What a pity Ireland's Qualifying School hopefuls will be fully focussed on the 108-hole marathon ahead of them when they tee it up in the finals at PGA Golf Catalunya from November 28 to December 3.

Were it not for the stomach churning grind of trying to earn a ticket to tee it up in the 2010 Race to Dubai, they might have time to fully enjoy the stunning Catalan resort, which was ranked seventh in Golf World magazine’s Top 100 European courses this week.

The acclaimed 36-hole resort close to Girona, Barcelona and the spectacular Costa Brava coastline, hosted the 2009 Spanish Open won by Thomas Levet.

It has consistently ranked in Golf World's Top 10 since its opening a decade ago and with a stylish 149-room hotel, a new modernist clubhouse and the release of its first phase of exclusive residences,it is recognised as a world class golf estate in one of the most naturally beautiful and culturally distinctive regions of Spain.

Golf Monthly voted the course, designed by Neil Coles and Angel Gallardo, in association with David Williams and European Golf Design, number three in Europe.

Billy O’Sullivan, CEO of PGA Golf Catalunya Resort, said: “To have maintained our position within the top 10 in Europe since opening is testament to the quality not only of the golf courses at PGA Golf Catalunya Resort, but the experience and service that visitors receive when they come to the resort.

“We have invested heavily in the courses and the new clubhouse, and have the benefit of a first class hotel on site. We also have plans to add a sports and tennis club, with more spa facilities, and a limited release of new luxury residences. PGA Golf de Catalunya is not just one of the finest golf resorts in Europe, it is a world class resort.”

The Financial Times newspaper (September 11, 2009) highlighted Girona and the Costa Brava as one of the most desirable areas to live in the Mediterranean and, despite the economic downturn, a property “hot spot”, citing “Barcelona, Girona, beautiful countryside, the nearby Pyrenees and the world’s top-ranked restaurant, El Bulli, near Girona,” as big regional attractions.

The convenient proximity of the resort and its hotel to Girona-Costa Brava and Barcelona Airports means that golfers from across Ireland are less than a two-hour flight away. 

Tee times, including special offers, are available to book via the resort’s website www.pgacatalunya.com with stay-and-play breaks available either direct from the resort or leading tour operators and travel agents.