New No. 1 Golf Course in Spain announced
Top 100 Courses of the World ranks European Tour venue third in Continental Europe
PGA Catalunya Resort, Barcelona, has been crowned Spain's number one golf course in an influential new ranking of European courses.
The Stadium Course at PGA Catalunya Resort was also ranked third in the league table of Continental European courses, published by the www.top100golfcourses.co.uk website, one of only two Spanish clubs featured in the top 20.
"Although the southern Costas continue to be popular for the weather, those in search of the Best Spanish course should head to Barcelona and the Costa Brava region," commented Top100courses.co.uk editor Keith Baxter. "The Stadium course at PGA Catalunya Resort has finally knocked Valderrama from the Spanish top spot."
To celebrate its success, the 36-hole resort, has launched a new 'Golf and Gastronomy' package, enabling visitors to sample Spain's best golf course, the country's best restaurant (the three Michelin Star El Celler de Can Roca, also ranked number two in the world's best restaurants) and the chance to see arguably the world's greatest football team in action, FC Barcelona.
The accolade is just one of a series of awards for PGA Catalunya Resort, a member of the European Tour Courses network:
• World Top 100 Golf Courses 2011 - Golf World
• Continental Europe Top 100 Courses 2011-12 - Golf World
• Top 50 Courses of Continental Europe 2011 - Golf Monthly
• Best Three Courses in Spain - Today's Golfer Travel Awards 2011
In making PGA Catalunya Resort's Stadium Course its No.1 golf course in Spain, Top100courses.co.uk's Andy Newmarch added: "It was a tough decision, however, the growth in popularity of the resort and its commitment to provide the very best facilities were strong assets.
"The improvements PGA Catalunya Resort has made year-on-year to its practice and training facilities have definitely taken it to the next level - and that is recognised in our rankings."
Andy Newmarch commented that European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage wouldn't have returned to the same venue for four successive years if it didn't provide the best facilities. And with European Tour officials and players agreeing PGA Catalunya Resort's new short game area and upgraded driving range are among the best practice facilities in Europe, there is strong evidence to support its new classification.
Julio Delgado, PGA Catalunya Resort Chief Executive, said: "We really couldn't have asked for anything better to start 2012. Everyone here is delighted with this achievement, which celebrates our efforts in striving to offer a truly outstanding and unique golf experience."
He added: "Costa Brava is blessed with great golf courses and it is heartening to see an increasing number of them being recognised in influential rankings and becoming top European contenders."
National Geographic Traveler magazine recently voted Costa Brava among its best destinations in the world to visit in 2012, based on the region's rich heritage, fantastic scenery and world-class gastronomy.
To celebrate PGA Catalunya Resort's new Spanish Number One ranking by Top100courses of the World, it has launched the Ultimate Golf & Gastronomy break that incorporates playing Spain's number one golf course, experiencing the country's best restaurant, and, subject to availability, supplementary VIP tickets to watch the world's best football team, FC Barcelona, at the Camp Nou.
The Ultimate Golf & Gastronomy package* starts from €395 per person, based on two people sharing a room and includes:
• Two nights' accommodation on B&B basis (€37,30 extra for single-person occupancy)
• Two green fees for the Stadium Course
• Dinner at Spain's No.1, three Michelin-star, restaurant (and no.2 in the World) - El Celler de Can Roca. (To secure a reservation, this package must be made two months in advance. Drinks not included.)
Football enthusiasts can enjoy a supplementary VIP experience and combine their stay with the opportunity to see the world's best football team play at the Nou Camp. (FC Barcelona Gold VIP tickets available on request and subject to availability. Charged separately at varying costs).