‘History, Certainty and Passion’ – Key Cornerstones of Costa Brava-Barcelona 2022 Ryder Cup Bid

HRH King Felipe VI announced Honorary President of Spain’s bid as Ryder Cup Europe conduct evaluation visit

(RELEASE) - ‘History, certainty and passion’ were identified as the principal cornerstones of the Costa Brava-Barcelona 2022 Ryder Cup bid during Ryder Cup Europe’s evaluation visit of Spain’s candidacy.

The two-day trip consisted of a tour of the iconic cities of Barcelona and Girona, as well as the proposed future host venue, PGA Catalunya Resort. Ryder Cup Europe were also briefed on the transport, security and accommodation solutions Costa Brava-Barcelona would, if selected, implement in order to host golf’s biggest global event in Catalunya in 2022.

During their stay, Ryder Cup Europe were also advised on the operational, commercial and legacy proposals of Spain’s bid, and had the opportunity to meet the bid’s most senior sponsors, including both political and business leaders.

The trip concluded with a formal reception with the Mayor of Barcelona and a visit to one of Catalunya’s unique attractions, which saw members of Ryder Cup Europe hit some golf balls on the hallowed turf of FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium.

Spain’s bid enjoys support from the highest levels, including from His Royal Highness King Felipe VI, who has accepted the Honorary Presidency of the Costa Brava-Barcelona 2022 bid for The Ryder Cup.

Gonzaga Escauriaza, President of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG), said: “It was with great pleasure that we welcomed our good friends from The European Tour and Ryder Cup Europe to Costa Brava-Barcelona.  Our bid is centred on three concepts – History, Certainty and Passion. No other country in mainland Europe has contributed more to European and Ryder Cup golf, and our proposed venue is one of the finest and best linked in Europe. Furthermore, our bid sponsors share a unified passion to bring one of the world’s biggest sporting events to Catalunya in 2022.”

Ivan Tibau, Secretary General for Sport for Catalunya, said: “I am delighted that we were able to share with The European Tour and Ryder Cup Europe our vision for The 2022 Ryder Cup Match.  In Catalunya, we have a unique offering which comprises two iconic gateway cities in Barcelona and Girona, the beautiful Costa Brava and the Pyrenees, as well as extensive and recent experience of delivering some of the world’s largest sporting, corporate and commercial events.”

Denis O’Brien, owner of PGA Catalunya Resort, said: “From its inception, our Stadium course was designed and built to host the world’s largest events – and hosting The 2022 Match will be the realisation of this vision. This bid has our full commitment.”

The European Tour will announce the successful host nation for The 2022 Ryder Cup in Autumn 2015.