Spain is poised to host the 2031 Ryder Cup at the Camiral Golf & Wellness Resort in Girona, marking the event’s return to Spanish soil for the first time since 1997. The decision brings the prestigious biennial tournament back to one of Europe’s most vibrant golf destinations, over three decades after Valderrama hosted the historic event.
A World-Class Venue
Located near the town of Caldes de Malavella, about 10 miles from Girona, Camiral—formerly known as PGA Catalunya—has been selected for its reputation as one of Europe’s premier golf venues. The resort features two acclaimed championship courses, the Stadium Course and the Tour Course, both known for their challenging layouts and picturesque views of the Catalan countryside.
For the Ryder Cup, organizers plan to design a composite course by blending holes from both layouts to create a format tailored to match play. Since its opening in 1999, Camiral has hosted numerous European Tour events and has consistently ranked among the continent’s top courses.
Investment and Growth
Owned by Irish businessman Denis O’Brien since 2007, the resort has undergone extensive redevelopment. Significant investment has turned Camiral into a full-service destination, complete with luxury accommodation, a wellness center, and residential offerings. The resort’s transformation has strengthened its case as a Ryder Cup venue, combining elite golf infrastructure with high-end amenities.
Selection Process and Confirmation
The selection of Camiral for the 2031 Ryder Cup came after a quiet, invitation-only process overseen by Ryder Cup Europe. Unlike previous editions, which involved competitive public bidding, this time the decision followed a more streamlined approach, with Girona emerging as the preferred choice over other contenders including Madrid, Bilbao, and two venues in England.
According to officials from the Catalan Golf Federation, a formal announcement is expected soon, with local authorities preparing for an institutional presentation in late July to celebrate the achievement and outline next steps.
Spain’s Legacy in Ryder Cup History
The return of the Ryder Cup to Spain is a nod to the country’s rich golfing tradition and the enduring legacy of Spanish legends like Seve Ballesteros. The 1997 edition at Valderrama—captained by Ballesteros—was a landmark moment for European golf and a point of national pride.
Bringing the Ryder Cup back to Spain in 2031 not only revives that legacy but also affirms the country’s standing as a key player in the global golfing landscape.
