Mon, November 10, 2008

STRIKING NEW CLUBHOUSE AT PGA GOLF DE CATALUNYA OPENS FOR Q SCHOOL

PGA Golf de Catalunya, venue of this week’s European Tour Qualifying School Final, has opened the doors of its striking new clubhouse.

The stylish new structure, set on forested hills overlooking one of Europe’s premier golf resorts, has been designed in modern Catalan style by acclaimed Barcelona-based architects Francisco and Damian Ribas, who will also design the resort’s first luxury houses, set to be built in 2009. Golfers arriving at the clubhouse, including professionals and elite amateurs hoping to gain one of 30 Tour Cards available this week, will also be welcomed by an impressive new sculpture by world renowned artist Rosa Serra, who was commissioned by Nike in 2001 to create a life-size sculpture of Tiger Woods for the company’s headquarters near Portland, Oregon, USA.

“The new clubhouse is designed to welcome international golfers and make them feel comfortable and at home,” said PGA Golf de Catalunya CEO Juan del Rio. “It has a modern, cosmopolitan interior and ambience, with an exterior that melts into the natural environment, featuring traditional Catalan elements such as a large patio entrance and traditional tiles. “We look forward to welcoming the European Tour and Q School this week, and golfers from all over Europe and beyond in the coming months.” PGA Golf de Catalunya, less than an hour’s drive from Barcelona and a short distance from the rugged cliffs and sandy coves of the Costa Brava, boasts a luxury hotel and two outstanding golf courses, both of which are being used this week for Q School.

The Green Course, which is set to be renamed the Stadium Course, is one of the highest-ranking courses in Europe, and was recently awarded 18 out of 20 by the influential Peugeot Golf Guide, having previously been rated among the top 10 courses in Continental Europe. The new clubhouse features a large outdoor terrace overlooking the opening tees of the Stadium Course, plus informal bar and bistrot, stylish restaurant, comfortable changing rooms with lockers, plus reception and golf shop. “This is a facility befitting of one of the best resorts in Europe and we look forward to welcoming golfers to what we hope they will see as their clubhouse during their visit to PGA Golf de Catalunya,” added Juan del Rio.