New Ryder Cup venue shares huge €7m update ahead of Europe vs USA clash

With fewer than five years until Europe and the USA battle for Ryder Cup glory in Spain, host venue Camiral has unveiled a major €7 million upgrade to its Stadium and Tour courses.

The Catalan resort has completed a series of improvements designed to enhance playing conditions, reduce water consumption and ensure both layouts are ready for the years leading up to the 2031 contest.

Regularly ranked among Spain’s top 10 golf courses, the Stadium and Tour courses have undergone work overseen by Director of Golf Flavio Papa and Golf Course Superintendent Alfredo Álvarez.

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of warm-season Bermuda grass, which is expected to maintain high-quality playing surfaces while cutting water consumption by 33%.

Camiral has also invested in new machinery and technology, with its greenkeeping team expanding from 35 to 50 staff members to support course conditioning.

A new short film documenting the resort’s Ryder Cup journey features Papa and Álvarez discussing the improvements and the work taking place behind the scenes.

The investment extends beyond the fairways, with the resort introducing new VIP golf packages and personalised services as it prepares for an influx of international visitors.

A new golf customer services manager, Albert Guerrero, has been appointed to improve the day-to-day experience for guests.

Camiral is home to the five-star Hotel Camiral, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and the four-star LAVIDA hotel. 

Guests can also enjoy a dedicated Wellness Centre, five dining options and the seasonal Origin fine-dining restaurant.

Situated on a 550-hectare estate near Girona and around an hour from Barcelona, the resort is well placed to attract golfers looking to combine championship golf with a luxury European break.

North American visitors are a particular target, with Camiral highlighting growing interest in Barcelona and the wider Catalonia region among US travellers.

Camiral CEO David Plana said the investment underlined the resort’s commitment to maintaining elite playing standards while improving sustainability.

“As the 2031 Ryder Cup venue, we continue to invest in our world-class courses, presenting tournament quality standards all year round, while achieving the sustainability objectives at the heart of our business,” Plana said.

He added that the new packages would help create a seamless experience between the hotel, clubhouse and courses.

The road to the 2031 Ryder Cup

Camiral still has work ahead before the world's best players arrive in Catalonia in 2031, but the latest investment marks a significant step in its preparations.

The Ryder Cup next returns to European soil in 2027, when Adare Manor hosts the contest in Ireland, before the USA stages the 2029 edition at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota. 

With upgraded courses, an expanded greenkeeping operation and new luxury packages now in place, the Spanish venue is laying the foundations for its moment in the Ryder Cup spotlight.

For golfers, the improvements also offer a chance to experience the venue well before the biennial contest brings the sport’s biggest names to Spain.