Catalonia and the growing momentum towards the Ryder Cup 2031
Catalonia sets its sights on the Ryder Cup 2031
Catalonia sets its sights on the Ryder Cup 2031
Real Club de Golf El Prat hosted a series of institutional and industry meetings last week during the DP World Tour’s Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship, underlining the shared ambition of establishing Catalonia as one of Europe’s leading golf destinations in the years ahead.
Catalonia’s recent appointment as host of the 2031 Ryder Cup has provided a major boost for the region’s golf industry and presents a unique opportunity to further grow the game while strengthening its international profile. The world’s biggest golf event will place Catalonia firmly in the global spotlight, showcasing not only the quality of its golf courses but also the region’s tourism, culture and gastronomy.
Industry leaders and institutions gather at El Prat
As part of the championship week, Real Club de Golf El Prat brought together representatives from the newly created Commission for the Improvement of Golf Courses and the Promotion of Golf in Catalonia, led by Emilio Cuatrecasas, alongside club presidents and representatives from Damm, Barcelona Global, the Catalan Golf Federation, the Catalan Tourism Agency, Turisme de Barcelona, the Government of Catalonia’s sports department and Fundación ”la Caixa”.
The gathering brought together many of the key stakeholders involved in the promotion of sport and tourism across Catalonia.
Pictured from right to left: Emilio Cuatrecasas, president of the Commission for the Improvement of Golf Courses and the Promotion of Golf in Catalonia; Joaquim Mora, general manager of Infinitum; David Plana, CEO of Camiral; Ariana Martin, general manager of RCGP; Ignacio Borés, board member of RCGEP; Alfonso Vidaor, CEO of Green Project; Javier Altemir, board member of RCGP; Ramon Ajenjo, president of Barcelona Global and board member of Damm; Carmen Bastida, director of the Catalan Sports Council; Sandra Gavilán, brand manager at Fundación ”la Caixa”; Pancho Schröder, president of RCGEP; Iñigo Montesino Espartero, vice-president and secretary of RCGP; Damià Serrano, marketing director of the Catalan Tourism Agency; Álvaro López de Lamadrid, vice-president and course captain of RCGP; Eric Theus, United States Consul in Barcelona; Casilda Güell, board member of RCGEP; Ramón Nogué, president of the Catalan Golf Federation; and Alejandro Andreu, vice-president of the Catalan Golf Federation.
Xavier Patón, head of Economic Promotion, Tourism, International Relations and Sports at Barcelona City Council, also attended the meeting but is not pictured.
Using the Ryder Cup as a catalyst for growth
The meeting served to share ideas, identify new opportunities and strengthen collaboration between clubs, institutions and public bodies, all with the common goal of using the Ryder Cup 2031 as a catalyst for growth and an international platform to position Catalonia among the world’s premier golf tourism destinations.
Catalonia is home to some of Europe’s finest golf courses, first-class facilities, a wide variety of layouts and a privileged climate that allows year-round play. Combined with a strong tourism infrastructure and a unique mix of gastronomy, culture, wine, heritage and Mediterranean lifestyle, the region offers a compelling destination for international golf travellers.
Barcelona and the wider Catalan region also provide a unique combination of world-class cuisine, cultural heritage, luxury hospitality, coastline and mountains, making it especially attractive for high-end golf tourism.
Looking ahead
The day also included a working breakfast with golf club directors from across Catalonia and key industry partners, where new collaborative initiatives and joint promotional strategies for the coming years were discussed.
