He regrets the fact he has little free time to play golf. José Mena, a young and very sport-orientated man, has the honour of being mayor of the municipality with the second highest number of golf courses in Spain (first is neighbouring Marbella), with 12 courses and 180 holes spread out between seven clubs.

1 -You preside over a town hall that has the most number of golf courses per capita of any municipality in Spain. What does that mean to you?

–In the first place, it’s a matter of pride, especially if we take into account the fact that golf has become a sport popular among the masses and is played by millions of people. Translated into euros, this becomes much more than a matter of pride, as it helps to sustain the economy of Benahavís. Golf also gives us prestige and consolidates the affluence of visitors throughout the year, especially from other European countries.

2 -The fact that you play golf, does that give you a wider perspective than others of what it means in a tourist and economic sense?

–It does help you understand golf tourists, and appreciate their concerns and their requirements and, at times, even take the initiative in certain aspects. Golfers are always very well attuned to the market and its trends. As mayor, I have the responsibility of maintaining a perspective that ensures supply meets demand and golf helps me in that respect because, by being involved in the game myself, I never lose sight of the various turns and changes in the market.

3 –On what pillars are Benahavís’s tourist amenities sustained?

–Golf. Without a doubt, golf and all that surrounds the sport. Our hotels welcome thousands of golfers throughout the year. The other “leg” of the local economy is gastronomy. Half the world knows that Benahavís offers quality cuisine at a good price. The attraction of being a village, like the typical inland pueblos in spite of being relatively close to the coast, also helps attract tourists every year. Benahavís is the vertex of the Golden Triangle.

4 -Can you imagine your village without golf and the golfers who fill restaurants and hotels around the municipality?

–You could not imagine my village without golf, but neither could you imagine it without the attraction of its restaurants, or the idiosyncrasy of its people. As a typical village, with an Arabic past, it has been able to grow without being taken over by urban over-crowding trends.

5 -Tourism in general, not only golf, seems to be one of the few sectors that is experiencing some growth in Spain. What do you believe needs to be done to attract more visitors to the Costa del Sol?

–That depends on the objectives outlined in our tourist policies. Each moment is different. This sector is influenced, above all else, by economic issues. Nevertheless, we always have to be aware of tourists’ needs and demands, what other destinations are offering, and any changes in the market in a strictly financial sense. We have to attract tourists from the emerging countries but we also have to do so by offering diversified, interesting and quality amenities.

6 –With so many golf courses and resorts in your municipality, we imagine you pay special attention to promoting that sector of the industry…

–It is vital to provide complete institutional support to the local economic sector. The town hall promotes all sports activities but especially golf. And not only actually playing golf: without squandering funds, we also sponsor quality golf events, both national and international. Your readers will know all about the Benahavís Senior Masters, held for the last few years in the municipality. Once again this year we are hosting this important international tournament, and we hope it will bring many more tourists to Benahavís

7 -As a golfer, you have played the courses in your municipality. What is the standard of Benahavís’s golf amenities, in general terms?

As mayor, I’m obliged to reply that they are at the highest level. And as a golfer I can confirm this is the case. The level is high because we have good courses and they all operate throughout the year.

8 -How did you first start playing golf?

- Taking up golf is an intrinsic part of living in Benahavís. If you are born and live in this village you play golf. There is no other explanation.

9 -What was the best shot of your life – in golf, of course?

- I have to admit I’m not a great golfer, though I play regularly. I don’t tend to win many prizes. I remember a round at Valderrama, playing with Manolo Piñero, when I carded two pars and a birdie – on consecutive holes.

 

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