PGA Catalunya Stadium Course
Ctra. N-11 km 701, Caldes de Malavella, 17455, Girona, Spain.
GPS; LAT; 41º 51’ 22.48” N. LONG: 2º 46’ 23.92” W
PGA Golf Catalunya
Based in Girona, Costa Brava
The land on which the PGA Catalunya Resort lies was originally set aside for a Formula 1 racetrack, and then a purpose-built venue for the 1997 Ryder Cup. 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.
The PGA Stadium Course;
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 Course and toughen some of its iconic holes, including the lakeside 3rd green, expansive Par 3 11th and the 18th fairway.
This spectacular and imposing Course has been consistently ranked among the best ten golf courses in Europe since it opened. 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. 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. The signature 13th hole commands wonderful views of the Pyrenees and the Montseny Massif.
The PGA Tour Course;
While the Stadium Course throws down a serious golfing challenge, the Tour Course offers players an opportunity to enjoy a friendlier layout, set amid lakes and pine trees. Opened in 2005, this slightly shorter and more forgiving
course is 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. Most of the holes feature wide fairways and strategically placed bunkers, which can be forgiving of a less than perfect shot. Another feature sure to focus the mind is that it seems you are never far from a water hazard.
Popular with members and visiting golfers, designed to challenge players of all levels, this beautifully conditioned Course has co-hosted The European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage for many years, so a high quality experience is assured.
The PGA Golf Catalunya Stadium Course opened in 1999 and was designed by Neil Coles and Angel Gallardo. The PGA Golf Tour Course opened in 2005 and was designed by Neil Coles and Angel Gallardo.
PGA Stadium Championship Course;18 holes, Par 72
Black; 6686 m, Slope 155
White; 6563 m, Slope 155
Yellow; 6104 m, Slope 151
Blue; 5719 m, Slope 151
Red; 5089 m, Slope 142
The total length is 6686 m
PGA Tour Executive Course; 18 holes, Par 72
Black; 6000 m, Slope 146
White; 5863 m, Slope 141
Yellow; 5476 m, Slope 136
Blue; 5080 m, Slope 133
Red; 4681 m, Slope 132
The total length is 6000 m
Handicap; Men; 28 Ladies; 36
Facilities; Restaurant, bar, pro shop, swing analysis, short game practice area with large bunkers and greens with different flag positions and grass types (Bermuda, Bent, Paspalum and Poa), putting green, chipping area, 5 bunkers each with different sand (Augusta, St. Andrews, Hawaii volcanic, PGA Catalunya Stadium Course sand bunker and Pebble beach), grass bunker, golf academy, rental clubs, trolleys and buggies.
PGA Golf Catalunya address: Ctra. N-11 km 701, Caldes de Malavella, 17455, Girona, Spain.
PGA Golf Catalunya GPS; LAT; 41º 51’ 22.48” N. LONG: 2º 46’ 23.92” W.