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

 

Portugal Shines at ESGA 2025: Vice-Champions in Super Seniors Net

Portugal’s journey at the ESGA 2025 (European Senior Golf Association) Super Seniors & Masters Team Championship in Denmark ended with pride, passion, and remarkable achievements. Representing the Associação Nacional Sénior de Golfe de Portugal (ANSGP), the Portuguese teams delivered an impressive performance that left a lasting mark on the European senior golf scene.

From July 14 to 17, the competition was played on three golf courses: Lyngbygaard Golf Club, Stensballegaard Golf Club and Mollerup Golf Club.

The spotlight was firmly on the ESGA Super Seniors Team Cup (Net), where Portugal secured a prestigious second place, finishing just three points behind the host nation, Denmark. This runner-up position crowns one of the best collective performances by the Portuguese in ESGA history, marked by unity, resilience, and competitive spirit across all three days.

Standout performances came from the duo Joaquim Pires and Anastácio Mendes, who scored 43 and 45 points on the first two days of the pairs format. The final round was also filled with emotion, as Valdemar Carvalho celebrated his 80th birthday—an unforgettable moment commemorated with a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” on the tee box by his teammates.

In the ESGA Super Seniors Team Championship (Gross), Portugal achieved its best-ever result: a commendable 13th place. The entire squad performed consistently well, with all three pairs posting identical scores on the first day. José Cruz and José Cândido de Oliveira showed steady form on Days 2 and 3, contributing to a strong overall team effort.

ESGA 2025: high-level golf

The Portuguese contingent in the ESGA Masters Team Trophy also impressed, finishing in 10th place. The pair of José Melo Cabral and Agostinho Lucas stood out in the early rounds, showcasing great form and focus.

Across all three competitions, the Portuguese teams displayed high-level golf, sportsmanship, and a strong team spirit—qualities that elevated the name of ANSGP and Portugal throughout the event.

With 2026 challenges set in Italy, Finland, and Croatia, the road ahead begins now. Participation in upcoming ANSGP tournaments will determine who carries the Portuguese flag in next year’s ESGA European Championships. The bar has been set high, and the passion to represent Portugal remains stronger than ever.

Tee Times Present at IAGTO European Convention: Connecting, Growing, Evolving

The IAGTO European Convention (IEC) is back. From May 19 to 21, the spotlight will shine on Gran Canaria, and the golf travel community will come together again. With more than 30 years delivering top-tier golf experiences in Portugal, Spain, and other destinations, Tee Times Golf Holidays is proud to be part of this essential industry event as an IAGTO member.

This year’s IEC will be held at ExpoMeloneras — a world-class venue in the heart of Gran Canaria’s hospitality district.

For us, the IEC is much more than just a business convention. It’s a place to reconnect with long-time friends, strengthen trusted partnerships, and explore fresh opportunities. Carlos Ferreira, Founder & CEO, said: “IEC isn’t just a schedule full of meetings — it’s a chance to reconnect with partners who’ve been part of our journey for years. In this industry, relationships matter, and meeting face-to-face helps keep that trust strong.”

From Algarve to the World

Over three decades, Tee Times has grown from a local expert in the Algarve into a leading DMC serving golfers across Europe and other destinations. Our secret? A deep love for the game, personalised attention, and a constant drive to innovate, offering the best golf package for unforgettable golf holidays.

“Being at IEC is essential for us,” Ferreira adds. “It’s about reinforcing what we’ve built and staying open to new opportunities as a DMC — finding fresh connections with suppliers and buyers who share our passion for golf and quality service.”

Jorge Diogo, our Director of Sales & Marketing, agrees: “There’s nothing quite like a real conversation. Events like this let you connect with long-time partners and discover new opportunities.” And he continues: “We’re excited to be part of the IAGTO European Convention because it’s the perfect stage to show what we do at Tee Times. Meeting new buyers and suppliers helps us stay ahead and improve the experience we offer golf travellers.”

We look forward to another memorable edition of the IAGTO European Convention and continuing our mission of bringing golfers closer to the best courses, cultures, and connections across Portugal, Spain and some of the best world golf destinations.