Following a couple of disappointing years for the Costa del Sol as far as golf tourism goes, the latter part of 2007 has shown encouraging signs of recovering it’s former popularity. As the cost of playing golf here on the coast has stabilized, more newcomers have decided to take advantage of the benign winter weather, as well as the unparalleled choice of golf courses, which has now increased to well over fifty courses. It is this increase which has led to more competitive green fees, as market forces provided the healthy competition which was required to prevent unjustified exploitation by the established golf clubs of the previous boom period, when demand exceeded supply.

Now the situation has been reversed, as other areas, both in Spain and in other Mediterranean countries, jump on the golf bandwagon, armed with an awareness of mistakes made in the past by the Costa del Golf, when the cost of golf escalated well ahead of inflation. The U.S.A.’s east coast has also become an attractive alternative for european travellers, who are taking advantage of an exceptionally weak dollar. However, cost is not the only criterion by which golf tourism is judged; quality and service are equally important when decisions are made by potential visitors. This may provide the answer to the conundrum of Portugal’s Algarve, where the average cost of golf is certainly higher than on our coast, but where the golf courses are already fully booked until April next year.

A further development during this year has been the increase in the numbers of foreign residents, many of whom wish to play golf on a regular basis, but are not catered for. This is a situation which will need to be addressed in 2008, not only in the interests of this growing number of frustrated golfers, but as a solution for those golf clubs which are no longer enjoying the success of bygone years. A strong club membership ensures a substantial guaranteed income in annual subscriptions, while catering for those who chose to make their home here, attracted by the promise of regular golf. There is nothing more satisfying than a solution which helps all concerned.