Two of the Costa Brava courses rolled back the years to celebrate their 25th anniversary - but remain focused on for the next quarter of a century and beyond.
Club de Golf Peralada and Torremirona Golf Club - just a short drive apart in the north of the stunning region - came into existence in 1993 to add to the rich diversity of quality courses on offer.
To mark their silver anniversary, both clubs hosted special events and are now focused on a bright, environmentally-friendly future as key members of the Costa Brava golf landscape.
At Torremirona, more than 100 golfers took part in a special competition on the par-72 parkland course, which is set in beautiful countryside with the backdrop of fantastic views of the Pyrenees.
Peralada, the par-71 course which hosted the 1995 Catalonia Open, made a full weekend of it with members of the Spanish media taking part in a team event before members and friends played in a commemorative event the following day.
But reducing the environmental impact remains a key focus at both courses. Peralada, was the first European golf course to obtain Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) Certification from the European Union, which is granted to companies that have implemented a system for the eco-friendly management, operation and maintenance of the golf course.
Petra Darmstadter, golf sales manager at Peralada said: "Although we are proud to have celebrated our 25th anniversary, it's important to look after the future of the golf course and our surrounding environment.
"We are continuing to work on the sustainability of the course and to aiming to achieve more environmental certifications.
"The golf course is a beautiful layout but it is vital to blend in with the landscape, the wildlife and its natural surroundings. The conservation of the environment and care for nature is prevalent over the whole course."
Kilian Archelaguet López, director at Torremirona Golf, said: "It's a huge pleasure to celebrate 25 years at Torremirona. But we understand how vital it is that we look after our golf course and pay close attention to the environmental impact.
"It is always a focus for us to improve our operation and maintenance. We want to ensure the golf course is at the highest level possible, but never at the expense of damaging the environment. For us, it is not about our first 25 years but about the next 100 years."
For more information about playing golf in the Costa Brava, visit golf.costabrava.org
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COSTA BRAVA TOURIST BOARD - GOLF CLUBS
The Costa Brava Tourist Board offers golfers the opportunity to enjoy outstanding golf all year-round in one of the most beautiful and unspoilt natural environments in Spain and Southern Europe.
Situated 100 kilometres north of Barcelona in a region nestling between the foothills of the Pyrenees and the waters of the Mediterranean, the Costa Brava boasts an array of first-class golf experiences, and the association features seven golf clubs and nine varied layouts from some of the game's most well-known and accomplished designers.
The golf clubs in the Costa Brava-Empordà Golf Course Association are:
- Club Golf d'Aro Mas Nou (www.golfdaro.com)
- Club de Golf Costa Brava (www.golfcostabrava.com)
- Empordà Golf (Forest and Links courses) (www.empordagolf.com)
- Club de Golf Peralada Golf (www.golfperalada.com)
- PGA Catalunya (Stadium and Tour courses) (www.pgacatalunya.com)
- Golf de Pals (golfdepals.com)
- Torremirona Golf Club (www.golftorremirona.com)
THE COSTA BRAVA
The coastal region of the province of Girona, the Costa Brava (which translates as "wild coast" in English) features of 214 km of spectacular and captivating coastline running between Blanes in the south and the French border in the north.
One of Catalonia's principal tourist centres, the area enjoys average annual temperatures of 16.5Cᵒ has everything needed for an unforgettable stay; from outstanding nature, beaches and forests to unforgettable culture, history, gastronomy and art, many of which enjoy international recognition.
The most well-known towns and cities in the Costa Brava and the province of Girona include the historical city of Girona, Figueres - the home town of famous Catalan artist Salvador Dalí - Olot, Banyoles, Blanes, Platja d'Aro, Pals, Peralada, Lloret de Mar, Cadaqués, Tossa de Mar and Peratallada. www.costabrava.org
GETTING THERE
The Costa Brava and its golf courses are easily accessible from the UK and Europe with regular flights operating from across the continent into the three main airports serving the region - Girona (in the centre), Barcelona (one hour's drive to the south) and Perpignan (to the north). golf.costabrava.org
