Par for the course

TOURISM Costa del Sol has set a new objective for the golf sector, according to president Elias Bendodo, who is also head of Malaga’s Popular Party-led provincial council.

The official wants Malaga to attract 20 per cent of all golfers heading to Spain, and the ambitious plan has already seen an increase of 15 per cent in terms of finances set aside for promotion of golf tourism this year, compared with the amount of money spent in 2015.

The increased investment is well worth it, according to Bendodo, who said: “The Costa del Sol has hosted over 50 tournaments in the last four decades, including the 1997 Ryder Cup at Valderrama and the 2012 Volvo Match Play tournament.

“This September the Women’s Open will take its turn as yet another major competition chooses the Costa del Sol.”

Golfing tourism is extremely important for the province, with around 500,000 players teeing off each year.

Golf tourists travel to the area for an average stay of 11.9 days, and daily spend of €88.40, representing 30 per cent more than regular non-golfingtravellers.