It’s fair to say that 2020 has been a memorable year in more ways than one for golf venues across Europe.

From the disappointment of having to lock their doors to the joy of reopening and seeing playing numbers soar following the lifting of the COVID lockdown, golf clubs and resorts across the world have certainly experienced the full range of emotions over the last six months.

But when Empordà Golf Resort on Spain’s famous Costa Brava comes to look back at the period in the years to come, it’s likely that it will have fonder memories than most, and view 2020 as the year when the resort transformed itself from being a top Spanish venue into one of the continent’s premier 36-hole golfing destinations.

Having been bought by the Emesa Corporation, the holding company of top Spanish lawyer and businessman Emilio Cuatrecasaes, for a reported €20 million, Empordà embarked on reinventing itself and creating a new vision for the future this spring.

With two 18-hole golf courses designed by Robert von Hagge and an 86-room hotel and extensive leisure facilities, it was already good. But the resort’s new ownership and management team is taking the resort to an altogether different level, taking advantage of the coronavirus situation to press ahead with a multi-million-euro improvement plan.

They have invested heavily across all facilities, with the golf courses, hotel and leisure amenities all receiving a major overhaul, and the final result is sure to impress, and lead to a stampede of golfers from all over Europe descending on this corner of the Costa Brava to experience the new, modern face of Empordà for themselves.

Overseeing the redevelopment plans is Miguel Girbes, recently appointed as the resort’s general manager and a man well-qualified to deliver Empordà’s vision for the future, having previously played leading roles in making Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf and Spa and PGA Catalunya Resort two of the household resort names in Europe.

“With numerous facilities including two outstanding golf courses, Empordà has the potential to be rated alongside the very best golf venues in Europe,” said Girbes.

“It’s a name that’s highly regarded and well-known within golfing circles, and it presents us with the perfect foundations for our ambitious project.

“Empordà has always been seen as a resort purely for golf and that’s how it has always operated. We realise that and golf will remain at the heart of the complex, but we want to take it a step further and develop many other activities to go with golf.

“We are driven by the idea of offering an experience embracing sport, food and culture, the three best values that Spain has to offer, so that the resort becomes a place to meet and entertain and is ‘the heart of the Empordà.

“We have some big plans for the future and I’m confident that, with the level of investment that is taking place, we will quickly transform Empordà Golf Resort into one of the most enticing facilities in Europe for travelling golfers.”

Set 30 minutes from Girona in the heart of the Costa Brava, Empordà features two 18-hole courses, Empordà Links and Empordà Forest. Reminiscent of many seaside courses in the UK and Ireland, Empordà Links sways between dunes, lakes and strategically placed bunkers throughout its 18 holes.

In contrast, Empordà Forest winds through a traditional Mediterranean pine forest where players must navigate their way through a series of rolling fairways that have been carved through the trees.

Both courses offer all the characteristics associated with von Hagge, requiring players to employ a variety of strokes and techniques to overcome the challenge posed, and both are undergoing significant investment to elevate the golf experience being offered to members and guests.

As part of the extensive renovation plans, all the bunkers are being reconstructed using the Better Billy Bunker method. In addition, a comprehensive tree clearance programme has been undertaken while the purchase of new greenkeeping equipment will improve the all-round condition of tees, fairways and greens.

Golfers can also look forward to an improved experience in the redesigned clubhouse, including a remodelled golf reception, a spacious new pro shop and upgraded changing rooms. An outdoor swimming pool is also being installed and the upgrades are just as impressive away from the fairways.

Hotel Empordà Golf – which was first opened in 2006 and relaunched at the start of July – has been transformed with a modern and contemporary new look, with the bedrooms, communal areas and restaurant all being redesigned and renovated, with an updated Spa to follow in the near future.

Girbes added: “With its combination of dramatic scenery and magnificent Mediterranean coastline, the Costa Brava has so much to offer for a sunshine golfing break, and the privileged location that we enjoy at Empordà means that we are right at the very heart of it.

“With the investment that is taking place, not only will we be able to provide a golfing challenge that rivals many of the most celebrated venues in European golf, but a place where people can experience the very best that Spain has to offer in a relaxed atmosphere that will make our guests want to return again and again.”