Zach Johnson 197 secured victory at the inaugural Portugal Invitational, defeating Stewart Cink and Padraig Harrington. Hosted by Ernie Els at The Els Club, the $3m event featured a star-studded field. Johnson’s seven-under final round, including a clutch putt on the 11th, sealed his win. Cink closed within two strokes but faltered late. Harrington’s inconsistent play, including a water hazard at the 13th, cost him. Johnson praised Els’ course design, calling it ‘playable for beginners.’

The 19-under total marked Johnson’s strongest performance since his 2015 Open win. Cink, leader of the Champions Tour’s order of merit, showed resilience with four birdies but missed the lead on the final hole. Harrington, a 2026 US Senior Open champion, struggled with irons and putts. Johnson highlighted a critical putt: ‘I had a couple that lipped in—it was the difference.’

Ernie Els, a four-time major champion, emphasized the event’s accessibility. The Algarve venue, redesigned by Els, blends professional quality with beginner-friendly challenges. Johnson’s strategic wedge play and composure under pressure were key factors. The event marked Portugal’s debut as a PGA Tour Champions host, blending global stars with local appeal.