CLUB FOUNDED IN 1912
The origins of Real Club de Golf El Prat, one of Spain’s leading and finest clubs, date back to 1912, when the Count of Churruca founded Barcelona Golf Club, which would later be known as the Pedralbes Golf Club. Years later, the club would be granted “royal” status following the visit of King Alfonso XIII.
It was the first golf club of the city of Barcelona. Over time, the city’s expansion forced the club to make its first major change in 1954; it moved to its new home between El Prat de Llobregat and the sea, alongside Barcelona’s airport and the club was renamed Real Club de Golf El Prat.
1981
Severiano Ballesteros - Winner Benson & Hedges Open de España
1980
Arnold Palmer - Johnnie Walker
1980
Tony Jacklin - Johnnie Walker
1977
Tom Watson - Copa Barcelona
NEW CLUB AND MODERN FACILITIES BUILT IN 2003
In 1997, the Barcelona airport expansion meant the club had to change location once again; this time, to the Bonvilar country estate, a 220-hectare plot located on the green corridor linking the 13,000 hectares of the Sant Llorenç del munt i l’Obac and Collserola natural parks. The new – and current – site is 26 kilometres from Barcelona, between Terrassa and Sabadell. In this idyllic setting, Greg Norman designed its 45 holes. His unique approach merged playability – by adapting the course to suit all playing levels and styles – and beauty – by seamlessly blending the seven layouts in the natural surroundings –.
Real Club de Golf’s sporting pedigree makes it truly stands out: it has received more prizes than any club in Europe and has a long list of professionals competing on the different national and European tours. That level of excellence is endorsed by the Club hosting the Spanish Open no fewer than 10 times.
Royal Club de Golf El Prat combines its leadership in the world of competition with a family-friendly focus in all its services: restaurant-bar, children’s club, padel tennis, swimming pool, cycling, gymnasium, rooms for events and every type of celebration, along with the revamped junior golf academy.
Spanish Open
TEN TIMES HOST OF THE SPANISH OPEN
Throughout its history, Real Club de Golf El Prat has hosted 10 Spanish Opens in 1956, 1959, 1963, 1971, 1978, 1981, 1998, 1999, 2011 and 2015.
The first major tournament – which doubled as El Prat’s official presentation – was the 1956 Spanish Open, with top golfers of the ilk of Jimmy Demaret, Bob Toski and Peter Alliss. The latter two rated El Prat as one of the most beautiful and interesting courses they had ever played.
The club was also the scene of one of the most moving Opens. The legendary Severiano Ballesteros passed away while the club was holding its – to date – penultimate Spanish Open (7 May 2011), and the South African Thomas Aitken dedicated his victory to Seve, who had won the title at the same club 20 years earlier.
Four years later, in 2015, the club was again in the European Tour spotlight when Britain’s James Morrison carded a 278 to overcome a tough challenge by second-placed defending champion Miguel Ángel Jiménez.