Some good news at last for the golf industry as rounds played in the Algarve increased by just over 6% in the first half of 2015 to well over the magic 500,000, according to an announcement by the Associação de Turismo do Algarve.
The growth is entirely from overseas visitors and the 6% rise this year equates to an extra 34,600 rounds played taking the total to 602,000 rounds as tourism numbers increase across the various sectors.
March has been the best month so far, a golfer’s dream with over 40 courses to choose from, supple fairways and ample sunshine through the spring and autumn months all helping to create ideal conditions to enjoy a 'good walk ruined.'
April 2015 saw a 13% increase in numbers as the season is starting to stretch again with 'all inclusive' golf deals still on offer for foreign customers well into the Spring.
For the executive director of the Associação de Turismo do Algarve, (ATA) Dora Coelho, "the Algarve has 45.9% of the country’s golf courses, making it the leading golf destination in Portugal.
"Every year golfers come to the Algarve from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Holland and Sweden, and belong to socioeconomic classes with high purchasing power,” said Coelho who also noted that the weather in the Algarve is better here than in northern europe.
Golf is one of the ATA’s main focuses when promoting the Algarve region and this November the association is involved in the second European Disabled Golf Association (Edga) Algarve Open, an event that brings together the world's best disabled golfers.
The competition is the centerpiece of the Golf4all campaign where the aim is to promote the Algarve as an ‘inclusive tourist destination.’
In October, the Algarve will be the venue for the Portugal Masters which will feature some of the biggest names in professional golf.
The industry suffered a well publicised body blow when VAT on rounds of golf shot up from 6% to 23% in 2012, one of the government’s austerity measures, with most businesses opting to keep green fees steady and swallow the extra VAT themselves.
The Algarve’s golf market is designed for the tourist with green fees and memberships unaffordable for the majority of residents and no history of inexpensive council owned course as in the UK.
A round at Quinta do Lago North in high season will cost €144 for a round, less than half that at Espiche or Benamor, but for those living in the Algarve there often are deals and special offers, and the Golf for Greys association which negotiates discount golf for its members.
