The fourth edition of the annual meeting of the Spanish Association of Golf Courses owners was held recently at the Real Club de Golf in Tenerife under the slogan” Golf and the Spanish Brand” and Atalaya Golf was in attendance at the conference.

The event brought together representatives of the main institutions and participants in the tourism and golfing sectors, with some of the most important issues in the industry being discussed.

With regards to Andalucia the main subject was the current drought affecting the area, and the erroneous facts being published with regards to the use of water on golf courses. It was highlighted that in the region 80% of courses use only non-potable water (and in Marbella and Estepona 100%).

Juan Molas, President of the “Mesa del Turismo” of Spain commented on the ongoing battle with the government to reduce VAT in golf (from 21% to 8%) and a “round table” debate was held on golf and the environment, with focus on the rules and regulations surrounding the use of chemicals.

Director of Turespaña Miguel Sanz highlighted the importance of golf in the tourist industry, and made special mention of the impact of the upcoming Solheim Cup on the American market and in golf in general.