Destination Golf Travel (Summer 2025) | Page 47

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Els Club Vilamoura
Formosa islands and encounter unique ecosystems as fishermen harvest oysters, clams and other local delicacies. Nearby Loulé is a hilly region with ancient ruins and a charming local market, whilst The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a spectacular 11.5km coastal hike.
“ This announcement signifies the convergence of several heavyweights in the game of golf; the renowned golf destination of the Algarve, the might of Ernie Els ' design, and the legendary golfers who will compete on these fairways. For Arrow Global, this is a major step in realizing our vision for Portugal as one of the best global golf and lifestyle destinations, and we believe this tournament will showcase the world-class quality of the course and the strength of our longterm commitment to the region,” said John Calvão, Arrow Global Group Fund Principal.“ We’ ve made a significant investment in the destination, elevating it with world-class hotels, a completely renovated marina, upgraded golf courses, and a high-end equestrian center. We’ re also further developing highquality real estate that reflects the lifestyle our guests and residents seek. Soon, we’ ll be adding a country club and a beach club, making this a destination that truly has everything for families and all generations to enjoy.”
“ Portugal has increasingly become a world-class destination for major international sporting events and welcoming PGA TOUR Champions is a natural next step in that journey,” said Carlos Abade, President of Turismo de Portugal.“ This tournament will not only showcase the excellence of our golf courses but also the beauty, culture, and hospitality that make Portugal a unique destination year-round. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to welcoming players and fans from around the world to the Algarve.”
“ Hosting the Portugal Invitational in Vilamoura is a historic milestone for the Algarve and for Portugal.
This partnership with PGA TOUR Champions further raises our destination’ s international profile and confirms the Algarve as an essential reference point in European golf. The Els Club Vilamoura, now the venue for an event of this magnitude, reflects our commitment to combining quality, sustainability and reputation with a distinctive tourist offering capable of attracting elite competitions,” said André Gomes, President of the Algarve Tourism Board.“ The Algarve has been Portugal ' s leading golf destination for decades, with around 1.5 million rounds played annually, and continues to invest in a diverse, contemporary and environmentally responsible offering. This tournament raises the bar and reflects the regional ambition to establish the Algarve as a year-round tourist destination, with a direct impact on the economy, employment and promotion of the region. We are ready to welcome the big names in golf history and show the world everything the Algarve has to offer— on and off the course.”
All three rounds of the Portugal Invitational will be televised on GOLF Channel, the exclusive cabletelevision partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Internationally, PGA TOUR Champions coverage is available in more than 170 countries and territories via 22 media partners. The Portugal Invitational will also include members of the Legends Tour through the Strategic Alliance between the PGA TOUR and the European Tour Group( DP World Tour, Hotelplanner Tour, Legends Tour and Ryder Cup Europe).
Longtime PGA TOUR executive Todd Rhinehart, who ran a number of the TOUR’ s biggest events and most recently oversaw PGA TOUR Latinoamerica as Vice President and Executive Director, was announced as the Tournament Director of the Portugal Invitational.
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