He is the mayor of the third municipality in Spain in number of golf courses and the president of the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol, whose territory encompasses the vast majority of towns that make up the leading golf tourist destination in Europe, known as the Costa del Golf. And that fills him with legitimate pride because he himself is a great fan of this sport, which practices for twenty-one years. He is José Antonio Mena, a young man, jovial, very sporty, lawyer, motorcycle lover and a great lover of Benahavís, as it could not be otherwise.
The fact that Benahavís is the municipality with the highest number of golf courses per capita in Spain has clear implications for the mayor: “Golf is one of our hallmarks, along with gastronomy, nature sports and culture. It is a national and international attraction that guarantees visitors throughout the year, since the offer is of high quality and very varied”.
-Women’s golf is experiencing an increase in media interest both in Spain and the rest of the world. What attractions does Benahavís have to attract this segment of golf?
-In both men’s and women’s golf, the variety of courses and the offer generated in the municipality that complements those who come to enjoy this sport are the key. Our climate and geographical location do the rest. Here we can go out and play in good weather practically 365 days a year.
-Benahavís has made a strong bid for the 2023 Solheim Cup. What do you think this tournament would bring to the town if it were held here?
-A worldwide visibility, since this championship reaches millions of people, in addition to a very strong economic impact on the municipality; accommodation, catering, related services …, but not only on the days of the championship, but in the years to come. Hosting a sporting event of this nature guarantees even greater economic stability for our municipality.
-The municipality has three key tourist assets, which are nature, gastronomy and golf. What do you plan to do this year to reinforce the positioning and image as a privileged golf destination?
-In addition to these three assets that have always been our brand, the cultural offer of Benahavís is also growing, so we add one more and more varied incentive to all those who visit us to play. On the other hand, attendance at specialized fairs, presence in specific media and collaboration in sporting events ensures that we are always present and visible as a golf destination.
-There is a project in Benahavís to expand from 9 to 18 holes a golf course that could host major international tournaments, but it is necessary to divert the road that connects the town with the coast, a work that depends on the Town Hall. When is this work expected to start and how long is it expected to take?
-The procedures have already begun, but I cannot yet specify a date. We are working to make the whole process as agile as possible and to meet the deadlines.
-The residents of Benahavís have great advantages and facilities to play golf. Could you tell us what they are?
-There is a municipal practice tee available to anyone who needs it, as well as a Municipal Golf School, where his teacher, Manuel Araujo, works to get the best out of each student. In addition, those born in Benahavís can play for free in the courses of the municipality under certain conditions as long as their handicap allows them to do so.
-The Municipal Golf School has become a breeding ground for players of undoubted talent, including Julia Lopez, currently in the Blume residence in Madrid for elite athletes. What does this school bring to the children and youth of the town?
-Julia Lopez is a great example of what a Municipal School with the full and absolute support of the City Council can do. An elite athlete who has been formed in the School and since she was a child she has been able to evolve and go further and further. Her parents have made and make a great effort for Julia to reach the top, and we from the City Council support them.
She has become an example for our young people: with hard work and effort, you can get where you want to go.
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