Golf participation in Europe falls
KPMG survey reports golf participation in Europe falls for first time in more than 20 years
February 8, 2012 – Budapest, Hungary
The number of golfers in Europe has declined after more than 20 years of growth, a new survey by KPMG has revealed.
There was a net loss of 46,000 registered golfers in 2011, with the UK & Ireland -42,700 (-3.1%), Sweden -21,000 (-4.1%) and Spain -9,700 (-2.9%) recording the most significant reductions in player numbers.
The Golf Participation in Europe 2011 survey – produced by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice and free to download from www.golfbusinesscommunity.com – recorded a small increase in the total number of courses in Europe last year (up 0.7% to 6,740), while the number of participants fell below 4.4 million (-1%).
The downturn in golf participation follows a 25-year period of impressive growth – the number of golfers has more than tripled since the 1980s, while the number of golf courses has doubled in the same period.
Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice in EMA, said: “While the growth of golf started to slow down after 2005, last year was the first time there was an actual decrease in registered golfers. The decline can be attributed to two factors: the reduction in the number of golfers in some of Europe’s largest golf markets, especially the UK and Ireland, and the lack of dynamic growth in Europe’s emerging markets, specifically Eastern Europe and the South-East Mediterranean.”
While the number of officially recognized participants in the UK and Ireland fell to 1,326,700, still more than double the size of Europe’s second largest golf market, Germany (610,100), Sartori pointed out that golfers in the UK and Ireland don’t have to be registered, unlike most European countries, so the decline could be attributed in part to players giving up club memberships, while continuing to play on a daily fee basis.
However, feedback from the survey also suggests golf courses across Europe are failing to respond appropriately to the challenging economic conditions, and may belosing customers as a result.
“Golf clubs need to proactively and effectively face up to the challenging economic climate to retain members or attract new golfers,” continued Andrea Sartori. “Based on our survey, rather than introducing youth and family programs, and promotional packages, approximately 30-40% of Europe’s operators and club managers actually increased prices in 2011. More than half of clubs have not invested in enhanced marketing – and many have not yet capitalized on the opportunities provided by online marketing and social media.”
Some of the reduced participation was counterbalanced by countries that experienced growth, including Germany (+10,800), the Netherlands (+7,600), Finland (+4,600) and Eastern Europe’s most established golf market, the Czech Republic (+3,500).
The survey highlighted that golf remains a male-dominated sport in Europe, with 65% of all players being male and 25% female (10% are juniors). German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) and the Netherlands, remain flagship markets for female participation, with more than 30% of golfers being women.
Some emerging markets are leading the way with junior programs. Although small in real terms, the high proportion of children among golfers in Turkey (52%) and Serbia (34%) may help to create future growth in these countries.
“While much of the golf market stagnation in Europe may be attributed to the overall economic climate, continued support and investment in new programs will be needed to sustain demand and generate further growth in the game, especially in mature and developed golf markets,” added Andrea Sartori.
“Today, there is a need for joint efforts – arguably more so now than at any time in the past two decades. Therefore, we invite all industry stakeholders to share thoughts, best practices and creative ideas on www.golfbusinesscommunity.com.”
