The Portuguese Open, also known as Open de Portugal, is returning to PGA Aroeira Lisboa after a 29-year break, marking its first course change in six years. Previously held at Royal Óbidos for the past six years, the tournament has been a springboard for notable PGA Tour players such as Garrick Higgo, Adrian Meronk, and Matt Wallace. This year’s event, taking place from September 17-20, brings the competition back to the Frank Pennink-designed course, which last hosted the Open in 1997 when Michael Jonzon won with a 19-under-par score.

PGA Aroeira Lisboa is renowned for its challenging layout featuring towering pine trees that line the fairways and greens, offering a strategic test to golfers. Unlike many courses, it lacks fairway bunkers, relying instead on the natural placement of trees to challenge players. The course’s design allows nature to dictate play, combining beautiful scenery with varied holes that demand thoughtful shot-making. Past competitors in 1997 included world-ranked players José María Olazábal and Darren Clarke, showing the course’s longstanding appeal to top talent.

In preparation for the Open’s return, PGA Aroeira is undergoing significant upgrades such as the installation of new tees and the construction of a new luxury resort. Nuno Sepulveda, co-CEO of the venue's management company Details – Sports, Hospitality, Leisure, emphasized that these improvements signal a new era for Aroeira, aiming to blend tradition with innovation. Despite these enhancements, the club maintains affordable tee times, memberships, and youth programs, ensuring accessibility for emerging golfers alongside elite competitors.

The tournament will be covered by SkySports in the UK and Portugal and by HBO Max in selected regions, providing broad exposure for the event and the venue. PGA Aroeira’s blend of history, natural beauty, and modern development positions it as a key player in Portugal’s golf scene while supporting the growth of new talent. With a storied past and ambitious future, the return of the Portuguese Open to this iconic course is set to be a highlight on the 2026 golf calendar.