GIRONA, SPAIN – PGA Catalunya Resort, one of Europe’s finest golf experiences, begins a year-long celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of its iconic Stadium Course, the No.1 ranked layout in Spain for the last seven years.
Since opening to huge acclaim in 1999, the Angel Gallardo and Neil Coles MBE designed course has been one of the most talked about golf experiences in continental Europe and has consistently won praise and awards including, most recently, the ‘Best Golf Course in Spain’ at the 2018 World Golf Awards.
The course provides constant challenges for all true golf lovers, with each hole presenting a different test of skill thanks to a strategic combination of lakes, bunkers, tee boxes and huge greens encouraging player-concentration throughout the round.
The superb natural landscape surrounding the course gives players extra golfing enjoyment, especially at the signature 13th hole, commanding wonderful views of the Pyrenees’ dominating Montseny Massif.
The pedigree and appeal of The Stadium Course has also continued to attract major tournaments, including The Sarazen World Open in its inaugural year (won by 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain, Thomas Bjorn) and three Open de Espanas, the first in 2000, won by Spanish legend, Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Course designer, Angel Gallardo, who calls his course ‘a masterpiece’, said: “The Stadium Course is undoubtedly one of the finest golf venues in the world, and I am so proud of what we have achieved. I would like to think that when I have passed away, I will be remembered for my role in creating it.”
Also home to the Tour Course, PGA Catalunya Resort boasts some of the finest practice facilities in Europe, including The Golf Hub (opened by former Masters Champion, Sergio Garcia, in 2018) an academy that integrates the latest state-of-the-art golf ball tracking system with social gaming experiences to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Kicking off a series of functions and events over the coming months, PGA Catalunya Resort’s CEO, David Plana, commented: “We don’t feel 20 years old; we feel 20 years young! Our resort is more vibrant and exciting today than at any point in its history.”
Over the next few years, a further 20 million euros will be invested into new projects on the estate, which will include the creation of a recreational lake, with its own lake club and a variety of water sports, as well as a comprehensive new spa and wellness centre.
Among its wealth of current golf, leisure and lifestyle facilities, PGA Catalunya Resort boasts two on-site hotels: the five-star Hotel Camiral, where guests can find a consummate luxury experience with several dining options, extensive fitness and wellness facilities, and a comprehensive concierge service, as well as the contemporary and stylish LAVIDA Hotel, opened in 2018.
The European Tour Destination is just an hour north of Barcelona, 20 minutes’ drive from the glorious sandy beaches and rocky coves of the Costa Brava, and boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin starred restaurants in the world on its doorstep. What’s more, Girona-Costa Brava Airport is just 10 minutes from the resort, with Barcelona-El Prat International Airport (70 minutes) also providing easy access from across Europe, ensuring golfers from the UK and Ireland, Germany, Scandinavia, The Netherlands, France and Italy can enjoy one of Europe's finest golf venues.
