Travel specialists Leading Courses have set out to examine, using their data, where the best value green fees can be found within Spain and Portugal on a regional basis.
To do this, they analysed the course ratings from verified golfers in the Golfers’ Choice rankings.
Understanding the categories
Outstanding courses (ratings 8.5 and higher) tend to be bucket-list venues that many golfers aspire to play. Often highly priced, they are positioned at the pinnacle of the market. These courses aim to deliver unforgettable experiences that combine prestige, world-class design and exceptional service.
Recommended courses (ratings 7.5 to 8.5) represent the core of European golf. These are more the day-to-day courses that most golfers play, from regional member clubs to high-quality resorts. Although they may lack the prestige of the biggest names, these clubs provide reliable quality and often outstanding value for money.
The par-3 6th, Devil’s Parlour, at the nine-hole Pine Cliffs course in the Algarve is one that will linger in the memory and 18 holes here need not strain the budget.
(Image credit: Future)
Assessing Value
To access the value of a course, Leading Courses devised a Green Fee Value Index (GVI). This metric was calculated by dividing a club’s green fee by its rating, creating a euro-per-rating-point score. The lower the GVI, the greater the value.
As green fees often vary according to the time of year, Leading Courses used the highest available green fee in September, as that is when demand peaks and clubs reveal the value they attach to their product.
The ratings were taken from verified golfer reviews from the Golfers’ Choice rankings as of 1 January 2025.
Spain: The Findings
With more than 400 golf courses, Spain is Europe’s strongest destination for golf travel, attracting golfers from across the continent. The value for money picture, however, differs greatly by region.
(Image credit: Future)
For example, Andalusia is the flagship region of Spanish golf. It…
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