An enthusiastic golfer off the football pitch, Figo joined amateur players and professionals on Wednesday for the first of two Pro-Am rounds before the tournament officially begins on Friday, 31 July.

Speaking ahead of his round, Figo said it was a proud moment to see Portugal hosting an event of this calibre.

"It is both a privilege and an honour for us to host the Portugal Invitational," he said. "We are a country that loves golf, and we have many excellent golf courses, particularly here in the Algarve. We also now have this new Ernie Els-designed course, which offers fantastic conditions for what I'm sure will be a successful event."

Having previously played The Els Club Vilamoura while it was still in its early stages, Figo said he was impressed by how much the course has developed.

"I had the chance to play here when everything was still very new and growing. Ernie has done a fantastic job. The course is now beautiful and, as an amateur golfer, having the opportunity to play in these conditions is something very special."

For Figo, one of the highlights of the Pro-Am is the chance to share the course with professional golfers in a more relaxed setting.

"The most important thing is simply to enjoy the experience. A Pro-Am is always different because there is no pressure on us. For anyone who loves golf, it is a privilege to be so close to the professionals and to play alongside them."

Tournament begins on 31 July

The second and final Pro-Am took place on Thursday before the Portugal Invitational officially tees off on Friday, 31 July. The tournament will run until Sunday, 2 August, bringing more than 50 PGA TOUR Champions players to The Els Club Vilamoura for the event's inaugural edition.

Tournament week began with a welcome reception on Tuesday evening at the Victoria Spa & Resort Hotel, where players, guests and partners gathered to celebrate the launch of the competition. World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els, whose design transformed The Els Club Vilamoura, attended alongside PGA TOUR Champions President Miller Brady and tournament officials.

The inaugural Portugal Invitational is supported by a wide range of partners, including Arrow Global, Vilamoura, Visit Portugal, Visit Algarve, Mercedes-Benz, Deloitte, Lusíadas Saúde, Heineken, Nespresso, Vista Alegre and InfraMoura, among others.

Golf fans around the world will be able to follow the tournament, with television coverage reaching more than 170 countries and territories.