To download the full report, please visit: www.golfbusinesscommunity.com
Spain’s golf courses continue to set the standard for Continental European golf, with the 2026 rankings showcasing unprecedented stability at the summit alongside remarkable movement in Madrid's most prestigious clubs. Real Club Valderrama retains its crown for another year, whilst Real Puerta de Hierro's Arriba course surges into the Top 5, and Real Moraleja 2 sees a dramatic rise. The latest Top 100 Golf Courses of Spain rankings reflect deeper panellist coverage across all regions, from Andalusia's resort-lined coastlines to the Basque Country's clifftop layouts. With 27 new entries joining the rankings and significant repositioning throughout, these updated listings provide essential guidance for golfers planning trips to Europe's premier year-round golf destination. Spain's 345 courses serve more than 269,000 registered golfers and attract millions of international visitors annually, generating substantial tourism revenue whilst maintaining world-class playing conditions across diverse landscapes. Check out the Complete Spain Ranking now! See the ranking for the Balearic Islands See the ranking for the Canary Islands See the ranking for Madrid and Central Spain See the ranking for North East Spain See the ranking for Northern Spain, including Basque See the ranking for South East Spain See the ranking for Southern Spain - Costa del Sol 2026 Rankings: The Established Century The 2026 rankings maintain the traditional Top 100 format whilst introducing 27 fresh perspectives that reshape the lower half of the table. Spain's golf infrastructure supports this depth, with courses ranging from Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s 1960s masterpieces to cutting-edge modern designs incorporating the latest agronomy and environmental practices. Beyond the ranked 100, dozens of additional playable courses offer compelling golf experiences across the mainland, Balearic Islands, and Canary Islands. Several courses showing promise for future rankings include developments in Valencia, updates to established Mallorcan venues, and renovations to classic Madrid layouts that could elevate their standing in subsequent editions. 2026 Top 100 At A Glance The Unchanged Summit • Real Club Valderrama - The 1997 Ryder Cup venue remains Spain's #1, maintaining its position through meticulous course conditioning and Robert Trent Jones Sr.'s strategic design mastery • Real Club de Golf Sotogrande - Jones's first European design from the early 1960s holds firm in the runner-up position • El Saler - Javier Arana's Valencia masterpiece inside Albufera Nature Park celebrates over 55 years of excellence in 3rd • Camiral Resort Stadium - The European Tour's flagship course, originally PGA Catalunya, anchors the Top 4 for another edition Madrid's Renaissance • Real Puerta de Hierro Arriba surges into the Top 5 • Real Moraleja 2 achieves historic leap into the Top 40 • Real Moraleja 1 climbs substantially into the Top 40 • LaFinca Madrid debuts in the upper half • Moraleja 4 advances into the Top 15 Andalusian Stability and Movement • La Zagaleta Old rockets into the Top 30 • Real Pineda surges into the Top 50 • Los Naranjos Golf Club climbs into the Top 50 • Aloha Golf Club maintains Top 25 status with minimal movement Catalonian Excellence • Real El Prat Pink rises into the Top 10 • Infinitum Hills advances into the Top 25 • Emporda Forest maintains a strong position in the Top 30 • Fontanals enters the rankings in the mid-table Basque and Northern Quality • Real Sociedad de Golf de Neguri climbs into the Top 10 - Javier Arana's clifftop masterpiece near Bilbao • Real Pedreña advances into the Top 15 - Harry Colt design, where Seve Ballesteros learned his craft • Real La Coruña rises into the Top 30 • Larrabea makes debut in Top 40 • Real La Toja enters in the Top 60 South East Developments • La Finca Algorfa surges into the Top 40 • Las Colinas Golf & Country Club advances into the Top 20 • Real La Manga Club South climbs into the Top 20 • Escorpión leaps into the Top 60 New Entries • Infinitum Lakes (31st) • LaFinca Madrid (36th) • Larrabea (40th) • Buenavista (59th) • Real La Toja (60th) • Desert Springs - Indiana (63rd) • Fontanals (64th) • Costa Adeje (66th) • Real Club de Golf La Cerdaña Verde (67th) • Montanya (70th) • Real Club de Golf La Peñaza (78th) • La Dehesa (79th) • Real Guadalhorce (81st) • Sherry Golf Jerez (82nd) • Isla Canela Links (84th) • Norba Cáceres (88th) • Las Pinaillas (89th) • Sant Cugat (90th) • Real Zarauz (92nd) • New Sierra (95th) • Saldaña (96th) • San Sebastián (97th) • Isla Valdecañas (98th) • Costa Brava Verde (99th) • Izki Urturi (100th) Check out the Ranking now! Best Golf Courses by Region Southern Spain (Andalusia): 38 Courses (38%) Andalusia maintains its position as Spain's golf heartland, with more than a third of the Top 100 concentrated along the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz. Real Club Valderrama leads the southern contingent, followed by Sotogrande, Las Brisas, La Reserva Club, and Finca Cortesin in the Top 15. The region's dominance reflects decades of golf tourism infrastructure, reliable year-round playing conditions, and