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A golf course designed by European Tour chairman Neil Coles and vice-chairman Angel Gallardo has been described as “the most photogenic course in the world.”
That was the expert view of the production team who have filmed European Tour events throughout the world for the last 15 years.
Following the European Tour Final Qualifying event held at PGA Golf de Catalunya last month, Tim Lacy, Senior Producer of IMG Media/European Tour Productions, wrote to Richard Hills, Ryder Cup Director at the Tour, saying: ”Just a quick note to say what a successful event we had at Final Qualifying School, especially from a TV perspective.
“The star of the show was undoubtedly the course which provided such an amazing backdrop to the drama. It is certainly the most photogenic course I have ever filmed, and I know from feedback from our cameramen that they shared this view.
“Our senior cameraman that week, Jeff Rice, who has filmed golf courses all over the world for over 15 years said it was the best he had ever seen. Our commentators also agreed, not only with its beauty, but also because of the layout, describing it as the best course in Spain, including Valderama”.
The 6-round event – played over both the Stadium and the Tour courses – was shown on Sky TV and the Golf Channel, and was a “make or break week” for those Tour professionals aiming to retain their card for the 2009 season.
Players, including many former Ryder Cup stars as well as over 100 Tour regulars, battled over the two courses to earn the vital 30 leading slots.
Neil Coles explained: ”It was very pleasing to receive copy of the email, as we have been involved in the project at PGA Golf de Catalunya for over 20 years. We were appointed as the design team in 1985 for the 36 hole complex, and produced the initial masterplan for the complete site, including the two golf courses, the housing and the hotels, at that time.”
* What’s the best-looking course you’ve seen or played? Drop us a couple of lines on the course and why it was so special…
