Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship 2026: The Road to the Ryder Cup Begins in Barcelona

The DP World Tour arrives in Barcelona this May — and Spanish golf is ready to make some noise

Real Club de Golf El Prat Pink Course in Barcelona, host venue of the inaugural Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship 2026 DP World Tour event

From 7–10 May 2026, the brand-new Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship tees off at the historic Real Club de Golf El Prat in Barcelona — the first stop on the European Swing of the DP World Tour and the official launch of the Road to the 2031 Ryder Cup. With Camiral confirmed as the Ryder Cup venue for 2031, Spain becomes the first continental European country to host golf’s greatest team event twice. This inaugural tournament is, quite literally, the opening tee shot. And if it has you thinking about a golf holiday on the Costa Brava, you are not alone.


A World-Class Venue

Real Club de Golf El Prat has been a cornerstone of Spanish golf since 1912, granted Royal status by King Alfonso XIII and host to over 250 top-level tournaments. The Championship will be played on the Club’s Pink Course — a Greg Norman design set within a stunning 518-acre estate just 30 minutes from central Barcelona. Ballesteros, Watson, Olazábal, Garcia and Fleetwood have all competed here. Now a new generation gets its turn.


Spanish Stars Ready to Shine

The home contingent is formidable. Pablo Larrazábal — nine-time DP World Tour winner and a Club member himself — headlines alongside Ángel Hidalgo, Eugenio Chacarra, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Adri Arnaus, Nacho Elvira, Ángel Ayora and Jorge Campillo. Barcelona will be loud, partisan, and thoroughly enjoyable.


150 Years of Estrella Damm

There is a pleasing symmetry here: the title sponsor is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026, having first brewed in Barcelona since 1876. Estrella Damm will also be the official beer of the 2031 Ryder Cup — a partnership that feels as natural as a cold pint after 18 holes on a warm May afternoon.


Tickets & Getting There

El Prat is a short drive from Barcelona Airport. Tickets are on sale now with worthwhile discounts: 25% off for RFEG members, 50% off for ages 13–17, and free entry for under-13s. Hospitality packages are also available.

Book at: estrelladammcatalunyachampionship.golf


With a legendary venue, a packed Spanish field and the Ryder Cup countdown well and truly underway, the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship has all the makings of a must-attend event. If someone offers you an ice-cold Estrella at the 18th — you would be foolish to say no.

Planning a trip to Barcelona or beyond? Browse golf holidays on the Costa Brava, explore golf breaks across Spain, or check out our full range of Spain golf courses and packages at Tee Times — Europe’s Best Golf Tour Operator 2025

 

Miguel Ángel Jiménez Becomes Costa del Sol Ambassador

Miguel Ángel Jiménez, Costa del Sol golf ambassador’ is a headline that has made waves, and it is easy to understand why. The Málaga-born golfer is one of the most familiar faces in the sport, known for his charm, dry humour, and unmistakable personality. His new role brings a fresh and friendly touch to a region already loved by golfers who travel for sunshine and great courses.

The Costa del Sol has launched a new digital campaign starring Jiménez to highlight its wide range of golf experiences. The area offers everything from coastal fairways with sea views to peaceful parkland courses and challenging championship layouts. The nickname Costa del Golf fits perfectly. With more than seventy courses, the region has more variety than anywhere else in continental Europe. Finca Cortesin remains a standout after hosting the 2023 Solheim Cup, and courses such as Los Naranjos, Flamingos, and Atalaya continue to attract golfers from all over.

Jiménez will also travel across Europe and the United States to represent the region at key events, speaking with travel agents, tour operators, and the media. His presence gives the Costa del Sol even more credibility and helps explain why so many golfers return year after year. The numbers tell the story. An impressive 98.7 % of visiting golfers say they would recommend the destination, which is no surprise given the warm climate, excellent accommodation, good food, and long list of courses along the coast.

With Miguel Ángel Jiménez now front and centre, Costa del Sol is ready to strengthen its position as one of Spain’s top golf holiday regions. If you are thinking about your next golf break, this part of Andalucía is an easy choice, and you can explore options through our Costa del Sol golf holidays page.

Redefining the Game: Spain’s First Par 6 Opens at La Marquesa Golf

Golfers in Spain now have a new reason to visit Alicante. La Marquesa Golf, located in the town of Rojales, has made history by unveiling the country’s first par-6 hole—a bold and exciting step that’s already sparking buzz across the golf community.

Stretching an eye-catching 644 meters from the back tees (623 from yellow, 593 from blue, and 505 from red), this unique hole offers something very few golf courses in the world can claim: a par 6 challenge that’s both strategic and accessible. Designed by architect Iñaki de La Cuadra, who has worked alongside renowned designer Peter Harradine, this hole transforms a former par 5 into a longer, more dynamic experience. The layout now includes a slight dog-leg to the left on the final approach, adding a layer of complexity that rewards precision and planning.

La Marquesa Golf: Always innovating

What makes this design truly innovative is the flexibility it gives golfers. Players can choose to tackle the hole as a par 6 or stick to the original layout and play it as a par 5, thanks to new tee platforms that preserve the original distance. In fact, when played as a par 5 from the white tees, it now holds the title of the longest par 5 in Spain, clocking in at 628 meters.

According to José Ángel Quesada, president of La Marquesa Golf, “This par 6 is a big leap forward for innovation and challenge in Spanish golf. We want La Marquesa to be a place where players not only enjoy their game but also find something memorable.”

La Marquesa is also part of the exclusive selection of golf courses offered by Tee Times Golf Holidays in Spain—perfect for those looking to experience top-tier golf in Alicante and its beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re planning a golf getaway or just want to tick a par 6 off your bucket list, Tee Times can help you make it happen for your Spain golf holidays.

This ambitious update is part of a broader vision to turn La Marquesa into a must-visit destination for golfers from around the world. Combined with standout features like its replica of the iconic 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, the course now offers a mix of tradition, creativity, and fun.

One thing’s for sure: if you’re looking for a golf experience that’s out of the ordinary, La Marquesa’s par 6 should be on your list.