Region - ANA Routelab

Golf in Portugal
Currently, there are about 80 golf
courses in Portugal mainland and the
islands
most affected with a reduction of almost 10% and Lisbon area with a 7%
decrease. The figures for the second semester are still estimates.
After the ascending period, from 1995 until 2005, with the doubling of
the figures, how do you explain the decrease of the results?
These negative variations over the last two years are a consequence of
several simultaneous events. The market of Portuguese players didn't
evolve and that fact hasn't been helpful to fight the loss on the international
market.
As a consequence of the financial crisis, the international market witnessed
a reduction not only in the number of players but also in their
average use. The British pound has decreased in value, a fact that affected
a significant portion of the green fees sold abroad, which as we know
are strongly dependent on the British market. The bankruptcy of some of
the main international golf operators also made the industry more fragile.
The appearance of new and highly competitive markets and fine products
“all inclusive”, especially in Turkey, also influenced performance. But not
all are bad news, since Portugal has significantly improved the number of
low cost flights, mainly to Faro, Lisbon, Porto and Madeira, a fact that
helped to minimise the crisis.
What are Portugal’s strong points concerning the practice of golf?
One of the strong points is the mild climate almost 12 months a year, all
over the country. The professionalization of our golf industry has helped
to position the country in a very high degree, and therefore it has become
a target for new players.
Portugal, and especially the Algarve, has developed extraordinary connections
with international operators, airlines supported with strong promotional
campaigns (tournaments, events, etc.) that have helped to make
this a unique destination.
Portugal has been investing in and defending golf based on quality and
excellence. New projects have been created for a higher standard. We’re
a friendly people, that knows how to welcome visitors and the touristic
offers follow that position, by offering those who visit us a service with a
fine price/quality ratio. And of course the high quality of our golf courses
and the associated facilities are differentiating and added value factors
for those visitors that wish to spend their holidays and play golf.
How many golf courses are there currently? How many are in the planning
or construction phase?
Currently, there are about 80 golf courses in Portugal mainland and the
islands. There are some courses in the making, but considering the present
national scenario, we have to be careful about new investments. If
now there are some courses going through some rough times, what will
happen if new courses are opened?
Besides the Algarve, which is our most famous destination, do we have
other internationally recognised destinations?
Golf figures in Portugal
- About 15,000 federated golfers;
- About 75% are Portuguese golfers;
- About 80% are men;
- 7,4% are young people under 18;
- About 60% are over 60;
- Faro, Lisbon and Porto are the districts with more golf players, 35%,
28% and 10%, respectively.
GOLF - 2011 - PORTUGAL TRAVEL NEWS 19