Recent reports from the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) show that Spain is top of the polls for golf tourism with this Mediterranean destination capturing 35% of the European market. Andalucia and the famous Costa del Sol is the most popular region for the budding sportsmen and women within Spain, a trend recognised by both holiday operators and property developers.

Leading British developer in Spain, Taylor Wimpey de España, have found thus far in 2010 that 78% of all their clients actively play golf and with 75% of buyers looking for a holiday home, we know how the new owners will spend their summer holidays! 41% of these buyers are specifically looking for homes in the Costa del Sol.

The golf holiday market, along with all other sectors, has been hit by the financial crisis, however, reports of golf tour operator bookings being up between 10% and 35% in January and February alone, optimism has returned to the sector.

Antonio Bernabé, Director General of the Institute of Tourism in Spain, enthuses that over 1 million international tourists seeking to swing a club visit Spain each year. With climate, quality of courses and established golfing infrastructure all adding to the reasons why golfers choose Spain year on year.

This sentiment is backed up by Victor Sagué, Sales & Marketing Director or Taylor Wimpey de España,

“The Spanish golf resorts are second to none. They offer home owners and tourists’ alike, superb golfing amenities on their doorstep plus many championship and celebrity designed courses. The variety of courses is exceptional from Links to Parks and with the added bonus of year round sunshine there is rarely a moment in the day when golf enthusiast can’t perfect their par.”

Sagué continues,

“Despite the market downturn over the last couple of years, demand in the hotspots such as Marbella in the Costa del Sol is picking up rapidly leading us to launch new developments to feed the hungry second home buyers. Los Robles II is situated on the prestigious Los Arqueros 18 hole golf resort. The properties have been designed to make the most of the beautiful surrounding vistas of the greens and the Mediterranean coast. Since its launch in August we have already sold 7 properties here which shows how the market in prime areas is once again moving.”

La Floresta, Elvira in the Marbella region is another popular choice with Taylor Wimpey de España buyers. The properties fit the bill with 2 bedrooms and prices from €178,000; 59% of buyers are seeking 2 bedroom properties and 72% have a budget between €150,000 to €250,000 plus of course there is the El Soto Golf Course, a nine hole par 3 course!

For more information on buying your perfect golf pad contact Taylor Wimpey de España on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com and click to view the wide range of golf developments on offer in the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca.

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Los Robles de los Arqueros (Phase 2) is a new Taylor Wimpey development situated in one of the best areas of Marbella, the prestigious Los Arqueros 18 hole golf course. The new phase of Los Robles de Los Arqueros maintains the look of a Mediterranean village. Located in eight apartments blocks, all just three storeys high and crowned with spectacular penthouses that have a magnificent terrace and pergola.

Apartments of 2 and 3 large bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and luxury finishes are also available. Properties are available now from €232,000.

This development on the El Soto Golf Course, a nine hole par 3 course, also has two large communal swimming pools, landscaped gardens and external private parking. The 2 bedroom apartments measure 141 square meters and the 3 bedroom penthouses are 239 square meters, with ground floor apartments boasting private gardens. These properties are available now from €178,000.