Costa Brava’s status as a leading golf travel destination has been further reinforced as Golf World magazine publishes its first ranking of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in Continental Europe.
The award-winning destination, in the northeast of Spain, north of Barcelona, saw three of its nine venues feature within the new list, which was compiled by an international panel of experts who considered a venue’s course(s), accommodation, practice facilities, amenities and accessibility to establish standings.
European Tour Destination and three-time Spanish Open venue, PGA Catalunya Resort, which opened its new 5* Hotel Camiral in June 2016, was named Spain’s best golf resort, placing third overall in the inaugural classification.
Empordà Golf & Spa, featuring two 18-hole Robert von Hagge-designed layouts complete with practice facilities and an on-site Double Tree by Hilton, was ranked 51st on the list, while Hotel Peralada Wine Spa & Golf, which has also undergone a major renovation of its 5* hotel during 2016, was ranked 92nd.
Commenting on the rankings, Golf World’s Courses & Travel Editor, Chris Bertram, said: “PGA Catalunya Resort clearly holds the main appeal for golfers in the Costa Brava and its new 5* hotel is a definite game-changer. However, it is far from being the only attraction as can be attested by the Empordà and Peralada classifications.
“The region, which might well be my favourite area of Spain, is very accessible with good rail, road and air links, and offers consistently good and different-looking courses, as well as a wide variety of accommodation, from luxurious hotels to farmhouses, including possibly one of the finest boutique resorts in the Top 100 in Peralada Wine Spa & Golf, providing more relaxed golf, magnificent food and wine, and an extensive spa.”
This new ranking is further confirmation of the continued ascent of a region that registered a 67% growth in European golf visitors between 2013 and 2015 and celebrated its ‘Year of Golf and Gastronomy’ in 2016.
“Our prominence in Golf World’s listing is further endorsement of the quality of the region’s golf courses and resorts,” says Ramon Ramos, Director of the Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board.
“When combined with our rich cultural and historical heritage, authentic Catalan cuisine and the increased accessibility with Jet2.com, Transavia and Ryanair routes to Girona, I firmly expect that our position as one of Europe’s best golfing destinations will be further cemented in the coming years.”
Other golf courses in Costa Brava worthy of a visit include:
- Club de Golf Costa Brava – one of the region’s oldest golf courses that presents a good test for players of all standards
- Torremirona Golf Club – provides the ideal challenge for mid-level golfers and wonderful views of the Pyrenees and the Bay of Roses
- Club Golf d’Aro Mas Nou, which offers spectacular vistas from its perch, 300m above sea-level
- British-designed Golf de Pals, situated on the Spanish seafront
The region also boasts impressive par-3 pitch and putt courses, such as Gualta, which is ideal for those looking to perfect their short game or for a quick and pleasant round.
Costa Brava www.costabrava.org
Costa Brava Golf www.golf.costabrava.org