PGA Catalunya Resort, a European Tour Destination situated near Barcelona, will host The European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage until at least 2017 after extending its existing deal by three years.
The extended agreement means that the Costa Brava venue will have staged the Final Stage on ten occasions, having first held the event in 2008.
The most recent edition was won by Mikko Korhonen, who became the first Finn to triumph after finishing two shots clear of four-time European Tour champion Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina.
As in previous years, PGA Catalunya Resort’s two world-class layouts – the Neil Coles and Angel Gallardo co-designed Stadium and Tour courses – were used to whittle down the 156-man field to the top 25 and ties, who all received a card to compete on The 2015 European Tour International Schedule.
Julio Delgado, Chief Executive Officer of PGA Catalunya Resort, said: “The European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage is a unique six-round tournament played over two courses, and one we are proud to host.
“During what can be a very stressful week for some, it is heartening to hear how much our courses, practice facilities and off-course amenities have always met expectations; and each year we very much look forward to welcoming the hopefuls vying for the 25 coveted European Tour cards.”
He added: “It has been a remarkable year for PGA Catalunya Resort. From hosting a momentous Open de España in May to being nominated as the Real Federación Española de Golf’s candidate venue for Spain’s Bid for The 2022 Ryder Cup, and now being selected to continue to host The European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage, our reputation as a world-class golf venue goes from strength to strength.”
Mike Stewart, The European Tour’s Qualifying School Director, said: “The players competing in the Final Stage have come to expect pristine conditions and superb practice facilities at PGA Catalunya Resort, and they were certainly not disappointed this year with both courses again presented to the highest standard.
“So we had no hesitation in extending the agreement by another three years, taking us up to 2017. We would like to thank Julio Delgado and his team at the resort, who make us feel so welcome every year. They do a great job, and their efforts really are appreciated by everyone involved with the Qualifying School.”
As well as being crowned the 2015 European Golf Resort of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), PGA Catalunya Resort has been voted Spain’s Best Course in the inaugural World Golf Awards.
The awards were among the latest in a series of high-profile accolades for the resort, including being voted Spain’s number one golf course by Top100GolfCourses.co.uk (2012-2014), Best Golf Development in Europe (2013-2014) at the European Property Awards, and being listed among the World’s Top 100 Golf Courses by leading UK golf title, Golf World.
PGA Catalunya Resort www.pgacatalunya.com
European Tour www.europeantour.com