Text Arnaud Blanc

After a memorable edition of the Ryder Cup for its scenario and its electric atmosphere, the European spectators are undoubtedly eager to welcome their American counterparts to give them - politely - back their coin. If 2027 promises to be a great edition in Ireland, the 2031 edition at Golf Camiral - which many have known as PGA Catalunya - looks just as prestigious. This appointment is precisely a perfect deadline for the Montanyà golfto reach the peak of its beauty.

Due to its location in a wild and preserved environment, this 35-year old Catalan golf has made its identity a priority. Upon arrival, the large 14th century masia that houses the clubhouse embodies the rural heritage of the place: golden stone, massive beams and warm welcome. And in this identity hides a great value for the environment and sustainable development. In recent years, the structure has notably invested nearly one million euros in an irrigation system entirely powered by recycled water. "We had anticipated the drought problems and the constraints of water use, explains Jordi Puig. So we connected to a treatment plant located four kilometers away; some thought it was useless but without water, there is no quality." A responsible management that is accompanied by respectful maintenance with organic products for soils, the preservation of biodiversity and the protection of ancient trees, including the venerable Alzina Rodona oak, emblem of the club: «It has been there for several hundred years and has become the symbol of our golf course. He is our oldest member," jokes the site manager.

Designed by the British architect David Thomas to whom we also owe the golf of Terre Blanche, in Provence, Montanyà unrolls its 18 holes (par 72) in a hilly setting but pleasant to play, even on foot. The round trip is perfectly balanced: the first nine holes are more «soft, woody, soothing» says the director. The second half is more hilly, more spectacular, with longer fairways. «This is my favorite part, it’s there that the course reveals all its splendor.» The duality and above all the beauty of the route is essentially found in three particular holes: 1 and 10, whose two departures on the water offer a panorama over the Montseny massif; and 14, an exercise dedicated to the memory of the former football legend, Johan Cruyff. Former member of Montanyà, the Dutchman who wore the number 14 in the national team and at FC Barcelona spent his summers challenging the course. "Beyond this tribute, this par 3 is magnificent," says Jordi Puig. We cross the stream of Estanyol before arriving on a green surrounded by vegetation. In 2020, it was also elected the most beautiful 14th hole of Catalonia by the golfers of the region."

Playing Montanyà is also offering oneself an escape parenthesis. Inscribed in the "golden triangle" of Catalan golf formed with the El Prat and Camiral golf courses - a prestigious trio - the place is an ideal starting point for those who want to enjoy the Costa Brava and its seaside resorts as well as the urban and artistic culture of the great Barcelona. The day after a game and a tasting of Catalan specialties at the club’s restaurant, Mas Estanyol, the town of Vic, twenty minutes away, offers all its history: its Plaça Major, its Roman temple and its cathedral illustrate the rich heritage of an inland Catalonia still unknown to tourists. A few kilometres away, the monastery of Sant Pere de Casserres, located on a bend in the Ter, invites contemplation while the paths of Montseny lead to the Turó de l'Home (1,712 m), a mythical peak, ideal for a souvenir photo.
In almost forty years, Golf Montanyà has remained true to its essence: a pure golf course, rooted in nature and looking towards the future. "We are a human-sized club, only 200 members," says Puig. What matters to us is the quality of the experience and respect for the place.” In this refuge of greenery, time stretches, the sounds are extinguished, and golf finds its original rhythm: that of silence, contemplation and pleasure to play.

Golf Montanyà
Masia Lestanyol, S N
08553 El Brull
info@golfmontanya.com
+34 938 84 01 70
www.golfmontanya.com