architectural contributions from Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pepe Gancedo, and modern designers. South East Spain (Valencia & Murcia): 22 Courses (22%) The Mediterranean coastline from Valencia through Murcia delivers impressive depth, with El Saler leading at 3rd nationally. The region showcases Javier Arana's links-influenced masterpiece alongside Jack Nicklaus's extensive Murcia portfolio, including Alhama, El Valle, and Saurines. Las Colinas and Real La Manga South represent the region strongly in the Top 20, whilst recent improvements at La Finca Algorfa and Escorpión demonstrate the area's evolution. North East Spain (Catalonia): 19 Courses (19%) Catalonia concentrates quality rather than quantity, with Camiral Stadium at 4th and Real El Prat's Pink course at 8th providing world-class golf near Barcelona. The Costa Brava delivers gems like Emporda Forest and the newly-entered Fontanals, whilst inland venues such as Montanya and La Peñaza expand the region's options. The cooler northern climate ensures superb conditioning even during peak summer months. Madrid & Central Spain: 19 Courses (19%) The capital region demonstrates remarkable growth in the 2025 rankings, with Real Puerta de Hierro's two courses both cracking the Top 10. The Real Moraleja complex's extraordinary rise—with three courses now in the Top 40—reflects both improved course conditioning and expanded panellist coverage. Club de Campo Villa de Madrid's Negro course at 11th and LaFinca Madrid's debut at 36th round out Madrid's strengthening golf credentials. Northern Spain (Basque Country & Galicia): 11 Courses (11%) The rugged northern coastline produces characterful layouts that reward creativity over power. Real Sociedad de Golf de Neguri at 6th represents Javier Arana's finest clifftop work, whilst Real Pedreña's association with Seve Ballesteros adds historical resonance to Harry Colt's design. Real La Coruña and the newly entered Larrabea and La Toja expand northern options for discerning golfers. Balearic Islands: 8 Courses (8%) Mallorca dominates the island representation with Club de Golf Alcanada at 21st and Son Gual at 26th leading the way. The departure of several Mallorcan venues from the rankings suggests heightened competitive standards, though those remaining demonstrate genuine Top 100 quality. Canary Islands: 10 Courses (10%) The Atlantic archipelago offers year-round golf in volcanic landscapes. Abama on Tenerife at 41st and Tecina on La Gomera at 57th provide resort golf with dramatic elevation changes. New entries Buenavista (59th) and Costa Adeje (66th) expand Tenerife's options. Check out the Ranking now! What the Rankings Tell Us Key Takeaways from 2026 Summit Stability • Top 4 unchanged for the second consecutive edition demonstrates enduring quality • Valderrama's continued dominance reflects ongoing investment and the 1997 Ryder Cup legacy • Sotogrande, El Saler, and Camiral Stadium prove mature designs age gracefully Madrid's Renaissance • Real Puerta de Hierro Arriba's Top 5 entry validates one of Spain's oldest layouts • Real Moraleja complex achieves three courses in Top 40 - unprecedented clustering • LaFinca Madrid debut demonstrates capital region's strengthening golf credentials Architectural Legacy Recognition • Robert Trent Jones Sr. portfolio (Valderrama, Sotogrande, Las Brisas) dominates Andalusia • Javier Arana's genius honoured with El Saler (3rd) and Neguri (6th) in Top 10 • Harry Colt's Pedreña (12th) maintains historical significance as Seve's home course • European Tour's Camiral Stadium design proves championship pedigrees endure • Modern architects like Pepe Gancedo ("Picasso of Golf") gain recognition Regional Dynamics • Andalusia maintains 38% share - Costa del Sol remains Spain's golf heartland • South East Spain (22%) demonstrates Valencia/Murcia depth with a strong Nicklaus portfolio • Catalonia (19%) concentrates quality over quantity near Barcelona • Madrid/Central (19%) achieves parity with Catalonia through dramatic climbs • Northern Spain punches above its weight with Arana and Colt masterpieces • 27 new entries reflect expanded panellist coverage across all regions Resort Course Validation • La Finca Algorfa and Escorpión prove modern resort layouts compete with private clubs • Improved conditioning and strategic management elevate previously overlooked venues • Year-round playing conditions increasingly valued by international panellists Check out the Ranking now! A Decade of Evolution: 2014-2023 Spain's Rankings Journey 2014-2016: The PGA Catalunya Era During this period, the Stadium course at PGA Catalunya (now Camiral Stadium) dominated Spanish golf rankings, holding the #1 position through multiple cycles. The European Tour's flagship course rivalled the PGA Tour's TPC Sawgrass in tournament pedigree, having hosted the Spanish Open on multiple occasions. Real Club Valderrama was granted Royal status in 2014, adding prestige to its already considerable championship credentials from hosting the 1997 Ryder Cup and annual Volvo Masters events. The mid-2010s saw Spain's golf industry navigating post-financial crisis recovery, with some resort courses struggling whilst established private clubs maintained standards. The rankings reflected this bifurcation, with traditional venues holding strong positions whilst newer resort tracks sought to establish reputations. Anfi Tauro's entry into the rankings at this time signalled growing recognition of Canary Islands golf beyond purely resort-style offerings. 