Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship 2026 preview, picks & analysis
By: Derek Clements | Edited: Mon 04 May 2026
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The DP World Tour arrives in Europe this week for the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship at Real Club de Golf El Prat. And it promises to be a highly emotional week, with the opening day coinciding with the anniversary of the death of the legendary Severiano Ballesteros.
The Tour will be using the occasion to pay tribute to a golfer who was a pivotal figure in the sport and helped to reshape its history through his talent, charisma and triumphs.
His passing also coincided with the 2011 Spanish Open at the Real Club de Golf El Prat, which reinforces the significance of this tribute, conceived as a celebration of his life, his legacy and his impact on golf.
Ballesteros’ connection with El Prat also includes happier moments, such as his victories at the 1981 Benson & Hedges Spanish Open and the 1985 Sanyo Open, which remain in the memories of many members and fans.
Seve will take centre stage throughout the week at the Catalunya Championship. "Seve is a hero all over the world and is honoured at every edition of the Ryder Cup," said Guy Kinnings, CEO of the DP World Tour during the launch event of the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship on March 30. "That is why we want the players to pay tribute to him on May 7, during the first round of the tournament."
Players who wish to do so will honour Ballesteros by wearing navy blue and white, the outfit in which he starred in some of the most memorable moments of his career, such as his victory at the 1984 Open Championship at St Andrews. Furthermore, prior to first tee shot on Thursday the starter will acknowledge Seve’s anniversary. The tribute to Seve will also be visible throughout the course, with images displayed on the first, on the 18th green, in various key points and in the practice range.
How apt it would be, then, if the tournament was to provide a Spanish winner, and there will be plenty of them in the field.
Spanish stars Angel Hidalgo, Eugenio Chacarra, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Adri Arnaus and Jorge Campillo lead the home challenge and join fellow Spaniards Pablo Larrazabal, Nacho Elvira and Angel Ayora in Barcelona as the tournament makes its debut on the 2026 Race to Dubai as part of the European Swing.
Hidalgo returns to Catalunya looking to recapture the form that defined his breakthrough 2024 campaign on the DP World Tour. The 27-year-old claimed a landmark victory that year at the Open de Espana presented by Madrid, prevailing in a dramatic play-off after finishing tied at 14 under par following a gripping final-day battle.
Displaying remarkable composure in extra holes, Hidalgo secured a career-defining win on home soil and firmly established himself among Spain’s emerging stars. A return to Spanish fairways now offers the perfect stage to reignite that momentum in front of passionate home crowds.
"I'm really looking forward to playing the Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship," said Hidalgo. "Any time we get the chance to compete in Spain it means a lot. The support from the crowds gives you that extra boost, and to do it at a course like Real Club de Golf El Prat makes it even more special."
Chacarra, one of Spain’s most exciting young prospects, will also tee it up in Barcelona. The former world number two amateur secured his maiden DP World Tour title at the 2025 Hero Indian Open, underlining his smooth transition to the professional ranks with a battling two-shot victory at DLF Golf and Country Club. He followed up his impressive win with a recent second place finish at this year’s event.
"It’s always a privilege to represent Spain," said Chacarra. "We have such a strong tradition in golf, and to be part of this new event in Catalunya is something I’m very proud of. I’m sure the atmosphere will be incredible, and I can’t wait to be part of it."
Experienced campaigner Cabrera Bello adds further pedigree to the field. The former Ryder Cup player and Rolex Series winner brings a wealth of international experience and will be aiming to contend once again on home soil.
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
The Canary Islander has enjoyed remarkable success in Spain throughout his career, winning at every level of the game across amateur and professional competition, including capturing his national open title in Madrid in 2021.
"Playing at home is something you never take for granted," said Cabrera Bello. "Spanish fans are knowledgeable and passionate, and they always create a fantastic environment. It’s great to see a new tournament in Catalunya and I’m excited to be there in May."
Catalan favourite Arnaus secured his maiden DP World Tour title on home soil at the 2020 Catalunya Championship, prevailing in a dramatic six-hole play-off, and will be eager to compete in front of home crowds once again when the Tour returns to Barcelona.
"I’m really proud to see an event like this come to Catalunya," said Arnaus. "Playing at home, especially at a venue like Real Club de Golf El Prat, is always very special. Hopefully we’ll see plenty of fans out supporting and it will be a fantastic week for Spanish golf."
Campillo, a three-time DP World Tour winner and one of the most consistent performers on Tour in recent seasons, completes a formidable Spanish line-up. The 39-year-old has long been a regular contender on home soil and will look to make his mark in Barcelona after his recent second place finish in China.
"We don’t get many opportunities to play in Spain during the season, so when we do, it’s special," said Campillo. "Real Club de Golf El Prat is a brilliant venue, and I think it will be a great test. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic week for Spanish golf."
There will be much focus on Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger, who returned to the winner’s circle in China after several years in the wilderness. He is a wonderful ball striker and a terrific iron player and it will be fascinating to see if he really has turned the corner.
Tournament Winners:
It was won in 2022 by Adri Arnaus and has not been played since.
The Course:
El Prat is a par 72 that measures 7,057 yards. Established in 1954, it is located in beautiful rolling countryside on the outskirts of Barcelona. It is tree-lined and features a LOT of bunkers.
Prize Money:
Total prize money is $2.75m, with 3,500 Race to Dubai points going to the winner.
How to Watch:
Thursday, May 7, Friday, May 8, Saturday, May 9, Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm; Sunday, May 10, Sky Sports Golf, midday.
To Win:
Eugenio Chacarra. Gifted Spaniard
Each Way:
Angel Hidalgo. Has form here
Each Way:
Bernd Wiesberger. Finally back in the winners’ circle
Five to Follow:
Eugenio Chacarra. Massively talented
Angel Hidalgo. Loves this golf course
Bernd Wiesberger. Confidence will now be flowing
Dan Bradbury. Superb English golfer
Jayden Schaper. Multiple winner
Five Outsiders to Watch:
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano. Remember him?
Vicente Mestra Carceller. Gifted Spanish amateur
Richard Sterne. Another blast from the past
Joe Dean. Has never really lived up to his potential
Rafa Cabrera Bella. Can still produce the goods
About the author
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
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