PGA Catalunya Resort, near Barcelona, home to Spain's No.1 golf course*, has released a series of stunning new images to celebrate its recently announced graduation to European Tour Destination status.
Produced by professional golf course photographer, Steve Carr, the collection captures the challenge and beauty of PGA Catalunya Resort's two 18-hole courses and its 2,000 square-metre putting and short game green, the only one of its kind in Europe and the new home to Dave Pelz's Scoring Game School in Spain.
Of the Stadium Course, which was recently upgraded and lengthened under the supervision of designers Neil Coles MBE and Ángel Gallardo, Steve Carr said: "The course's 11 elevated tees provide ideal vantage points to capture the essence of each hole beautifully.
"The Stadium Course's lush fairways cut paths through the pine forest and open up to large, undulating greens, which contrasts with the dark green of the trees. The lakes and bunkers that feature on many of the course's holes also add focal points and help frame shots perfectly.
"The Tour Course's broader fairways allow for more sweeping shots, highlighting the gentle contours and fluidity of the landscape, interjected by strategically placed bunkers.
"The mirrored surfaces of the water features present added opportunities to use reflections and light to further emphasise the natural beauty of the course and surroundings."
Steve Carr added: "The Pyrenees' dominating Montseny Massif adds a striking backdrop to PGA Catalunya Resort's course pictures, emphasizing skies packed full of interesting colours and textures.
"During the shoot, the views didn't cease to evolve, offering changing conditions, cloud formations and lighting, which ensured there was always something unique and fresh to photograph."
The land on which the courses were built was originally set aside for a Formula 1 racetrack, before being earmarked as a purpose-built venue for the 1997 Ryder Cup. However, PGA Catalunya Resort's future was to take a different path: one that would ultimately result in one of Europe's finest golfing estates.
Situated just 50 minutes from Barcelona and 15 minutes from Girona, the 36-hole resort has consistently ranked among the 10 best European golf venues since it opened in 1999, attracting discerning golfers, international elite amateur teams and professionals, as well as major international events, including two Spanish Opens, the 1999 Sarazen World Open and European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage events since 2008.
For further information about PGA Catalunya Resort, its golf courses and private residences, please visit www.pgacatalunya.com.
* Ranked by Top100golfcourses.co.uk
