“Baviera Golf has one of the best maintained golf courses on the Costa del Sol”

Ignacio Iturbe is one of these people who seem to have the gift of being everywhere. He is often present at both official and private events related to the world of golf, always – of course – if his responsibilities as Baviera Golf manager allow him to attend. His style is centred on a hard and professional work ethic…and planning his diary extremely well.

In addition to running this club located in the Axarquía area of the Costa del Sol, Iturbe is also Málaga province delegate for the Royal Golf Federation of Andalucía and assistant to the presidency.

- Baviera Golf is in the Axarquía area, which has great tourist appeal. Do you believe it is known well enough by golf tourists? How and why would you recommend it?

- The Axarquía area, just a few minutes from Málaga capital, has the favourable qualities of a subtropical microclimate (hence, the cultivation of mangos and avocados, among other fruits and vegetables), kilometres of beaches and a variety of lovely towns with magnificent gastronomy, cultural heritage, etc., which makes it a great lure for those seeking inland tourism.

For golfers, as it is not a golf destination (just two courses) we have the advantage of not being overcrowded, and this weakness becomes an opportunity, as it makes us more attractive to golfers.

I would recommend it for the experience of learning about and enjoying something unforgettable, which is why our clients return.

- Your golf course has a reputation for being a great challenge, of having good maintenance… What is it that you would most highlight about the course?

- According to our clients and industry professionals, Baviera Golf’s maintenance is among the best on the Costa del Sol. That’s one of our strong points, as well as having a first-class restaurant that is a standard-bearer in the area. All services are almost personalised. The 18 holes offer challenges, with undulating greens, lakes that come into play and a layout that is suitable for players of all abilities. In addition, you can walk the course thanks to its gentle layout, and there are several holes with a spectacular landscape finished off by the sea.

- What are the main strengths of Andalucian golf tourism in comparison with its main competitor destinations, such as other Spanish regions and the Algarve in Portugal?

- Our main strengths, among others, are the diversity and variety of our services, transport communications, climate and quality excellence. We have some of the best and most extensive golf course amenities, as well as a mature destination that is well known among all source markets. To that we can add the hotel and restaurant amenities which, together with one of Spain’s main airports, enable us to grow season after season.

- How do you believe we can improve promotion of the Costa del Sol as a golf destination? Should public authorities invest more resources in that respect?

- I believe promotional campaigns need to be provided with a higher budget and there should be more direct initiatives, both at a tour operator and end-user level. We should foster loyalty among clients who, because of the current situation and instability in certain destinations, visit us during these years.