Travel Information
Update of rates to fly with golf clubs according to the different airlines
We have updated the chart of rates to be able to travel with golf clubs. There hasn´t been much of a variation in prices since the last update.
In most airlines, if you exceed the maximum weight of 23kg of luggage, you will have to pay a certain amount for the excess.
From the last rate chart that was published in 2019 and up to today, it must be taken into account that in the majority of cases it is cheaper to prebook in advance and it is very important to remember that the payment is usually per trip. Payment at the airport is usually more expensive than doing it beforehand online.
Regarding the golf clubs to transport them, invest in a good travel bag, preferably rigid, since this way they will be more protected. Pack your clubs carefully, if you use a soft tissue travel bag, protect your clubs by wrapping them with cloth, towels or bubble wrap.
If you want to travel lighter of luggage and more comfortable, we can offer you the possibility to rent golf clubs in almost all destinations.
Spain is ready!
Our latest promotional campaign seeks just one simple thing… to encourage all golfing travellers to return. We are keen to see our clients enjoy a Spanish golf break again, just the same as if it was their first one.
That is why we have launched this self-produced video, which also marks a return to the celebrations for our 25th anniversary – unfortunately postponed last year due to COVID.
We hope you like it.
#spainisready
Take Advantage of Andalucía’s Tourism Discount Voucher for Your Next Getaway
Andalucía’s regional government is offering local-based tourists up to 50% discount on travel accommodation, subject to certain conditions.
The getaway must be booked through a travel agency registered with Andalucía Segura (such as GolfinSpain) and include a minimum of two nights’ accommodation at an establishment also officially subscribed to Andalucía Segura.
Those taking advantage need to be registered as residents (albeit part-time) on the town hall “padrón” in the municipality where they live. No distinction is made between Spaniards and foreigners, provided they fulfil the above conditions, live in Andalucía and enjoy their holiday break in a different municipality to their home one.
We have already prepared several packages related to the offer, which is aimed at encouraging people in Andalucía’s eight provinces to enjoy “staycations” rather than travelling abroad or elsewhere in Spain. With over 100 golf courses – considerably more than any other region in Spain – Andalucía is ideally placed to offer golfers, especially, a memorable getaway experience, at a welcome discount!
The voucher (available up to a maximum of €500) was introduced from 1 October and can be used until 31 December 2021. It covers hotels, tourist apartments and rural rental properties, but is not valid for restaurants or other services.
If you are interested in subsidising a golfing (or other holidays) in Andalucía by applying for this tourism voucher, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help you learn where it is valid and how to apply.
Flexible Cancellations and Clear Health Information… Most Highly Valued by Tourists
This is the second part of our report outlining the conclusions of a survey we held among international golfing clients in early-September. The survey was conducted by personal email invitation to verified clients, and attracted 1,000 replies from clients in 28 countries (74% of them European). We explained some of the technical aspects in the first part and in the complete survey report.
In that initial report we analysed data in reference to cancellations, while here in the second part we compare the conclusions that can be drawn when it comes to respondents’ perception of Spain’s diverse destinations, as well as the key measures they take into account when assessing our bookings.
Only 11% of International Golfing Tourists are Considering a Trip to Spain in Autumn
This is one of the initial conclusions drawn from a survey we held among international golfing clients, with the aim of learning how bookings had been affected this year – as well as determining medium-term travel plans and the current perception of Spain’s main destinations.
The survey was conducted by personal email invitation to verified clients, and the preliminary results are based on 1,000 replies from clients in 28 countries (74% of them European) from 20 August.
It should be borne in mind that autumn and spring are the golfing high seasons in Spain and – although there are no official figures for golf’s impact on the economy and tourism sector – it is estimated that the market generates €2,400 million in directly related business revenue and 2.6 million tourists a year. Spain is the premier golf destination in Europe, with an estimated market share of 35%. A total of 28% of those surveyed indicated that they make more than three getaways a year to Spain or Portugal to play golf.
