Is golf popular in Spain?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 21, 2026
Spain is one of the most popular golfing destinations in the world, and it's easy to see why. Spain now boasts over 450 golf courses located all around the mainland and the Balearic and Canary Islands, many are recognised as some of the best golf courses in Europe and beyond.
Is golf big in Spain?
With more than 50 million visitors each year, it is no surprise to hear that Spain is still one of Europe's premier golfing destinations and also one of the first European countries to successfully market the “package golf holiday” making life so very pleasant and easy for foreign visitors.
Do people play golf in Spain?
Spain has been a favourite golf destination in Europe for decades and golfers will continue to play golf in Spain. Whether you play golf in the Costa del Sol or play golf in the Costa Blanca, you will not be disappointed.
Why is golf so popular in Spain?
Spain's Mediterranean coastline is only a sampling of the level of golf that the country has specialized in producing, ever since golf was first introduced here120 years ago. There is no doubt that Spain has earned the title of Europe's Golf Capital, providing exceptional golf in an even more exceptional country.
What country is golf popular in?
1. IRELAND. Despite the fact that golf was invented in Scotland, their next door neighbor, Ireland, is the most popular country for the sport.
21 related questions foundWhere is golf popular in Europe?
Over in Europe, golf remains popular mostly across Northern Europe, including France, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Still, there are a few outliers like Spain and Italy where people enjoy the sport.
How popular is golf in Europe?
New Report Shows Golf Participation In Europe Has Risen To Over 10 Million. A new research report has shown that golf participation is on the rise in Europe with over 10 million golfers now enjoying the sport.
Where is best for golf in Spain?
We have handpicked our top nine from a pick of the best golf courses in Spain.
- Finca Cortesin Golf Club. ...
- Campo de Golf El Saler. ...
- Las Colinas Golf Course. ...
- La Reserva Golf Club, Sotogrande. ...
- Real Club de Golf El Prat. ...
- PGA Catalunya, Stadium Course. ...
- Real Club Sevilla Golf. ...
- Golf Son Gual Mallorca.
Do you need a handicap to play golf in Spain?
In Spain you may be asked for proof of handicap. A certificate can normally be organised via your club secretary before departure. Most courses allow players to out with a 36 Handicap for Ladies and 28 for Men.
How many golf clubs does Spain have?
Golf in Spain
There are a total of 398 golf courses in Spain with 70 golf courses within the world renowned Costa del Sol that stretches along the South Coast, where the mediterranean sea meets the perfectly manicured fairways of southern Spain's prime golfing real estate.
How do I join the Spanish golf federation?
How to join the Federation
- Compulsory civil liability insurance, which covers accidents that may occur during the practice of golf on duly approved courses.
- A fee corresponding to the Royal Spanish Golf Federation.
- A fee corresponding to the Balearic Golf Federation.
How many golf courses are there in England?
Golf is one of the more popular sports across the United Kingdom (UK). In all of Europe, England has the highest number of registered golf courses as of 2017 by far, with a total of 1,872, followed by Germany with 731, not even half that number. Scotland hosts 560 courses, Ireland has 405 and Wales has 145 courses.
What is the oldest golf course in Spain?
The Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas has the honour of being Spain's oldest golf club and dates back to 1891 with the current course, located by the Bandama caldera in northeast Gran Canaria, designed in 1957 by famous architect Mackenzie Ross.
How many golf courses are there in southern Spain?
How many golf courses are there in the south of Spain? There are 70 golf courses in the world-famous Costa del Sol, which spans along Spain's southern coast, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the immaculately manicured fairways of excellent golfing real estate.
Do I need a handicap to play golf in Tenerife?
Clubbers of the golfing kind will find the nine golf courses in Tenerife more than ample to test their prowess. And with year-round sunshine you can play without the handicap of rain dampening the day. If you're thinking of playing some holiday golf, Tenerife is the ideal destination.
How many golf courses are there in Andalucia?
With close to 120 golf courses, you can enjoy your favourite sport in any of our community's eight provinces, and in world-class courses designed by legendary players and the world's most prestigious designers.
How many golf courses are there in Portugal?
Portugal is one of Europe's most popular golfing destinations. The country's warm, sunny Algarve region alone counts for more than 40 golf courses, many of them world-famous championship layouts.
How many golf courses are there in Scotland?
In Scotland there are over 550 golf courses to choose from - that's more courses per head of population than anywhere else in the world! The range and breadth of Scottish golf courses means that whatever your level and course preference, you'll never be far from fairways and greens suited to you.
Why is golf not popular?
The golden age of golf appears to have come and gone and the demographics population in general is getting older. The decline in golf is surely in part due to those who love the game getting too old to play it and dying off, leaving the numbers of golfers continuing to dwindle.
Which country is best at golf?
Scotland. Topping our list of the best countries to play golf is Scotland. Which comes as no surprise as it also tops the list of the most exclusive golf courses in the UK. Often described as the home of golf and looked up to as an iconic location to play the sport, Scotland tops the list with locations such as St.
Is golf popular in Germany?
Germany is one of the largest golfing nations in Europe with over 700 golf clubs and over 600.000 golfers. Out of all the golfers roughly 57% are males, 35% female and 8% junior players.
Is golf popular in France?
Golf's popularity growing in France
The French Golf Federation is the 7th biggest sports federation in France. Just behind rugby and, defying all expectations, just ahead of pétanque! It's really popular, then. And it's showing no signs of stopping...
How popular is golf in Japan?
In 2020, the number of people playing golf in Japan amounted to approximately 8.91 million. Figures during the past decade revolved around the nine million mark, pointing at a relatively stable player population.
Is golf popular in Ireland?
Golf is still very popular in Ireland, most would even combine it with other sports. The best thing about golfing in Ireland is you can avoid the crowds, depending on the time of year, and get to play on some of the best courses in the world surrounded by stunning scenery.