Twenty-one years ago, Zach Johnson and Stewart Cink left Vilamoura having endured a frustrating week together representing the United States at the 2005 World Cup. They finished well down the leaderboard and could scarcely have imagined that, more than two decades later, they would return to the Algarve to finish first and second at the inaugural Portugal Invitational.

That memory was one of the first things Cink reminded his close friend moments after Sunday’s final round.

“Who would have thought we would finish one-two considering how poorly we played here 20-something years ago,” Johnson recalled with a smile after lifting the trophy.

The American completed a brilliant final-round 65 to finish at 19-under-par, two shots clear of Cink, becoming the first champion in Portugal Invitational history. It was his fourth victory in just 11 starts since joining PGA TOUR Champions this season, a remarkable debut campaign that also includes a senior major title and a run of top-10 finishes in every tournament he has contested.

Those performances have transformed the Race for the Charles Schwab Cup into a two-man battle. Johnson now matches Cink’s four victories this season and has reduced the gap at the top of the standings, although his friend still leads the season-long race.

Despite that growing rivalry, Johnson made it clear there is no conflict between friendship and competition.

“Stewart’s one of my best friends in the world. I want him to win every week – especially if I don’t,” he said. “If I have an opportunity to win the Charles Schwab Cup, I’m going to work like heck to do it. But if I don’t and Stewart does, I’ll be the first one to take my hat off and shake his hand.”

Johnson credited the front nine on Sunday for laying the foundations of victory, particularly his birdie at the seventh hole, which had consistently ranked as the toughest on the course throughout the week.

“That hole is probably the hardest on the golf course,” he explained. “I hit a beautiful drive and then a punch hybrid from 214 yards. To have five or six feet for birdie there was massive. That’s a hole where all of us would happily take par and move on. I felt like I gained at least half a shot on the field there.”

That birdie formed part of a blistering opening nine that gave Johnson the freedom to remain aggressive while maintaining control over the closing stretch.

“That start really was a nice catapult and gave me some freedom on the back nine. I just kept hitting fairways and stayed aggressive whenever I had the opportunity.”

Victory in Portugal also carried personal significance because of the venue and its host.

“It’s very special to be the inaugural champion of a tournament associated with Ernie and Liezl and the whole Els family,” Johnson said. “I consider Ernie an absolute role model on and off the golf course. To have my name associated with his is distinctly an honour.”

The 50-year-old also praised both the tournament and Portugal itself, describing the week as one that he will remember fondly for a long time.

“This week has exceeded all my expectations. I think it’s great that PGA TOUR Champions is travelling more internationally. It’s great for the game, it’s great for us to experience places like this and I’ve loved every minute of being here.”

Away from the golf course, Johnson admitted he had also been won over by Portuguese hospitality. “I’ve had amazing food all week, whether here at the hotel, in the marina or at local restaurants. The seafood has been spectacular… and I’m going to eat a lot tonight.”

With four victories already, a senior major title and an ever-growing challenge for the Charles Schwab Cup, Johnson’s first season on PGA TOUR Champions continues to gather momentum. His latest triumph also ensures his name will forever be linked with another milestone: the first champion in the history of the Portugal Invitational.

The success of the inaugural Portugal Invitational was underpinned by a strong network of partners and broadcasters, helping to provide the tournament with a significant platform from the outset. Arrow Global, Vilamoura, Visit Portugal and Visit Algarve are joined by Mercedes-Benz, Kress, Reflo, Dils, Deloitte, Lusíadas Saúde, Loulé, Heritage Wines, Heineken, Nespresso, Pacheca, Vista Alegre and InfraMoura.

Media partners include SIC Notícias, Expresso, Sport TV and JCDecaux. Their support provides a strong platform for the tournament’s debut and helps build momentum for the continued growth of the Portugal Invitational in the years ahead.

All three rounds have been televised in the United States on GOLF Channel and Sport TV in Portugal. International PGA TOUR Champions coverage has also been available in more than 170 countries and territories through the Tour’s network of media partners.

For more information about the Portugal Invitational, visit portugalinvitational.com