Abstract

The research on the problem of golf is essentially limited to environmental issues, and socioeconomic and cultural ones are usually neglected. In southern European countries where tourism is mainly dependent on “sun & sea”, golf courses supply is becoming more and more relevant, considering its balance facing “sun & sea” low seasons. However, these countries have a poor cultural identification with golf, despite its relevance to attract international tourism markets (Marckwick, 2000; Neirotti, 2005). This paper presents a demand side approach of the phenomenon, framing golf and its dynamics as a business supported in two distinct demand profiles: international tourist golfers and local leisure golfers-. To develop this analysis we take and compare different statistical sources. The paper takes Portugal, a main international golf tourism destination, as a case study in the context of the countries of southern Europe. The comparison of statistical data on supply and demand of golf in Portugal is the basis for a reflection on the golf demand development.

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