Some of the best golfing facilities in Europe can be found on the Costa del Sol with more than 40 golf courses in the area reaching from the Maro Cliffs in Nerja right across the 160-kilometre coastline to Manilva.
This region leads the world when it comes to top international destinations for golf tourism and, in fact, the sport generates some 10 per cent of the Costa del Sol’s total tourism revenue. This equates to some 400 million Euros although the total impact is more like 900 million Euros. Since the year 2000 golf tourism has increased by more than 500% and this is a trend reflected throughout Spain.
Seven out of every ten tourists who come to play golf in Andalusia are either German or British.
Several factors contribute to this rapid proliferation of golf tourism. One is the near perfect climate, although there may be some who would disagree at the moment. In the main the region enjoys an average annual temperature of around 18ºC, rarely falling below 12º in January or rising above 30º in July and August.
Although there is a shortage of rainfall water is not a problem. Some fourteen million Euros have recently been invested in water recycling projects to ensure that the courses stay green and lush.
Another reason is that the magnificent natural landscape tests the ability of the world’s best designers encouraging them to fully use their imagination in the design of some interesting and original courses. There are several types of course such as those next to the sea classified as “links”, or the American-type courses characterised by their flat spaces and water features. There are the Scottish-style courses featuring rough grounds and then there are courses with a mixture of these features. It is this variety that makes the Costa del Sol an ideal location for both professionals and amateurs.
The extremely high standards of these golf courses has meant that many have played host to the world’s top golfing events including the Spanish Open, the Ryder Club, the Volvo Master, as well as the American Express Championship and the World Golf Championship.
At the start of 2007 there were at least eight golf schools many run by well-known golfing personalities. These schools appeal to both beginners and experienced players with prices as varied as the facilities on offer. Some schools offer specialised academies aimed at perfecting an experienced golfer’s game or beginners’ classes to encourage new blood to the sport. Competitive prices mean that golf is no longer seen as an elitist sport. The Costa del Sol has its own municipally-owned golf course in Benalmadena and a night golf course.
So, no matter where you are in the region you won’t have to look too far to find superb, but affordable, facilities located in magnificent surroundings.
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