Costa Brava celebrates golf’s return

One of the jewels of European golf destinations, the Costa Brava, is celebrating all eight of its courses re-opening their fairways to golfers this week, after two months of lockdown measures.

Working with the Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG) and various other industry associations, each course has implemented various safety protocols now familiar at venues across many European countries.

These include encouraging golfers to book and pay online, a ban on touching flag sticks and other course furniture, disinfecting equipment such as buggies and trollies after each use, and encouraging golfers to arrive no more than five minutes before their tee time.

Four-ball golf is permitted with all guests reminded of required social distancing at all times, with clubhouses to remain closed until further notice.

The golf courses that have now reopened are PGA Catalunya Resort, in Caldes de Malavella, Costa Brava Golf, in Santa Cristina d’Aro, Golf d’Aro – Mas Nou, in Castell-Platja d’Aro, Golf de Pals, in Pals, Golf Empordà, in Torroella de Montgrí – l’Estartit, Golf Resort Peralada, in Peralada, and Golf Torremirona, in Navata, as well as the Par 3 course Gualta, in Gualta.

The golf marketing consortium for the region (managed by the Costa Brava Tourist Board), is gearing up to welcome back golf tourists as soon as possible. Promotional initiatives such as the “Golf Pass” (allowing 3 or 5 rounds at any of the regions eight courses) should prove to be as popular as ever once flights resume.

The golf marketing consortium in the region is made up of 36 businesses, including the golf courses, hotels, transportation companies and tour operator agencies. This week one of the most popular hotels for golfers in the region, Park Hotel San Jorge, also reopened its doors to guests and is operating under guidelines and regulations established by the ministry of health.

Laia Cunill, marketing manager for golf at the Costa Brava Girona Tourist Board, said: “It is a huge relief to be able to announce that our golf courses are open again. We hope to welcome back golfers from across Europe soon, to enjoy our amazing courses and to experience the wonderful environment our region has to offer.”

To learn more about playing golf in the Costa Brava, visit golf.costabrava.org