Golf Course Maintenance and Costs

For those of us that have lived here in Spain for a number of years will have seen the green fee prices start to rise significantly over the last few years after a period of relative stability following the economic crisis of 2009.

Unfortunately 2020 will be no different with most local courses increasing their green fee prices by approx. 7% to 8% and more in some instances.

For those that live in Spain on a reducing pension this seems too unfair but with most courses being full at even the most expensive high season periods there is no pressure on the golf courses to strategically work in any other way.

There are of course mitigating factors because as golfers we all want courses in tip top condition and for this the courses need good weather conditions, growing temperatures and good quality water.

Many of the local courses have been devastated by the storms and floods of April and September 2019 incurring significant repair costs and good quality water for golf course now cost close on €500k per year per course.

Many courses still look at ways to reduce expenditure costs and the likes of Vistabella, Font Del Llop and Bonalba now spray their fairways green in the winter months at a cost of €3k rather than over-seeding the fairways at a cost of €30k.

Hopefully they succeed in their efforts so all golfers playing locally see an end to perpetually increasing green fee prices.