Fontanals Golf Club Gears Up to Host the Challenge de España 2025

Fontanals Golf Club, located in the heart of La Cerdanya, Girona, is ready to host the 26th edition of the Challenge de España.Fontanals Golf Club, located in the heart of La Cerdanya, Girona, is ready to shine on the HotelPlanner Tour. From May 7–11, 2025, this stunning course will host the 26th edition of the Challenge de España. It will be the first time Fontanals welcomes this important event, and preparations are underway to ensure it offers an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.

According to Golf Industria, the club has been undergoing an exhaustive preparation process led by head greenkeeper Pere Irla and his team. Upgrades have been focused on fine-tuning every detail of the course to meet the highest professional standards. Bunker drainage systems have been improved, the rough has been strategically refined, and the greens are being carefully maintained to ensure firm, fast conditions — all to guarantee a world-class championship environment.

Challenge de España 2025

The Challenge de España 2025 at Fontanals will be organised by JGolf, with the support of the Federación Española de Golf, the Federación Catalana de Golf, and several key sponsors such as AON, Allianz, Volvo, and Titleist. Thanks to its international broadcast, the tournament will also be an excellent opportunity to showcase Girona’s breathtaking landscapes and reinforce its position as a premier destination for sports tourism.

Fontanals Golf Club is a true hidden gem, offering players a unique combination of natural beauty and challenging play. Nestled between the Pyrenees and lush woodlands, the course provides dramatic views and a tranquil setting, making every round memorable. Whether competing at the highest level or enjoying a relaxed game, golfers can appreciate the careful design and pristine conditions that Fontanals is known for.

At Tee Times Golf Holidays, we offer Fontanals as part of our exclusive portfolio of premier golf destinations for the best Spain Golf Holidays. If you’re looking to experience one of Catalunya’s finest courses — soon to be celebrated on the international stage — now is the perfect time to plan your trip.

Contact us today and make Fontanals part of your next golf adventure!

The Masters and the Spanish Golf Legacy at Augusta

Few tournaments in the world of golf evoke as much emotion and tradition as The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. This tournament holds a special place in the Spanish golf legacy because of its prestige and the champions who’ve walked its fairways and donned the iconic Green Jacket.

It all began with Seve Ballesteros, who, in 1980, became the first European ever to win The Masters. Just 23 years old, Seve stunned the American crowd with his bold shot-making and unmatched charisma. He’d go on to win again in 1983, forever linking his name with Augusta’s legacy. His victory opened the gates for a new era of European contenders and a golden chapter for the Spanish golf legacy.

José María Olazábal followed in Seve’s footsteps, winning not once but twice, in 1994 and 1999. Quiet and precise, Olazábal was a master of Augusta’s undulating greens. His 1999 comeback win after a career-threatening injury remains one of the most emotional stories in Masters history. Many recall the embrace between him and his caddie at the 18th—pure magic.

The Unstoppable Spanish Golf Legacy

Then came Sergio García, whose dramatic playoff win in 2017 brought tears to the eyes of golf fans worldwide. After 73 attempts at majors without a win, Sergio broke through at Augusta on what would’ve been Seve’s 60th birthday. The tribute was unspoken but profound. That year, the Green Jacket was more than a trophy; it symbolised perseverance and destiny.

Jon Rahm‘s 2023 win was dominant (the last by a Spaniard) and remains a firm favourite this year. García will join him, still hungry and always dangerous at Augusta, Olazábal, playing both as past champions, and Jose Luis Ballester, who won the last U.S. Amateur.

Augusta is always full of surprises, and Spaniards again take centre stage. The Spanish golf legacy Seve started more than four decades ago is alive and well, and this week, all eyes will be on the azaleas—and García, Olazábal, Rahm and Ballester chasing history.

Photo: Live About.

Martim Pinto Johansen Shines at GreatGolf Junior Open

Portugal’s rising golf star, Martim Pinto Johansen, has started 2024 in style! The 14-year-old national champion claimed victory at the first-ever GreatGolf Junior Open by Fundação Luís Figo, held at Millennium Golf Course in Vilamoura. His excellent performance earned him the title and an exclusive invitation to compete at the Orlando International Amateur Junior in the United States.

With a two-round total of 138 strokes (-6), Martim was the only player to finish under par, showcasing his dominance with rounds of 71 and 67. Playing on his home turf as a Clube de Golfe de Vilamoura member, he secured the win by an impressive 13-stroke margin over Rodrigo Marques Santos.

This isn’t Martim’s first taste of international success. In 2023, he won the Amundi Evian Juniors Cup in France and finished runner-up at the Amendoeira World Kids Golf. Now, he’s heading to the United States for the first time—a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to go to the US, but not just to visit—I wanted to play there and enjoy the experience,” said an excited Martim.

The tournament featured 41 young talents from 14 different national backgrounds, with exciting performances across multiple categories. Ethan Prybys Orton (Vila Sol) took the U-14 title, shooting +11 over two rounds. At the same time, Ricardo Castro Ferreira (Clube de Golf do Estoril) dominated the U-12 division, proving once again why he’s considered nearly unbeatable in Portugal.

Among the girls, Amélia Gabin was the standout player, finishing an impressive 5th overall and outperforming some of the top-ranked juniors in Portugal.

Beyond the competition, the tournament had a charitable impact, donating a percentage of sponsorship and entry fees to the Fundação Luís Figo, supporting young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tee Times Golf Agency was proud to be a tournament partner with the Federacao Portuguesa de Golf, Vilamoura Golf, Millenium Vilamoura, Titleist, Cosmos Sports Travel, Orlando Juniors, Norgolf, and Weasy. Other major players supporting the event as sponsors include Almas, Caetano Baviera, Cigala, PG Hotels & Resorts, RentAcceso, and Wyndham Residences Alvor Beach.

With an unforgettable start to the year, Martim and the other junior stars have set the tone for an exciting season ahead. Congratulations to all the GreatGolf Junior Open players!

More information: https://greatgolf.weasy.io/

Photos by: Daryl Gabin.