Real Club El Prat

Real Club El Prat

Real Club El Prat

Real Club El Prat | NCG Top 100s: European Golf Resorts

Real Club El Prat, situated just half an hour from the Spanish city of Barcelona, has a little bit of everything. Most importantly, it has 45 glorious holes of golf. The stunning Hotel La Mola, a spa & wellness centre, fitness suite and much more are also at Real Club El Prat, while all being in a great location in the northeast of Spain.

The golf then.. It is a masterpiece of design from Greg Norman, who has come up with 45 stunning holes, in five nine-hole loops. These 45 holes can be played in three configurations - the Pink, Yellow and Green Courses. Each loop offers something different, in terms of the style of golf, difficulty and scoring opportunities.

Away from the course, there is a stunning practice facility at the Real Club El Prat, with a 50-bay, 300-metre long driving range, played off all grass tees. There is also the opportunity to practise the short game as well, with three short holes, an approach green with bunkers, and two large putting greens.

The Hotel La Mola is the accommodation option linked to the resort, with the hotel sitting in the north east corner of the resort. There are 180 rooms with a range of choices, from standard rooms to family rooms and suites. There is also a spa and wellness centre, with fitness suite and the option to use a personal trainer during a stay.

There are plenty of choices when it comes to a golfing resort holiday in the northeast of Spain, but Real Club El Prat should very much be towards the top of your list, thanks to its sublime array of golf, the Hotel La Mola and everything else that the resort has to offer. 
 

 
Visit Real Club El Prat’s website here.

Real Club El Prat Overview | NCG Top 100s: European Golf Resorts

45 Glorious Golf Holes

With its roots dating back to 1912, it is one of the few clubs in Spain to have been granted “Real” or Royal status by King Alfonso XIII after his visit. Real Club El Prat boasts 45 holes designed by the legendary Greg Norman, split into five 9-hole loops, and played over an exciting mix of three highly acclaimed course configurations – Pink, Yellow and Green.

The Pink Course takes the Bosque and Arriba nines, and is on the northern side of the resort. The Piscina and Abajo nines make up the Yellow Course, in the middle section of the resort, while the southern side sees the Green Course. The Abajo nine is also part of the Green, joined by the Valles nine. 

The venue has played host to the Open de Espana on ten occasions, most recently in 2015 when James Morrison won by four shots. Peter Alliss, Peter Thompson, Seve Ballesteros and Thomas Bjorn are among the men to have won the Open de Espana at Real Club El Prat.

The Pink Course
The Pink Course puts the Bosque nine and the Arriba nine together to create one of the more enjoyable lay-outs at Real Club El Prat - and designer Greg Norman’s favourite as well. 

The first nine holes of the course are narrow and technical, with one of those holes being the daunting par-3 6th, which leaves few unscathed. The green is like an upturned saucer, meaning that any shot that does not land in the right spot will be thrown off and into the surrounding waste area, a bit like the controversial par-3 17th at Royal Liverpool

The back nine of the Pink Course is tree-lined, and there are plenty of bunkers waiting to catch stray shots. That puts a premium on players who are able to play good recovery shots. At more than 7,000 yards from the back tees, the Pine Course at Real Club El Prat is a true test for all golfers. 

The Yellow Course
The Yellow Course, which takes the Piscina nine and the Abajo nine, is the longest 18-hole loop on the property. The Yellow comes in at almost 7,300 yards, making it a very tough task from the back tees. 

The front nine is where golfers have to get going, as the back nine of the Yellow Course is longer and more demanding. The Yellow Course is more open than the Pink Course, meaning that the wind also plays more of a factor.

There are a number of holes that you have to get right if you want to put a good score together on the Yellow Course. Two of those come in the closing three. The 16th is a 545 yard par-5. There is not much trouble, but bunkers at the front and back of the green make finding the putting surface a must. The Yellow closes with the 465 yard par-4 18th. Not only long, but it plays uphill as well to make it even tougher. Take a par and enjoy a drink!

The Green Course
The Abajo nine also features in the Green Course at Real Club El Prat, this time alongside the Valles nine. The course plays with the opening five holes of the Abajo, before then finishing with the closing four holes, with the Valles nine sandwiched in the middle of the course.

