Spain Golf holidays

Fourteen Shots: Yurav Premlall Rewrites the Record Books in Barcelona

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A week that began with a missed cut ended with one of the most dominant performances in DP World Tour history.

Golf has a habit of producing weeks that defy rational explanation. The 2026 Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship at Real Club de Golf El Prat produced one of them.

From Missed Cut to Record Books in Seven Days

Seven days before lifting the trophy in Barcelona, Yurav Premlall had missed the cut at the Turkish Airlines Open by nine shots. Seven days later, the 22-year-old South African had secured the largest winning margin in the history of non-major DP World Tour events — finishing on 28-under par, 14 shots clear of fellow South African Shaun Norris. (Outkick/Fox News)

Yurav Premlall Catalunya Championship 2026 18th Green

That margin was just one shot shy of Tiger Woods’ record at an official DP World Tour event, set at the 2000 US Open — and it surpassed what had previously been the widest margin in a non-major, Colin Montgomerie’s 11-shot victory at the 1989 Portugal Open. (Golf Monthly)

“I have no words. I have worked so hard to get into this position, and it’s so rewarding to finally see the results of it. The last eight or nine months have been such a struggle — and to end up in this position, I’m just so grateful, and it’s a dream come true.”

Yurav Premlall Catalunya Championship 2026 Trophy

Born in Durban in 2003, Premlall made history as a teenager by becoming the youngest amateur ever to qualify for the South African Open, at just 15 years and five months old. The ability was always there. Barcelona confirmed the composure has caught up. (Yardbarker)

A Course With History, and a Week With Meaning

Real Club de Golf El Prat had not hosted a DP World Tour event since the 2015 Open de España, and its return to the calendar carries significance beyond a single week’s play. The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship kicks off the Road to the 2031 Ryder Cup, following the announcement that Camiral will host the biennial contest — making Spain the first continental European country to do so twice. (Official site)

Spain Real Club Golf El Prat

The week carried a personal dimension too. The opening round coincided with the anniversary of the death of Severiano Ballesteros, with players invited to wear navy blue and white — the colours in which Seve claimed some of his most iconic victories — and the starter acknowledging his anniversary before the first tee shot.

Portugal on the Leaderboard

Two Portuguese players made the cut at El Prat, with Ricardo Gouveia the pick of the pair. Having sat fourth at the halfway stage, he faded slightly over the weekend to finish tied 13th on ten under — a solid result and another encouraging week for a player building quietly consistent form on tour. Daniel Rodrigues closed tied 43rd on five under, a decent return after his breakthrough second place at the Turkish Airlines Open last month. Portuguese golf is in good health.

Why Spain Deserves a Place on Your Golf Calendar

Barcelona is already one of Europe’s great golf-break destinations: courses in fine condition, the climate largely reliable, and a city that makes a compelling case for extending any trip by a day or two. A flagship DP World Tour event — with the Ryder Cup on the horizon — only adds to the momentum.

Spain Golfing Magic

The amateur golfer watching Premlall’s historic final round will have done so with one thought already forming. Whether it’s a long weekend in Barcelona, a week along the Costa Brava, or a wider Spain golf break taking in multiple destinations, Tee Times Golf Holidays can put together the right package — tee times, hotels, and transfers all arranged.

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

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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.

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

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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.