PGA CATALUNYA RESORT
Less than an hour from Barcelona, 20 minutes from the sandy beaches of the Costa Brava and 5 minutes from Girona-Costa Brava Airport, PGA Catalunya Resort makes for the perfect Spanish golf getaway. There are two exceptional golf courses at PGA Catalunya Resort; The Stadium Course, ranked the No.1 course in Spain, No.3 in Continental Europe and No. 92 in the World, and the Tour Course, which provides constant challenges and spectacular holes to delight players of all levels. A member of The European Tour Destinations portfolio, this world-class venue features a modern, stylish clubhouse and outstanding practice and coaching facilities, used by international teams and professionals. PGA Catalunya Resort is now home to Europe’s finest, new golf and residential community featuring luxury properties, with exquisite private leisure facilities for residents and various rental opportunities for visitors. The Hotel Melia Golf Vichy Catalan, within the 300-hectare estate, offers additional accommodation possibilities for guests.
The Stadium Course
This spectacular and imposing course has been consistently ranked among the best ten golf courses in Europe since it was opened in 1999 and was recently voted #77 in the world, #3 in continental Europe and #1 in Spain. As the venue for numerous PGA European Circuit tournaments, it is also routinely singled out for praise from the professional playing fraternity.
Be warned, however the beauty of the course can distract from the many dangers waiting to do serious damage to your scorecard. It makes no concessions with its trees pressing onto fairways, strategically placed bunkers and the lakes that come into play on no fewer than seven of the toughest holes.
This is a quality that keeps players returning time and again to test themselves. It is rare to find so many memorable holes on one course and despite the many ups and downs, tees are elevated and very few fairways are uphill. The stunning dogleg of hole 6 is one of them and it demands nothing less than a driver and total commitment. Designed by Ryder Cup star Neil Coles MBE and former Spanish winner Ángel Gallardo, this spectacular course has consistently been ranked among the 10 best golf courses in Europe since it opened in 1999. Conceived as a venue for world-class tournament golf, The Stadium Course has twice hosted The Spanish Open, winning plaudits from some of the world’s best players. Dramatic elevated tee shots are a feature of the course, with tree-lined holes cutting a path through pine forest to large, undulating greens protected by lakes and bunkers. Recently upgraded and lengthened to 7,333yds from the championship tees, this par-72 course is one of the most exhilarating experiences in European golf, with different tees and multiple pin positions for all discerning golfers. The signature 13th hole commands wonderful views of the Pyrenees’ dominating Montseny Massif.
The Tour Course
While the Stadium Course throws down a serious golfing challenge, the Tour Course offers players an opportunity to enjoy a friendlier par-72 layout, set amid lakes and pine trees. Opened in 2005, this slightly shorter and more forgiving course is another Ángel Gallardo and Neil Coles creation, and a perfect complement to the demanding Stadium Course. While the picturesque front nine meanders through pine forest with strategically placed bunkers, the back nine opens out onto rolling golf holes that ride the contours of the estate and its lakes. Risk-taking players are rewarded here, especially on the par-5 holes, where there is space to open the shoulders from the tees and attack the greens. Popular with members and visiting golfers, this beautifully conditioned course has co-hosted European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage since 2008, so a high quality experience is assured.
World-class practice facilities
PGA Catalunya Resort now boasts some of the best practice and coaching facilities in the world, including an expansive 2,000 square-metre putting and chipping green, the largest in Spain and the only one of its kind in Europe. Practising here gives players a unique global experience. The approach play area features bunkers with five different sand types from around the world, including Augusta National supersand, St Andrews links, Hawaii volcanic, Pebble Beach and PGA Catalunya Stadium Course sand. It’s also possible to practice putting on different grass types, including Bent, Bermuda, Paspalum and Poa. A new private tee for groups of up to 30 people has been added to PGA Catalunya Resort’s driving range, which features fairway bunkers, different lies and additional targets for fairway, short iron, chipping and bunker play. International elite amateur teams and professionals regularly use the practice facilities at PGA Catalunya Resort. The venue has also become home of the world’s first Sergio Garcia Junior Academy, nurturing the best young golfing talent for the future and introducing the sport to children with physical and learning disabilities through its ‘Golf Adapted’ programmes.
PGA Catalunya Resort Club House
Opened in 2008, the World Top 100 venue’s clubhouse combines simplicity, functionality and elegance, offering stunning views of the Pyrenees and the Montseny Massif. Designed by leading Catalan architects Francisco and Damián Ribas to blend effortlessly with its natural setting, the terraced clubhouse provides a designer-stocked Pro Shop, fully-appointed changing rooms, a welcoming bistro and function rooms to host corporate events and social occasions. Members benefit from an exclusive lounge with a private bar and separate changing rooms and lockers.