Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie will join Europe’s best golfers on one of the Continent’s top three courses when the Spanish Open tees off next week at the acclaimed PGA Golf Catalunya, near Barcelona, 30th April – 3rd May.
Staged on the Stadium Course, recently voted the no.3 course in Europe by Golf Monthly magazine, Ryder Cup stars, Tour stalwarts, upcoming talent and a multiple major winner will take on the pristine course, set between the Pyrenees and rocky coves of the Costa Brava.
Joining Montgomerie will be fellow European Ryder Cup stars Miguel àngel Jimà©nez, David Howell, Paul McGinley and Thomas Bjorn (winner of the 1999 Sarazen World Open at PGA Golf Catalunya), as well as two-time Major winner John Daly.
The American, famed for his ‘grip it and rip it’ style will have his work cut out to maintain his crown as the longest hitter though, as Spanish star Alvaro Quiros, who this year is averaging 314.2 yards from the tee, is in the field looking to add his home championship to the Qatar Masters he won back in January.
This will be the second time the Spanish Open has been played at PGA Golf Catalunya (the first was in 2000), which was originally purpose built by the European Tour to host the 1997 Ryder Cup, but its delayed construction resulted in the matches being relocated.
The 36-hole resort, which also boasts a luxury hotel, has undergone significant investment over the past two years, making it one of the finest golf venues in Europe and host to the 2008 and 2009 European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage.
The challenging 7,177-yard par-72 Stadium Course, designed by Neil Coles and Angel Gallardo, in association with David Williams and European Golf Design, is built in a beautiful natural setting, defended by trees and water. The undulating, valley-shaped fairways are flanked by wooded slopes on either side, providing excellent viewing for spectators around tees, fairways and greens.
Agustin Garcia, Director of Golf at PGA Golf Catalunya, said, “The course has never looked and played better. The proprietors, who also own Quinta do Lago in Portugal, have invested significantly, enabling us to upgrade the course and fulfil the potential of the outstanding design, resulting in the course being ranked in the top three in Continental Europe.
“We are sure both the players and spectators will enjoy their visit to the Spanish Open.”
Barcelona Girona Airport, serviced by Ryanair, is just 10 minutes from the resort, with Barcelona International Airport (55 minutes) also providing easy access from across Europe.
PGA Golf Catalunya www.pgacatalunya.com