The Development of Golf in Spain: From Elite Sport to Mass Appeal

In recent decades, Spain has become a leader in the development of golf, transforming it from an elite pastime into a popular sport. Since 1988, the number of golf courses in the country has increased from 86 to 340, while the number of registered golfers has grown from 50,000 to 300,000. (kommersant.ru)

Emma Villacieros, the President of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, who has been with the organization since 1965 and has led it since 1988, has played a key role in this process. Under her guidance, golf in Spain has become accessible to a wider audience, and the development of infrastructure has contributed to the sport's growing popularity.

In 2024, Spain opened 30 new golf courses, averaging one new course every two weeks. The main regions for the construction of new courses are Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, and Costa Dorada. These figures confirm the rapid development of the golf infrastructure in the country. (kommersant.ru)

Spain's economic growth over recent decades has also contributed to the popularization of golf. Since the 1970s, the country has significantly improved its economic indicators, making golf accessible to a broader segment of the population. Golf in Spain now attracts not only the elite but also the middle class, as evidenced by the increase in the number of players and interest in the sport.

In Russia, golf is also developing, albeit with some delay. In Moscow and the surrounding region, new golf courses are planned, which may help increase the popularity of this sport in the country. However, achieving a level of development comparable to that of Spain will require time and significant investment in infrastructure and the promotion of golf among the public.

Thus, Spain's experience shows that a coordinated effort by the federation, investment in infrastructure, and economic growth can significantly enhance the popularity of golf and make it accessible to a wider audience.