Golf is one of the few sports that unites different spheres of life – from recreation to diplomacy to business relations or property investment. Its economic and social importance is also growing in Spain, especially in Andalusia and the Costa del Sol, which have become the true centre of European golf.
A relationship stronger than ever
Thanks to its excellent climate and developed infrastructure, Andalusia attracts more than 1.2 million golfers from all over the world every year. But there is much more behind these numbers – golf has become one of the pillars of the local economy – influencing tourism, the property market, further infrastructure development and, of course, employment.
According to a report compiled by IE Business School, the Spanish Golf Courses Association and the Spanish Golf Federation, almost 24% of foreign golfers visiting Spain own a second home or flat here. This is four times the number of tourists. The total value of these investments is as high as €42 billion, which translates into more than 280,000 properties sold – mainly in the Andalusia region.
Around 8,400 properties are sold every year in Spain, located even on or near golf courses. Their average price is more than €350,000 and nearly 18.5% of Spanish golf courses are located within residential complexes. This shows how strong and enduring the relationship between golf and the property market is – especially on the Costa del Sol, where this golf infrastructure has become an important argument for investors and those seeking a new quality of life.
See also:
Agnes Inversiones Invitational golf tournament in red and white on May 3
Spain’s green gold: how golf is driving the property market in Andalusia
First Agnes Invitational golf tournament now behind us
Golf also drives tourism. Golfers are more loyal to a destination that meets their expectations – they visit Spain twice as often on average as the average tourist, and their stay statistically lasts an average of 12 nights (compared to seven for tourists). What’s more, when taking advantage of hotel, catering, wellness and cultural services, golfers spend considerably more money, as much as more than €300 per day.
Golf also extends the tourist season, with the biggest influx of players in February, March, April, October and November. These are the months when we have fantastic playing conditions in Andalusia, while the rest of Europe is cold and the day is much shorter. Indeed, most golf courses in northern Europe are closed for the winter period.
On the Costa del Sol, the golf courses and surrounding infrastructure operate at full capacity almost all year round, stabilising local revenues and creating jobs. This keeps the sunshine coast alive even after the holiday season. Golfers have higher budgets – not only for the game itself, but also for accommodation or restaurants.
A unique tournament in red and white colours
On 3 May – Constitution Day – Agnes Inversiones organised the second edition of its flagship event: the Agnes Inversiones Invitational golf tournament, held at the prestigious Santa Clara Golf Club course in Marbella. Nearly 80 players took part, competing in different handicap groups, in the spirit of sportsmanship, respect and patriotism – wearing red and white.
The winners received trophies and gifts, and the whole event ended with a joint lunch and integration in an atmosphere of national celebration. The tournament also had a diplomatic dimension with the presence of the Polish Ambassador to Spain, Monika Krzepkowska, who not only presented the trophy on behalf of the Polish Embassy, but also took part in the competition herself.
Connecting people and business
Agnes Inversiones, the largest, oldest and most recognisable Polish real estate agency on the Costa del Sol, has been connecting Poles with their dream homes and flats in Spain for years. One of the areas in which it is actively involved is also golf.
In May, the launch of the new edition of Forbes magazine – Forbes Golf – took place at Golf Park Józefów. Agnieszka Marciniak-Kostrzewa, who attended the event, emphasised that golf is gaining strongly in the eyes of Polish entrepreneurs – as a space for building relationships, trust and character.
The Costa del Golf – as the Costa del Sol is called – has every advantage to remain the European centre of the sport. There are many indications that its influence will only grow – just as the number of investments, tournaments and people who find more than just a game in golf is growing.
Agnes Inversiones has also become a partner of PGA Poland – an organisation that brings together professional golf instructors and tournament players – supporting this year’s PGA Poland Tour and the development of Polish golf.
The series final, open to professionals and amateurs with a handicap of up to 36, is scheduled for 15-16 September at the Black Water Links course. The day before, on 14 September, a ProAm tournament will be played – open to all amateurs, regardless of playing level.