2018: Dramatic Movements and New Perspectives The 2018 rankings marked a turning point, with significant repositioning across the entire table. PGA Catalunya Stadium retained the #1 spot, but emerging challengers demonstrated Spain's deepening quality. Anfi Tauro surged dramatically into the Top 20, Las Colinas made a substantial leap upward, and Rio Real achieved a remarkable climb. These movements reflected both course improvements and expanded panellist coverage providing fresh perspectives. La Finca in Algorfa entered the rankings for the first time, with reviewers praising Pepe Gancedo's design as worthy of the "Picasso of Golf" moniker. The Golf Quara group's properties began receiving recognition, with La Finca joining sister courses Las Ramblas and Villamartin in the Top 100. This period emphasised that Spain's golf scene extended well beyond traditional Andalusian strongholds into Valencia, Murcia, and the Costa Blanca. 2020: Valderrama Ascends The 2020 rankings witnessed Real Club Valderrama's rise to #1 after remaining at #4 since 2012. This ascension reflected both the course's timeless quality and renewed appreciation for its strategic demands. A reviewer noted it as "a step away from heaven... from the moment you arrive, you feel as if you are in a golfing paradise," capturing the venue's ability to blend championship pedigree with aesthetic beauty. El Saler climbed to #2. The links-influenced Valencia layout benefited from celebrating 50 years of operation in 2018, with reviewers rediscovering Javier Arana's genius for blending inland and seaside holes. Nine new entries joined the rankings in 2020, including Costa Teguise in Lanzarote, Lopesan Meloneras in Gran Canaria, and Real Club de Golf de La Coruña at #35. These additions demonstrated expanded geographical coverage across Spain's Atlantic islands and northern coastline. 2023: Panel Expansion and Radical Transformation 2023 saw an enlarged panel providing diverse perspectives across all Spanish regions. Valderrama retained its #1 position, having risen there in 2020, whilst the Top 10 remained relatively stable. However, the lower half underwent radical transformation, with 25 courses departing and 24 new entries or re-entries fundamentally reshaping the table's composition. La Hacienda Links made a dramatic climb following its cliff-top Links course's rediscovery by panellists. San Roque Old leapt substantially after completing a total makeover, including bunker refurbishment, bent grass greens, Bermuda fairways, and new practice facilities. Real Sociedad de Golf de Neguri rose into the Top 15, approaching a first Top 10 appearance. Harry Colt-designed Real Pedreña advanced into the Top 15, reinforcing northern Spain's architectural contributions. The 2023 rankings emphasised that Spain's golf scene remained dynamic, with course conditioning, architectural pedigree, and overall experience differentiating elite venues from the merely good. 2026: Spain’s Coming of Age Ranking The 2026 Top 100 Golf Courses of Spain rankings reflect a mature, diverse golf market offering world-class experiences across multiple regions and architectural styles. From Valderrama's strategic brilliance to El Saler's links-influenced routing and Madrid's private club excellence, Spain delivers golf worth travelling for across all skill levels and playing preferences. Check out the Complete Spain Ranking now! See the ranking for the Balearic Islands See the rankings for the Canary Islands See the rankings for Madrid and Central Spain See the ranking for North East Spain See the ranking for Northern Spain See the ranking for South East Spain See the ranking for Southern Spain - Costa del Sol
Finca Cortesin – 18 new greens and a new green initiative It’s more than ten years ago since my first visit to Finca Cortesin as I was there just after the course first opened for play in 2006. My initial impressions were strong then and I knew that it would become a serious player, not just in Spanish golf, but as a big hitter in Continental Europe. Around that time, there were some remarkable new high-end courses opening across Europe and Finca Cortesin was certainly one of them. After looking back at the historical ranking positions, it’s clear that Finca Cortesin continues to improve and is loved by all who play there as the player reviews on the Top 100 Golf Courses website tell us. The course attained a #25 position in Spain back in 2008, rising to #19 in 2010 then #10 in 2012. Currently, it’s ranked as the 5th best course in the country which shows steady, continuous improvement every time we’ve updated our national listings. My recent visit – arranged by our good friends at The Azalea Group – was to see the course after the latest round of upgrades, constituting the biggest tranche of work carried out to date. During 2017, all eighteen greens (and the practice putting green) were relayed with Ultra Dwarf Bermuda grass which was grown