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

 

Vidago Golf Club: A Remarkable Story of Passion and Persistence in Northern Portugal

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In northern Portugal, just a few minutes from Chaves and the Spanish border, Vidago Golf Club stands as one of the most inspiring stories in Portuguese golf. With a history spanning 57 years, the club is much more than a place to play. It is a symbol of resilience, community spirit and a deep love for the game.

Founded on 13 September 1969, the club originally had its home at the historic Vidago Palace Golf Course, a landmark venue that first opened in 1936. But when the famous course was redesigned and expanded from nine to eighteen holes in 2010, the costs associated with playing there became too high for many local members. Most were ordinary working people with modest financial resources, but they were determined not to lose access to the sport they loved.

Rather than give up, they chose another path. Under the leadership of club president António Manuel Carvalho Rodrigues, they purchased land in Camba, near Vidago. At the beginning, the site was little more than overgrown ground and a small ruin. Step by step, through volunteer effort, borrowed machinery and extraordinary determination, the members cleared the land and began shaping their own course.

First came four holes, then six, and eventually a full nine-hole layout. The small ruin was transformed into a warm and welcoming stone clubhouse. Officially inaugurated on 13 September 2009, the course is a par 71, with separate tees for each loop and additional tees prepared for Pitch & Putt competitions.

Set among mountains, green landscapes and traditional villages, the course offers a peaceful and distinctive setting. It also remains committed to accessibility, making golf available to people from different social backgrounds.

Today, Vidago Golf Club hosts monthly tournaments, interclub matches and events that attract players from different parts of Portugal, including Lisbon, as well as many golfers from nearby Spain. The club also continues to welcome younger players who are discovering the game there.

Behind this project are key figures such as vice-president Júlio Teixeira and director Rafael Martins, whose dedication has helped sustain the club’s growth. Vidago Golf Club is proof that with commitment, passion and collective effort, even the most ambitious dreams can become reality.

Text adapted from the post: Valdemar Afonso – Golfe: Clube G. de Vidago – um exemplo… | Facebook

Relax and Play: Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa

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The Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa offers the perfect escape from daily routines, combining luxury, wellness, and golf holidays in the Algarve. Recently celebrating its 18th anniversary, the hotel underwent a complete renovation, bringing a fresh and modern look while maintaining a connection to Portuguese culture through the design of Nini Andrade Silva.

In the rooms, Portuguese tiles are also highlighted on the headboards and bathroom walls. “It’s a way to integrate local culture into an international hotel brand,” said João Rosado, Director of Sales and Marketing, during a guided visit of Presstour. These artistic touches make the stay feel authentic and uniquely Portuguese.

All 176 rooms and 40 apartments now feature balconies, many with views over the hotel’s central gardens and six sparkling pools. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the garden, exquisite dinners at the Cilantro restaurant, and moments of relaxation that truly rejuvenate the body and mind. The resort’s culinary offerings include dishes such as seared scallops with cauliflower and guanciale, and a Provençal rack of lamb with seasonal vegetables.

Wellness is at the heart of the Hilton Vilamoura experience. The 7 Seven Spa, one of the largest in mainland Portugal, features four thermal pools, saunas, Turkish baths, ice buckets, and specialized treatment rooms for massages and holistic therapies. Guests can also enjoy outdoor yoga areas, fitness machines, mini-golf, padel courts, and more, making it an ideal destination for both adults and children.

For golf enthusiasts, the resort is close to some of the Algarve’s top courses, including the Old Course Vilamoura, The Els Club Vilamoura, Pinhal Golf Course, Laguna Golf Course, and Millennium Golf Course. This proximity makes it a perfect choice for golf holidays in Portugal, whether for beginners or seasoned players.

With versatile meeting rooms, advanced event technology, and spaces for socializing or family fun, the Hilton Vilamoura offers experiences for all types of guests. From romantic getaways and family vacations to business retreats and golf holidays, the resort ensures every stay leaves guests feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected to the beauty and culture of the Algarve.