INFINITUM has announced it will host the Copa S.M. El Rey when the prestigious amateur event comes to the stunning Catalonia resort later this month along with the appointment of a new director of golf.
Taking place from February 28 to March 5, INFINITUM’s Lakes course will be the stage for the 2023 edition of Spain’s premier amateur men’s championship – an event that has graced many of the country’s most celebrated golf courses, including El Saler, Real Sevilla and Real Sotogrande.
Being selected as the destination for this year’s Copa S.M. El Rey is testament to the resort’s reputation as a leading venue, after the Lakes course successfully hosted a DP World Tour event - the ISPS Handa Championship in Spain, won by Catalan hero Pablo Larrazábal - last April. INFINITUM has also been the primary venue of DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage since 2017, with Sweden’s Simon Forsström claiming a dramatic victory in last year’s six-day showdown.
The news comes at the same time the Costa Dorada venue announces the appointment of a new director of golf with Joaquín Mora Bertrán taking over the management of the three golf courses, the two clubhouses and the golf academy at INFINITUM.
Mora is a student of the second edition of the Master CME in Golf Course Management and has developed an extensive career related to the world of golf: from being a professional player and master in the teaching of this sport, to the management of Catalana Golf, one of the most important companies in Spain for the organisation of golf tournaments and events.
Speaking after this appointment as director of golf, Mora said: “I am delighted to be appointed the new director of golf at INFINITUM – a high-standing resort in a beautiful part of Spain.
“My objective is to create a first-class golf experience in an incomparable setting which has one of the most complete golf offers in Europe. We look forward to hosting the Copa S.M. El Rey later this month.”
Steeped in over a century of history, the Copa S.M. El Rey attracts some of the most talented amateur players from around the world, with results contributing to the World Amateur Golf Rankings. José María Olazábal - who would go on to win the Masters in 1994 and 1999 - is among an illustrious list of names to have won the tournament along with fellow Major winners Sergio García, Danny Willet and 2011 Open Champion Darren Clarke.
In such elite company, it is no wonder INFINITUM has caught the eye of several European federations. Both the Swiss Golf Federation and Finnish Golf Union selected the resort for their respective winter training camps, taking advantage of a trio of courses and an array of first-class practice facilities.
Both 18-hole layouts – the Greg Norman-designed Lakes and Alfonso Vidaor’s elevated Hills – have received critical acclaim for their innovative designs, challenging holes and sweeping views. In 2022, a major renovation of the Lakes course spearheaded a resort-wide sustainability push, with Bermuda Tifway 419 grass installed on the fairways. Meanwhile, the Ruins, which weaves through authentic Roman remains, is known as one of the finest nine-hole courses in the world.
The tournament arrives at the start of an exciting year for INFINITUM. Following the success of Phase One of the resort’s ambitious residential project, work is well underway on the second phase. Phase Two will more than double the existing portfolio of expertly curated, BREEAM-Certified real estate; properties in a diverse range of sizes are available for prospective members to buy, each within walking distance of INFINITUM’s golf and lifestyle offering.
Players and spectators alike at the Copa S.M. El Rey can enjoy INFINITUM’s award-winning hospitality and cuisine. An impressive line-up of restaurants serves a fusion of contemporary and traditional Mediterranean food, headlined by the breath-taking terrace vistas of Flamma Beach Foodhouse. INFINITUM Beach Club, recently crowned best in Europe at the World Travel awards, is a unique way to experience the Costa Dorada just a short drive from the cities of Tarragona and Barcelona.