Antonio Sánchez Marcos
We are not at the 2007 or 2008 figures, but these are encouraging data that give us some much-needed optimism. It is not yet known exactly how the brutal, unfair and disproportionate VAT increase will affect the coming months, but, if things are done right, it might not have as negative an effect as expected. It has undoubtedly been a stab in the back for golf tourism, but we have no choice but to try to overcome it.
Unfortunately, not all courses and areas in Andalusia have been doing “so well”. A couple of clubs have had to close (and not only due to the crisis) and others, due to their location or their erroneous management policy, are having a hard time.
A fact to keep in mind is that the best courses, the best maintained, the ones that offer the best service, etc., are the ones that work best, and these are usually the most expensive ones, so it is not all a problem of prices. Golfers want quality and a good relation of this with what they pay to play, and they do not only look at their pocket.
Not letting our guard down in 2013, not abandoning promotion and not falling into pessimistic and paralyzing melancholy is fundamental for this year to be even better than the one that has just ended.
Shortly before closing this edition of AG/EG we learned of the death of Don Jaime Ortiz Patiño. It is not necessary to gloss his figure here. Everyone knows what he did for golf in our community, what he represented ….. For us he was always a fundamental support, a friend. The man who wanted to have us by his side, working, in the key events that he starred in and that marked the history of Andalusian golf: the Volvo Masters, the Ryder Cup, the World Championships…. We appreciated and loved him. We will remember him with great affection knowing that the essence of his legacy will always remain.
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