WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

The importance of pricing our golf correctly here on the Costa del Golf was brought home sharply when I approached the Sta. Clara club to host an additional Golf Leisure Breaks competition every Saturday. A short while ago, the club decided to reduce their green fee from a little over 100 euros (including Buggy) to 75 euros, while still including a shared buggy. As a result, the course has become so popular that there was great difficulty in obtaining the number of slots needed. Luckily, golf director Ignacio Apolinario was extremely helpful and we are able to hold the first of our weekly competitions on this quality golf course on Saturday 12th starting at 1:40 pm. However, the main point is that Sta. Clara and other clubs who have woken up to the fact that competition in the golf tourism industry is now fiercer than ever, have proven that visiting golfers (and resident golfers) will respond to a fair deal and will not only fill many of the empty spaces which have appeared on our fairways, but will also bring back important revenue to the pro-shops and clubhouse restaurants & bars. Conversely, those golf clubs which persist in increasing already expensive green fees despite all the warning signs, presuming that their golf course is better than the rest, could ultimately find themselves with an empty golf course.

The promised world recession will result in severe cuts in the budgets of winter golf tourists, a fact which should be recognized by more of our golf clubs if they and the whole of our winter tourism industry, are to survive. Meanwhile, if you are looking for an affordable winter golf break, playing on some quality courses, call Julie or Leila on 952 582 943.