delivers a truly unforgettable experience. With Tee Times by your side for the best golf holidays, your next break is more than a trip—it’s part of a legacy.

How to Plan the Perfect Golf Trip to the Algarve

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Thinking of playing golf in the Algarve? Tee Times Golf Holidays has been helping golfers plan seamless Algarve getaways for over 30 years. Thinking of playing golf in the Algarve? Great choice. With over 300 days of sunshine, dramatic coastline views, and some of Europe’s top-ranked courses, the Algarve is a dream destination for golfers of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a competitive challenge or just a scenic round followed by a long lunch, this southern slice of Portugal has something for everyone.

So, where should you start?

First, book smart. Tee Times Golf Holidays has been helping golfers plan seamless Algarve getaways for over 30 years. With direct access to premium tee times, exclusive packages, and trusted relationships with the region’s best resorts, we will tailor your trip around how you like to play.

If you’re after iconic fairways, don’t miss Monte Rei (Jack Nicklaus Signature), Quinta do Lago South, or Vilamoura Old Course—some of the best in Portugal. And the best time to visit? Spring and fall offer ideal conditions without the summer heat, but even in winter, you’ll find warm days, great value, and fewer crowds.

Need clubs? No problem—high-quality rentals are available. Prefer private transfers or drive yourself? Tee Times has you covered. And when you’re off the course, unwind with fresh seafood, explore coastal villages, or go wine-tasting inland. The Algarve is as much about lifestyle as it is about golf.

A few tips before you go: check if the course you’re eyeing requires a handicap certificate (some top-tier ones do), and pack proper golf attire—yes, even on holiday, there’s a dress code.

Bottom line? Whether you’re chasing birdies or just the sunshine, a golf holiday in the Algarve is always a win. And with Tee Times handling the details, all you have to do is show up and swing.

Ready to plan your Portugal golf holidays in the Algarve? Let us make it happen.