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PGA Catalunya Stadium Course – Spain’s #1 Course

PGA Catalunya Stadium Course – Spain’s #1 Course

Ranked as #1 course in Spain and #4 in continental Europe, the PGA Catalunya Resort’s Stadium Course is a golfing beauty. It certainly should be a must-play on every travelling golfer’s itinerary for Spain.

 

THE STORY BEHIND THE STADIUM COURSE

With the help of European Tour golf legend Neil Coles MBE and the European Golf Design, the Stadium Course – originally called the Green Course – was opened in 1999. Designed with The Ryder Cup in mind, its spacious holes and banking mean there would be perfect viewing for more than 30,000 spectators. The course was so good it hosted two tournaments within the opening months: the 1999 Gene Sarazen World Open and 2000 Spanish Open.

In 2008, Irish entrepreneur Denis O’Brien, the successful owner of the acclaimed Quinta do Lago in Portugal, bought the PGA Catalunya resort and injected a new lease of life.  Originally designed for high-level competitions, the course underwent significant upgrades to lengthen the 6686m, par 72 course and toughen some of its iconic holes, including the lakeside 3rd green, expansive par-3 11th and the 18th fairway. The investment paid off and it has been Spain’s #1 golf course since 2012.

 

“The facilities here are very good – it’s an outstanding place.” – Miguel Angel Jimenez 

 

THE STADIUM COURSE

The Stadium course lives up to its name with tree-lined fairways and elevation changes giving it a true “stadium” feel. Even as a 20-handicap hacker, most tees feel like you are stepping into a serious arena. You only have to be practicing your drive on the first tee to see the true majesty of the course. It is a course that will challenge all but the lowest of single-figure players.

The stunning views, immaculate conditioning of the fairways and greens as well as the ambience of the location will all distract you from the challenges you face here.

The lakes, trees interfering the fairway and strategically placed bunkers will present as obstacles to getting a good score in your round.

 

“The course delivers superb design, first-class conditioning, a big challenge… and it is quite simply a wonderful place to. The Stadium Course is a Must Play.” – Andy Newmarch, top100golfcourses.com

 

 

THE SIGNATURE HOLE

The most photographed hole is the signature 13th. The downhill par four has trees aligned on either side of the fairway to unveil a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees in the backdrop and the lake below.

The green is very challenging so much so that designer Angel Gallardo said “It is so difficult… it is more or less the same shape as the mountains in the distance. You only need to use your brain a little bit.”

 

DID YOU KNOW

The land on which the PGA Catalyuna Resort is situated was originally set aside to become a Formula 1 racetrack.

 

STATS
  • Year Built: 1999
  • Architect: Neil Coles (1999)  European Golf Design (1999)
  • Holes: 18
  • Type: Resort
  • Par: 72
  • Length: 6686 meters
  • Slope: 155
  • Rating: 76.8

 

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