Since the initial masterplanning in the 1980s, DWGD have acted as Golf Architects to Neil Coles and Angel Gallardo in the design of the 36 hole complex at PGA Golf de Catalunya, near Gerona in Spain.   DWGD was therefore pleased when the Championship course built in the 1990s was ranked in the Top Ten of European golf courses in a recent Golf World magazine.   During 2004/2005 the second course was built, being a slightly easier but equally visually stunning Club layout.

As with all venues throughout Spain, courses now have to be irrigated using recycled water, and advances in grass/seed technology since the building of the first course meant that the new Club course was seeded using different grass species, ones better at tolerating high salt levels found in treated water.    The success of the new seeding and the high quality of the second course led to the client making the decision to fully re-seed the Championship course (apart from greens) despite its Top Ten status.

The work was undertaken in two phases - 9 holes in 2005 and 9 in Autumn 2006.  As David Williams explains .."The necessity to close 9 holes for six months each for reconstruction and growing-in provided the ideal opportunity to review the detailed design of the original course, especially in view of advances in club and ball technology since its design and construction".

A number of additional bunkers were created to cater for extra drive length, and major extension of tee complexes was undertaken.   Not only was this a consequence of the increased number of players playing, but also that increased drive distances often mean that better players use irons off the tees even on longer Par 4 holes, thereby requiring additional teeing area.

Two major changes concerned two of the Par 5 holes.   Hole 7 has probably the most dramatic drive on the whole course, but the second half of the hole was indistinct with players of all abilities being unclear as to the strategy required for the second shot.    This has been clarified by the provision of a split fairway and extra bunkers, creating a true "risk and reward" hole, with lesser players offered an easier option of a second shot, but better players given a test if the green is to be reached in two.

The final Par 5 on the course, at Hole 15, is a slight left to right dogleg but with a downhill drive, and the original design had the hole completely devoid of bunkers.    Increased drive distances had led to many longer drivers being able to carry the corner of the dogleg and set up a medium to short iron to the green.    The strategy has been greatly improved by the provision of new drive, approach and greenside bunkering (as illustrated below) which has greatly improved the playability and strategy of the hole for all standards of player.