Barcelona begins its journey toward the 2031 Ryder Cup
Barcelona kicks off its journey toward the 2031 Ryder Cup with the celebration of the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship, which will take place from May 7 to 10 at the Real Club de Golf El Prat. This event will kick off the 2026 European Swing and marks the first major milestone on the “Road to 2031,” a series of competitions that will lay the organizational and sporting groundwork for the Ryder Cup.
The official launch of the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship was held at the Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm and brought together city officials and prominent figures from the world of golf. During the event, the strategic importance of the partnership with Estrella Damm was highlighted, as it will help establish a stable tournament schedule in Catalonia through 2031.
The event highlighted the partnership between the European Tour and its preferred sponsor, Estrella Damm, with the participation of DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings and Estrella Damm Managing Director Jorge Villavecchia. Both emphasized the importance of building this path together toward 2031. Representing the Real Club de Golf El Prat was Third Vice President Íñigo Montesino-Espartero Velasco, standing in for the president.
“This is a very significant moment for European golf. The Barcelona region is no stranger to hosting major events, and this tournament will generate significant economic impact and leave a lasting legacy in the area,” said Guy Kinnings. For his part, Jorge Villavecchia highlighted the project’s long-term vision: “We’ve been involved in golf for years and wanted to be part of a long-term project, not just a one-off event.”
The Legacy of Seve Ballesteros
The tournament will feature a strong Spanish contingent, including players such as Pablo Larrazábal, Nacho Elvira, Ángel Ayora, Ángel Hidalgo, Eugenio Chacarra, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Adri Arnaus, and Jorge Campillo.
Among them, Adri Arnaus highlighted the value of competing at home during the tournament’s presentation: “It’s a privilege. Having friends, family, and Spanish fans nearby makes the experience unique.”
In addition, the tournament takes on symbolic significance by keeping alive the legacy of Severiano Ballesteros, a key figure in the history of the Ryder Cup. The tournament will kick off on May 7, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of Seve Ballesteros’s passing. On that day, the players will wear his iconic outfit in tribute to one of the greatest figures in golf history.
The tournament is supported by both public institutions and the private sector, with notable backing from Estrella Damm, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
Beyond the realm of sports, this initiative helps generate economic activity, attract high-quality tourism, and strengthen the region’s international profile. Furthermore, the organizers are confident that the Ryder Cup—a tournament unlike any other in the world, to be held at Camiral Golf (Girona)—will build a legacy that will help promote the sport of golf.
