What started out two decades ago on land originally set aside for a Formula 1 racetrack, is now widely regarded as one of Europe’s pre-eminent golf resorts, with its Stadium Course ranked as number one in Spain for the last seven consecutive years* and the wider resort repeatedly ranked among the best golf resorts in Continental Europe.**
While the rankings have remained consistent, the complexion of the resort has evolved dramatically across that time, seeing the addition of two on-site hotels, the opening of The Golf Hub – an upgraded academy with state-of-the-art technology and social gaming experiences, as well as a range of non-golf experiences such as a forest adventure park and numerous sports and leisure facilities.
Looking forward, as Director of Leisure Business, Miguel Marin, explains, the investment is not slowing down: “Over the next two years, the owners are set to invest €20m in new projects, including a lake for leisure and water sports, a lake club, a new spa and wellness centre, and enhancements to both golf courses.”
All of the projects are pieces of a wider masterplan for the resort, a plan designed to address the changing nature of visitor and resident needs.
“Our guests want more services, and better services,” Marin added. “In recent years alone, we have added a vineyard, cycling tours, plus a range of new experiences and adventures which is attracting a new wave of customers, both golfers and non-golfers.”
“Alongside the new developments, we need to continually improve our service delivery, as we recognise this is what helps to exceed the expectations of our residents, and keep guests coming back to the resort year-on-year.”
But Marin believes there is another crucial component to PGA Catalunya Resort’s ongoing rankings success: innovation.
“We are striving to deliver an experience to guests and residents which is unique from any other resort. This means not being afraid to move first when it comes to new innovations or technology.”
This was evidenced last December, when Sergio Garcia helped launch PGA Catalunya Resort’s latest addition, The Golf Hub. The new academy is equipped with the latest technology for the elite player, as well as entertainment to appeal to all abilities, including beginners. Having installed Toptracer Range and GEARS Golf, both a first in Spain, the resort has demonstrated its forward-thinking approach.
“Guests are curious, and they are looking for new experiences. So the more we can deliver at our resort that helps to differentiate us, the more we will stay relevant to the needs of today’s customer and secure our position at the top of the rankings.”
*According to Top100courses.com
**Ranked as the Best Golf Resort in Spain according to Golf World magazine (UK) in 2016 and 2018
