In September 2031, the eyes of the golfing world will turn toward the forested hills of Costa Brava. For the first time, Camiral Golf & Wellness, located just outside Girona and an hour from Barcelona, will host the Ryder Cup, the pinnacle of team golf. Thirty-four years after Europe’s iconic win at Valderrama under the legendary Seve Ballesteros, Spain becomes the first Continental European country to host the event twice — a tribute to its profound influence on modern European golf.
That image of Seve, arms raised in triumph in 1997, remains etched in golf’s collective memory. That victory not only legitimized Europe as a powerhouse in the Ryder Cup era but ignited a golf boom across Spain. In 2031, it will be the turn of Catalonia — with its beaches, mountains, world-class cuisine and cultural icons — to take center stage. Yet beyond the symbolic weight of the moment, the Camiral Ryder Cup promises to blend elite competition with sustainability, regional development and a forward-thinking vision of the sport.
Camiral: A World-Class setting for golf’s greatest team event
Just five minutes from Girona-Costa Brava Airport and 60 minutes from Barcelona, Camiral Golf & Wellness is nestled in 540 hectares of pristine Mediterranean landscape. Formerly known as PGA Catalunya, the venue was acquired in 2008 by Irish businessman Denis O’Brien, who envisioned a European Augusta: luxurious, sustainable, and championship-caliber.
At the heart of Camiral lies the Stadium Course, ranked the No. 1 course in Spain by Golf Digest and Top100GolfCourses.com. This par-72 championship layout stretches to 6,592 metres and tests every aspect of a player’s game. Narrow tree-lined fairways, elevated greens, deep bunkering and dramatic water features demand both strategy and precision. Standout holes include the island-green par-3 5th, the downhill par-3 11th, and the risk-reward par-5 7th and 12th.
Camiral has hosted numerous elite events: the Open de España (2000, 2009, 2014), the Catalunya Championship in 2022, and the DP World Tour Qualifying School Grand Final for nine consecutive years — a true test for aspiring professionals. For the Ryder Cup, organizers may craft a composite course using holes from both the Stadium and Tour Courses, allowing for maximum spectator engagement and match-play drama.
Off the course, Camiral boasts Europe’s largest short-game area, an elite TrackMan-powered practice range, a 5-star wellness hotel, top-tier restaurants, and a strong focus on sustainability. From irrigation efficiency to habitat protection, the resort has been designed with environmental responsibility in mind.
A symbolic return and a tribute to Spain’s golf legacy
The 2031 Ryder Cup will carry emotional and symbolic weight for Spain. Since continental players joined Team Europe in 1979, Spain has been a cornerstone of European Ryder Cup success. Eleven Spanish players have represented Europe — second only to England — and their collective impact has been monumental.
Sergio Garcia stands as the all-time points leader in Ryder Cup history, with 28½ points across ten appearances. The legendary pairing of Ballesteros and José María Olazábal remains the most successful ever, with 12 points won together in fourballs and foursomes. More recently, Jon Rahm has emerged as a new leader, playing a pivotal role in Europe’s victories in Paris (2018) and Rome (2023).
The 1997 edition at Valderrama was more than a win — it was a turning point. The event fueled the development of golf infrastructure in Spain, encouraged public participation, and sparked a new generation of talent. According to Royal Spanish Golf Federation President Juan Guerrero-Burgos, “The 1997 Ryder Cup changed the future of Spanish golf. Hosting it again in 2031 is both an honor and a responsibility. It is our tribute to Seve and to every Spanish golfer who wore the blue and gold.”
Organizers are already planning tributes to Ballesteros, from naming features on the course to showcasing his legacy during the Opening Ceremony.
Beyond the fairways: economic impact and global exposure for Catalonia
The Ryder Cup is much more than a golf tournament — it’s a global event with massive economic potential. Paris 2018 generated an estimated €235 million in direct and indirect impact, with more than 270,000 fans attending. Rome 2023 followed suit. With Barcelona’s infrastructure and global connectivity, Camiral 2031 could set a new benchmark.
The Government of Catalonia, the Province of Girona, and Barcelona’s tourism office have all rallied behind the event. “Hosting the Ryder Cup is not just about golf,” said Catalonia’s Minister of the Presidency, Albert Dalmau. “It’s about economic development, high-quality tourism, and regional cohesion.”
In addition to the Ryder Cup itself, the DP World Tour’s Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship will be held at Camiral from 2028 to 2030. Estrella Damm — the iconic Barcelona-based brewery — will also serve as the Official Beer of the 2031 Ryder Cup, cementing a strong public-private partnership for the road to the event.
The region offers a complete package to visitors: Mediterranean beaches, Michelin-starred restaurants, historic villages, the architectural wonders of Gaudí, and access to major sports like F1, MotoGP, and La Liga football. The aim is clear: position Catalonia as a premium, sustainable destination for sports tourism.
Sustainability and legacy are central to the event’s planning. Initiatives include eco-transport for spectators, local community outreach, youth golf programs, and biodiversity preservation across Camiral’s estate. The 2031 edition may well become a model for future “green” Ryder Cups.
Looking ahead: a homecoming with global resonance
With six years to go, anticipation for Ryder Cup 2031 is already building. Spanish fans are dreaming of another emotional home victory, with Jon Rahm potentially leading the charge. Local businesses, hotels, and tourism boards are preparing for a wave of global attention. And the golfing world is eager to discover a new Ryder Cup venue that blends championship design, hospitality, and natural beauty.
The path to 2031 will be paved with buildup events, strategic partnerships, and a constant drumbeat of preparation. But one thing is already clear: when the first ball is struck at Camiral, it will signal more than just the start of a golf tournament. It will mark a return to roots, a celebration of European unity, and a showcase of how far the sport — and Spain — has come since Seve’s legendary triumph.
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