at a Caceres nursery in the centre of Spain. Amazingly, despite all the disturbance to normal operations, the course re-opened only after only one month of disruption and much credit for that must go to Ignacio Soto, the resort’s head greenkeeper who supervised the project and tested the different possible grass varieties for more than two years in advance of the renovation. Some world class venues – including Sawgrass, Quail Hollow and East Lake Golf Club – have been hugely successful converting to Ultra Dwarf Bermuda grass greens and industry expert Ken Mangum believes the new investment will help propel the five-star golfing experience at Finca Cortesin to another level. Mangum, ex-director of golf courses and grounds at Atlanta Athletic Golf Club and head consultant on the project after being recommended by Soto, said: “Many great courses around the world have used the Ultra Dwarf greens system for several years. Overall, they are more environmentally-friendly, cost effective and sustainable. “Ultra Dwarf Bermuda grass provides a more consistent daily playing surface. The greens remain fast and firm with the changes in weather and moisture, (whereas) Bentgrass becomes soft and slow with humidity, irrigation and rainfall. “The new greens will offer more great days of play, especially during warmer times of the year. Less pitchmarks will be visible. The dark green colour and surface uniformity will provide good speed and firmness throughout the season.” As I mentioned already, I’ve been coming here for more than ten years and I’ve certainly noticed improvements every time as the course has matured. The trees, bushes and shrubs all around the course have grown to a point now where many holes are isolated from others and are framed in a magical way. My favourites holes include the great 3rd and 4th – a risk/reward par five then a potentially driveable par four from an elevated tee – and, on the back nine, the 15th and the 18th. The par four 15th requires a big carry off the tee then a 90 degree left turn uphill to the green and the par five home hole (with the great Casares Mountains as a backdrop that appears to have been Photoshopped into real life) is all about position from the tee to set up the approach to the green. For those who have yet to visit Finca Cortesin, then do put the course on your ‘must play’ list; you will definitely not be disappointed as this course is the newest member of the European Tour Properties network and was also home to the Volvo World Matchplay event in 2009, 2011 and 2012. My recent visit was made extra special as I stayed onsite at the luxury Hotel Cortesin, a truly exceptional 5-star experience with service and standards of the highest quality. Without a doubt, it’s one of the very best golf resorts that I’ve been luckily enough to stay at during my Top 100 travels. The location is perfect too – between Marbella and Sotogrande on the Costa del Sol – and it’s served very well from the airports at Malaga and a little nearer in Gibraltar. Finca Cortesin’s relatively brief history has been a success story with a course and resort that steps up a level with every returning visit. Andy Newmarch Top 100 Golf Courses
Natural beauty and sporting challenge of PGA Catalunya Resort captured in new photographic portfolio A specially-commissioned portfolio of new golf course images, revealed on May 30th 2017 for the first time, perfectly showcases why PGA Catalunya Resort, near Barcelona, is regarded as Spain’s No.1 golf course (as ranked by www.top100golfcourses.com) and one of Europe’s finest luxury lifestyle locations. Shot through the lens of accomplished golf course photographer, Steve Carr, the images capture the beauty and tranquillity of the resort’s Stadium and Tour Courses, the former consistently ranked as one of the best golf experiences in Continental Europe. PGA Catalunya Stadium course 13th hole Carr, a member of the ‘Top 100 Courses in the World’ rankings panel for US journal Golf Magazine, took advantage of spectacular early-morning light at the European Tour Destination, situated just 50 minutes from Barcelona and close to the historical city of Girona. PGA Catalunya Stadium course 11th hole “These early-morning images capture PGA Catalunya Resort as it weaves its way through beautiful pine forests that open up to reveal expansive, undulating greens that have challenged so many visiting golfers over the years. All this is set against the spectacular backdrop of the region’s Montseny Mountains,” said Carr. PGA Catalunya Stadium course 3rd hole Part-way through a €53 million investment programme that will transform the 36-hole golf resort into a world-leading lifestyle destination, PGA Catalunya Resort recently opened its new, contemporary five-star Hotel Camiral – a 145-room luxury hotel, that will be accompanied on the estate by a new vineyard, additional sports facilities, an equestrian centre and recreational lake. PGA Catalunya Stadium course 10th hole For further information about PGA Catalunya Resort, its golf courses and private residences, please visit www.pgacatalunya.com Press release issued by Landmark, Golf Marketing & Communications Manuela Whittaker Tel: +44 (0)1780 752790 Email: manuela@landmark-media.com
