Barcelona Open (golf)
The Barcelona Open was a professional golf tournament that was held in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Founded as the Sanyo Open in 1981, it was an event on the European Tour from 1982 until 1988, after which it was replaced on the tour schedule by the Catalan Open. For the first two editions it was played at Club de Golf Sant Cugat, and thereafter at Real Club de Golf El Prat.
| Tournament information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain |
| Established | 1981 |
| Course(s) | Real Club de Golf El Prat |
| Par | 72 |
| Tour(s) | European Tour |
| Format | Stroke play |
| Prize fund | £200,000 |
| Month played | March |
| Final year | 1988 |
| Tournament record score | |
| Aggregate | 266 Neil Coles (1982) |
| To par | −16 Seve Ballesteros (1985) |
| Final champion | |
| David Whelan | |
| Location map | |
RCG El Prat Location in Spain RCG El Prat Location in Catalonia | |
After sponsors Sanyo withdrew following the 1986 tournament, promoters IMG supported the event in 1987. However persistent bad weather rendered the El Prat course unplayable and the tournament was ultimately postponed until 1988.
The two most notable winners were Spanish major champions Seve Ballesteros in 1985 and José María Olazábal in 1986. The final tournament in 1988 was won by England's David Whelan, who defeated Nick Faldo, Barry Lane and Mark Mouland in a four-way playoff. Whelan, who had borrowed money from his parents in order to make the trip to Spain to compete in the tournament, triumphed at the 4th extra hole after the four players had tied at 276 (12 under par) after 72 holes.