The DP World Tour is heading back to one of Europe’s favorite golfing destinations! The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship will be hosted at the Real Club de Golf El Prat from May 7 to 10, 2026.
The upcoming event will be held on the prestigious, Greg Norman-designed Pink Course at the Club, which is widely recognized as one of the top golf courses in Europe by well-known international publications.
This new addition to the 2026 schedule is creating excitement in the region, especially after the recent announcement that Camiral will host the 2031 Ryder Cup.
It presents an excellent opportunity to engage the community and raise the profile of golf in the area.
This report could have only highlighted the excitement of a new golf tournament and celebrated the golf club’s achievement in winning the right to host a prestigious event.
Additionally, I aim to outline the significant advantages and benefits that hosting rights provide to the golf club.
Beyond prestige & recognition
What can the Real Club de Golf El Prat gain by hosting the tournament, beyond the recognition and prestige it brings?
This is the question that ignites my curiosity!
A comprehensive golf development strategy for Catalonia is being implemented in connection with the 2031 Ryder Cup, set to take place at Camiral Golf & Wellness.
In alignment with this initiative, the region is increasing the number of DP World Tour events leading up to the Ryder Cup.
The decision to host the 2026 event at Real Club de Golf El Prat is integral to this strategy, as it aims to:
- enhance momentum,
- improve infrastructure, and
- increase visibility in the golfing community.
The preparation and execution phases, along with the associated prize money, can vary from 8 million to 30 million USD.
I estimate likely costs on the order of US$6-10 million (or equivalent in Euros).
The excellent news for members and regular guests is that hosting such a high-profile event of this stature often leads to upgrades to infrastructure (course maintenance, clubhouse amenities, spectator facilities, etc.), which benefit club members and future events.
Hosting an international professional tournament generates significant interest and exposure from spectators, media, and sponsors (e.g., Estrella Damm), ultimately bringing economic benefits to the local community.
DP World Tour events are broadcast in over 150 countries around the world.
To promote the golf club and its location globally, I suggest tapping into social media, partnering with influencers, and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses.
The Real Club de Golf El Prat strengthened its exclusivity agreement with La Mola Conference Center Hotel in 2019.
This strategic move aims to maximize overnight stays and create valuable opportunities for the club to promote local experiences, such as gastronomy, cultural events, wine tastings, and exploration of nearby beaches and mountains.
It is also noteworthy that Real Club de Golf El Prat is only 30 minutes from Barcelona.
Consider these ideas too!
- Harness the power of local volunteers and workforce: Engage the community to inspire collaboration, lower costs, and foster a shared sense of ownership.
- Junior Golf and Legacy Programs: Organize clinics and events for children and educational institutions during tournament week to foster sustained participation in the sport.
- Charitable Partnerships: Allocate a portion of the proceeds or sponsorship funds to support local charities, thereby enhancing community relations and public relations efforts.
- Incorporating sustainable practices, such as the utilization of renewable energy sources, the reduction of plastic usage, and effective water management, not only leads to decreased operational expenses but also enhances the organization’s public image, attracting favorable media coverage. See Bernardus Golf case.
A well-organized DP World Tour event has the potential to inject US$10–30 million into the local economy, while the Ryder Cup and major tournaments can significantly amplify this impact to an impressive US$150–200 million.