Whilst chasing a small white ball around a large expanse of grass might not be everyone’s idea of how to spend an enjoyable holiday, for many, golf is not just the highlight of their trip abroad, but the entire purpose. But why, I hear you ask, is there any need to fly all the way to the Costa del Sol to play, when there are so many excellent courses back home?
The weather is, of course, one of the huge reasons why thousands of golfers make their way to Malaga at every available opportunity. It is not just that rain can all too often stop play in the UK, but more that the good old British weather can be so unpredictable. Nothing is more frustrating than taking a week off work to concentrate on your favourite hobby, only to find that the course is waterlogged and the only thing you’ve got to fill your time is a long list of DIY jobs!
Another thing is the scenery, and that is not to say that many of the British courses do not also benefit from being in beautiful locations, it is just that the scenery is different. If you happen to live in the Midlands, for instance, the chance to play on coastal courses might not arise very often, and anyway, there is something quite spectacularly pleasurable about having the Mediterranean sparkling in the background as you tee off.
The opportunity to play with a completely different set of friends can add a tremendous challenge to your game, and of course the opportunity to make new friends is always welcome, whether that be on the golf course or when you are sunning yourself on the beach in between games.
Holidays can be funny times for couples and families. On the one hand, to go from spending weekdays apart whilst everyone goes about their business, to being in one another’s pockets 24 hours a day can put quite a strain on some relationships. For these people, the chance for each to go off and do their own thing for part of the time can be ideal. In other cases, where couples and families share golfing as a hobby and where the stresses of working life mean that too little time is ordinarily spent together, the chance to spend a week or two indulging in their favourite pastime together can be one of the major attractions. And of course there is always the ‘apres-golf’ to be taken advantage of in the local bars, restaurants and clubs.
Of course, if you are booking a golfing holiday to Malaga, it is well worth checking out any special deals that may be on offer at the many golf clubs and courses. The high season tends to bring higher green fees, but if you shop around, there are discounts to be had. The other thing is to remember to take into account the cost of transporting your golf clubs. Again, different airlines charge different rates and it may not be cost effective to opt for the cheapest seats if you have to pay a premium for your clubs!