PGA Catalunya Resort – a World Top 100 venue and ranked second in Spain – is expanding and upgrading its existing practice facilities with a new approach-play area where golfers can refine this part of their game in optimum conditions.
The new facilities have been designed by Head Greenkeeper, David Bataller and include:
- More targets on the driving range – for fairway, short iron, chipping and bunker play
- TaylorMade balls will now be used on the range
- Target-shaped greens with bunkers
- Private practice tee with fairway bunker
The approach-play area’s use of three greens, each with different grasses (bermuda, bent and poa), and five bunkers, each with a different type of sand (Augusta National supersand, St Andrews links, Hawaii volcanic, parkland and windy-course), allows players to practice every possible shot from anywhere in the world. It is believed to be unprecedented for practice facilities in Europe.
It is expected that the enhanced approach-play practice facilities, including the upgraded driving range, will serve as the perfect complement to the resort’s highly acclaimed Stadium and Tour championship courses.
Work has already begun within the designated 5,000 square-metre zone behind the 18th green of the Tour Course. It is expected that the new practice area will be ready for use by mid-November, 2011. The complex’s current facilities will remain unaffected by the programme.
PGA Catalunya Resort’s existing superior practice and coaching facilities include large grass practice tees offering spectacular views over the Tour Course, a beginners’ area with high-quality matting, a short-game area with large bunkers and a green, and two dedicated putting greens beside each course.
Miguel Girbes, Golf Manager at PGA Catalunya Resort, said: “We strive continually to enhance the golfing experience for both elite players and visitors on golfing breaks – and believe our upgraded practice facilities will help make a visit to PGA Catalunya Resort even more memorable.
“As far as I am aware PGA Catalunya Resort is the only venue in Europe, most certainly in Spain, to provide approach-play practice facilities featuring different types of high-quality grass and sand. This will allow golfers to replicate a shot from any type of course in the world.”
PGA Catalunya Resort is hoping its unrivalled practice and coaching facilities will elevate its standing as the foremost training facility in Europe.
“We particularly want PGA Catalunya Resort to become the preferred winter training camp for golf federations and clubs around Europe and we hope to announce the signing up of several shortly,” said Miguel Girbes.
A map of the new driving range and approach-play practice facilities will be produced to enable visitors to fully maximise their experience.
PGA Catalunya Resort www.pgacatalunya.com