New COVID-19 Protocol for Golf
Spain’s golf courses are preparing to re-open their facilities – and we couldn’t be happier! We believe this could help reactivate tourism in general, and promote and enhance the Spanish brand outside our borders.
A new golf protocol has been presented to Spain’s health authorities, incorporating a series of proposed measures and recommendations for golfers. Many other countries are already allowing golf to be played in accordance with similar protocols. Golf has specific characteristics which mean it can be both accessible and safe following the COVID-19 outbreak.
These include the fact it is a non-contact sport, so security measures can be maintained, it is played outdoors, and tee times can be booked online.
A captivating journey of cultural discovery in Madrid
Located in the geographic centre of Spain, with excellent connections to the rest of Europe, Madrid is one of the world’s most culturally diverse and tourist-friendly cities. It is the third largest metropolis in Europe, after London and Paris, and offers both the enchanting allure of a venerable past and the comforts and services of a cutting-edge 21st century infrastructure – including several top-class golf courses. The ideal place, therefore, for a golfing holiday combined with sightseeing and other leisure and cultural pursuits.
To help you take full advantage of your stay, we have created a special hotel and golf package, but first a little about Madrid itself…
Experiencing a Mediterranean climate with continental aspects, Madrid has a rich heritage of historic buildings dating from the Spanish Golden Age (coinciding with the Hapsburg reign), especially embodied in the showpiece Plaza Mayor. Madrid also has the highest number of trees and the largest green surface per inhabitant of any city in Europe. These include central Madrid’s largest park, Parque del Retiro, and the Casa de Campo urban parkland to the west of the city.
As befits a major global capital city, Madrid is home to an exceptional array of museums, highlighted by the “Golden Triangle of Art”, comprising the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia museums – the latter displaying Pablo Picasso’s famous “Guernica” painting.
Located just a short distance away, in the city centre, is the Hotel NH Collection Paseo del Prado, which has recently been refurbished and converted into a five-star establishment. Overlooking the Fountain of Neptune and offering a wonderful 19th century feel, the hotel is enhanced by stunning modern details and is also a convenient drive from some of the only courses in the area accepting non-members.
Real Club de Golf Herrería, for example, is just 400 metres from the picturesque town of El Escorial. In 2001 its front nine meandering through an oak tree forest was revamped by renowned designer José Gancedo – popularly known as the “Picasso of golf course design”.
Also close by is the Real Sociedad Hípica Española Club de Campo course, with 36 holes designed by Robert von Hagge and opened in 1997, and top equestrian and other sports amenities.
Flying with golf clubs to Spain updated
We’ve added some new companies and updated the information page about costs of flying with golf clubs with the main companies operating Spain so you can work out “real” costs of your flights.
Spain Aces Golf Wish List
It would have been a shock to learn otherwise but Spain has been suffering something of a battering in recent years on various well-documented fronts. On this occasion, however, no unpleasant surprises: according to a new study of European golfers, the country maintains its supremacy as the most popular travel destination for visitors from the UK, France, Germany and Scandinavia.
More than 28 per cent of the respondents had played golf in Spain over the previous 12 months, citing such favourable key contributing factors as the standard and range of the country’s golf courses, consistent levels of high quality accommodation and the favourable year-round climate.
The findings were part of a new research document entitled “European Spotlight on Golf Tourism to Spain”, commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of IGTM (which will be held from 11 to 14 November at Costa Daurada in Cataluña) and produced by Sports Marketing Surveys Inc.
Second in popularity behind Spain was Portugal (17 per cent), followed by Great Britain & Ireland (16.1 per cent), Turkey (7.5 per cent), France (7.1 per cent) and United States (6.9 per cent).
New page “Flying with your golf clubs”
Clients often ask us about the costs of flying with golf clubs, and it is important to compare charges, so we have created a page with a table containing information about various airlines’ policies and charges. As we all know from experience, there are more and more obstacles and increased transport costs involved in flying, so this is perhaps a good moment to remind you that in many destinations we have a rental service offering quality clubs.