Greg Norman has established himself as one of the leading golf course designers in the world over the last decade and one of Norman’s newest creations will provide a fitting stage later this year when the championship golf resort at PortAventura, on Spain’s Costa Dorada, holds the inaugural European Father and Son Golf Championship.
The event, to be held from 28th October to 2nd November, is set to attract around 150 pairs and is open to any amateur and professional father and son pairings, with no age restrictions. With the cost of the week just £395 per player – which includes four rounds of golf on Norman’s new North Course, five nights in a four-star hotel with half-board stay, transfers, gala dinner and prizes on the final night – places are going fast.
Toby Marsden, director of the European Father and Son Golf Championship, said, “I have always wanted to run a father and son tournament in Europe and PortAventura is the perfect location. I am looking forward to welcoming all our competitors in the autumn to Greg’s fantastic new creation.”
Norman’s North Course, which is part of the famous PortAventura theme park located outside of Barcelona, opens this summer and, measuring around 6,100 metres with a par 70, is guaranteed to challenge golfers of all levels.
The layout has been harmoniously integrated within its surroundings, multiplying the wet areas which originally existed, and creating a wetlands landscape which is rarely found in the Mediterranean.
And with numerous lakes and strategically-placed bunkers to add to the wetlands, a combination of strategy, distance and precision is required to navigate your way safely around the course – particularly on the closing hole where water comes into play with every shot.
Marsden, an ex-PGA professional, added, “There are still some places left to fill, and I am confident that they will be snapped up as news about the tournament spreads throughout the UK. My team will be there to host and organise the event and the course, facilities and hotel are superb. There aren’t many events offering these kinds of facilities and experience for under £100 per day and I expect everybody to have a great time.”
As well as playing four rounds of championship golf, competitors will also have the chance to enjoy the fun-packed beach town of Salou, which is right on the doorstep. Salou boasts a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars and clubs making it the perfect place to unwind after a hard day on the fairways.
Marsden is also managing director of UKSG, a small independent family-run golf travel company which was started in the 1990s and specialises in online booking for worldwide golf holidays.
European Father and Son Golf Championship www.fatherandsongolf.co.uk