Catalonia is bidding to host the 2022 Ryder Cup, a desire unveiled during the celebration of an institutional press conference on the occasion of the organization of the 2014 Open de España, which takes place at the PGA Catalunya Resort until May 18.
The Catalan public institutions, with the collaboration of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, will present its candidacy to organize the most important golf confrontation in the world between the teams of Europe and the United States in the year 2022, when it is expected to be held again outside the British Isles.
Gonzaga Escauriaza, president of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, explained that “the process is not defined at the moment by the European Tour. It is expected to be simpler than when Madrid was presented for the 2018 edition, but when we know what the guidelines to follow are, all the institutions will work together to achieve it, as we are doing right now. The willingness of all is maximum from now on”.
The announcement was unveiled by Xavier Espasa, Director of the Catalan Tourism Agency, who revealed that all these actions, tremendously positive for Spanish golf, such as the celebration of the 2014 Open de España at the PGA Catalunya Resort in 2014 and at the Real Club de Golf El Prat in 2015, are geared towards the organization of the Ryder Cup in 2022.
“All institutions make an absolute commitment to golf, reinforced with events like this in one of the best courses in Europe with the intention that the Ryder Cup in 2022, when the process is opened, will be held in Catalonia,” said Xavier Espasa.
For his part, Miquel Calm, Vice President of the Diputació de Girona, highlighted the fact that “the direct economic impact in the area of Girona during the week of the Open de España is around 1.8 million euros in car rental, hotels, restaurants, cabs, etc. It is vital. Golf stimulates us economically”.
Gonzaga Escauriaza, President of the RFEG, opened the event and urged “all European golfers to try what it is like to play at the PGA Catalunya Resort and all the courses in Girona and Catalonia, a great experience in all cases”.
Afterwards, Julio Delgado, CEO of PGA Catalunya Resort, thanked “all the institutions for their interest and support, with special mention for the RFEG’s effort to maintain a tournament like this in these times”.
For his part, Iván Tibau, Secretary of Sports of the Generalitat de Catalunya, emphasized that “the solvency of the PGA Catalunya Resort is a guarantee, which together with the work of sponsors and the RFEG will bear fruit. This tournament projects tourism and boosts the region’s economy, which is vital in these times. The union of all makes it possible, something fundamental to opt for the Ryder Cup bid in 2022,” he said.
Finally, Salvador Ballui, Mayor of Caldes de Malavella, explained that “23 years ago we made a strong commitment to build a course in this municipality on the condition that it would be the best. We are working on it and we are still working on it. We are all aware of the value of golf as a tourist attraction. Our willingness to continue celebrating the best golf events here is maximum,” he said.
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