It is the only Par 71 lay-out on the course, thanks to the Valles’ Par 35 set-up. However, it still measures more than 7,000 yards, so it is arguably the toughest 18-hole lay-out at the Spanish resort. Like the Yellow Course, those closing three holes are some of the toughest on the property.

There are five par-3s on the Green Course, with the first of those being the 210 yard 3rd. A long iron or hybrid is required to just reach the putting surface, but it is a huge green. However, the green undulates severely so finding the right part of it is key to avoid a three-putt early in your round.

Stunning Practice Facilities

Along with the five stunning loops of nine holes, Real Club El Prat is also the home to a glorious driving range facility. The range is more than 300 metres long and has the capacity for 50 people to practise at the same time.

As well as the driving range, there is also the opportunity to practise the short game skills. Real Club El Prat’s practice facilities incorporate an approach area with bunkers, two large putting greens and even three short practice holes. 

The team of qualified professionals at Real Club El Prat are also on hand to offer high quality coaching and tuition for beginners and experienced players. The Junior School is aimed at those aged 3 to 21, aiding children from initiation to the sport, right the way through to playing in competitions. There is also a Summer Camp, a week-long programme for children aged from 3-16 years old. 

La Mola Resort

Hotel La Mola is set in the heart of the Sant Llorenc del Munt Natural Reserve, and features more than 180 rooms, with something for all parties who are looking for a golf resort stay near Barcelona.

Hotel La Mola is also the home to more than 20 fully-equipped meeting rooms and a 450 square-metre reception hall that can accommodate up to 700 guests. Three bars and a restaurant add to the services that Hotel La Mola has, while there is also a spa, outdoor pool and a fitness centre. 

Where is Real Club El Prat located?
Real Club El Prat is situated in the northeast of Spain, just outside the towns of Sabadell and Terrassa. The city of Barcelona is just 20 miles to the south east of Real Club El Prat, with the Spanish-French border around 90 minutes to the north.

What is the nearest airport to Real Club El Prat?
Unsurprisingly, Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the nearest international airport to Real Club El Prat. Situated on the south side of the Catalan capital, Barcelona-El Prat Airport is just under 30 miles from Real Club El Prat.

What golf facilities does Real Club El Prat offer?
Away from the 45 stunning golf holes, Real Club El Prat is also the home to a glorious practice facility. With a 300 metre driving range with the capacity for 50 people, to three short practice holes, an approach green with bunkers and two large putting greens, golfers can practise every part of their game before a round at Real Club El Prat.

Does Real Club El Prat offer golf lessons?
The team of PGA-qualified professionals at Real Club El Prat are able to provide coaching and tuition for golfers of all ages and abilities. There is also Junior School and Summer Camps for the younger golfers.

What are the green fees at Real Club El Prat?
No matter which composition of course you want to play at Real Club El Prat - whether it be Pink, Yellow or Green - the price of a green fee is the same. Prices range from €150 down to €100 depending on the time of year.

Is Real Club El Prat suitable for families?
Real Club El Prat has its own children’s club which comprises an extensive area for the kids to enjoy. There is a team of qualified childcare professionals on hand to help kids get involved in activities, age-appropriate games and more. 

At Real Club El Prat, junior golf is a big thing. The Junior School aims at getting kids into golf, and then training them all the way up to playing competitions. Ages 3-21 are able to participate in the Junior School.

There are also Summer Camps at Real Club El Prat. The RCGP Campus is made up of various programs designed to offer a teaching model focused on the passion for golf, its technique and its values, ensuring that learning is fun and enjoyable. 

What accommodation is on offer at Real Club El Prat?
The Hotel La Mola is on site at Real Club El Prat and is the perfect place to stay while you try your hand on each of the configurations of the Real Club El Prat lay-out. With 180 rooms, there is plenty to choose from for all the family, from standard rooms right the way up to the most luxurious suites.

What other resorts are nearby?
Real Club El Prat is one of a number of resorts on the NCG Top 100 European Golf Resorts that call the northeast portion of Spain home. Club de Golf Barcelona is the closest to Real Club El Prat, sitting 25 miles to the west.

Camiral (formerly PGA Catalunya) is 50 miles away, while Infinitum, the host of the DP World Tour Q-School, is 75 miles away. Peralada and Emporda are further north, towards the French border, but both are within a 90 minute drive from Real Club El Prat.

 
 
Visit Real Club El Prat’s website here.