PGA Catalunya Resort - Stadium Course

 

IMG 0719The beautiful par 5 15th

 A Brief History

As it happened, PGA Catalunya Resort’s future was to take a different path: one that would ultimately create one of Europe’s finest golfing estates and host venue of the Spanish Open golf tournament and Qualifying School Final Stage events.

With the help of European Tour golf legend Neil Coles MBE, the Stadium Course – originally called the Green Course – took shape. Designed with The Ryder Cup in mind, its spacious holes and banking meant there would be perfect viewing for more than 30,000 spectators.

The acquisition of PGA Catalunya Resort by Irish entrepreneur Denis O’Brien in 2008, the successful proprietor of the acclaimed Quinta do Lago, Portugal, injected a new lease of life and significant investment into this fine estate, culminating in a distinct, upmarket property development of considerable style and elegance. Originally designed for high-level competitions, the course underwent significant upgrades to lengthen the 7,333yds, par 72 course and toughen some of its iconic holes, including the lakeside 3rd green, expansive par-3 11th and the 18th fairway.

>These changes come as part of a three-year partnership with The European Tour, which sees the Qualifying School Final Stage return to the 36-hole resort until at least 2014. PGA Catalunya Resort is the eighth European Tour Destination to join The European Tour’s portfolio of world-class venues. This distinction provides the stamp of tournament quality, and guarantees a level of on- and off-course facilities to provide a memorable golfing experience for all members and visitors.

Championships

Numerous European Tour Events and the 1997 Ryder Cup

 

IMG 0703Avoid the large greenside bunkers at no 9

 

Course

Rated no 1 in Spain and in the European top 100 since opening. The course was designed to replicate the famous TPC Sawgrass Stadium course. Only 1 hour NE of Barcelona, this modern resort is only 15 minutes from the old town Girona and 30 mins from the lovely beaches of Costa Brava

A luxury 5 star resort with quality modern rooms and service to match. The 36 hole complex contains a large state of the art driving range, swimming pool, spa, its own market, a cosy bar as well as fine dining, there is no storage of things to do for the travelling golfer. The real highlight was the ‘stadium course’. With more movement in the land than you expect, the course weaves itself through beautifully with most holes using the valleys, manicured pines and water to work it’s way around the land. It provided generous landing areas, lovely bunkering (without being to penal) and plenty of movement in the greens. While it was it great condition, it was easy to see this was a championship course (EuropeanTour) and made to test the best by carefully using the hints the course provides and so calculated risks are essential.

This is a really solid golf course with a great routing, a very consistent course in terms of 'no weak holes'. It therefore makes it difficult to determine standout holes, but highlights were the tempting par 5's such as 3, 7, 15 and the rolling par 4's 4, 6, 9, 13, 14 & 17. For the par 3's it was the downhillers with water lurking on holes 5 & 11.

But what really impressed me was how enjoyable and fair it was to play! As I came off the course I realised that not only is it a championship course, but a course that the average golfer enjoy too!

 

IMG 0708Water sorrounding The par 3 11th

IMG 0700Weaving through the valley and fir trees on the par 5 7th

 

Golf Tours

The Travelling Golfer can tailor a golf trip to Spain to suit your group.

For itinerary suggestions please see Costa Brava Spain & Provincial France


Enquiries

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