Spain continues to reign supreme in Europe but other destinations are hot on its heals “Spain is doing exceptionally well, especially the Costa del Sol,” said Neil Crossland, Head of International Contracting at Your Golf Travel. He notes, however, that the map is expanding: “We’re also seeing really great growth in Cyprus, Greece and Morocco.” Long-haul travel is booming at the luxury end of the market The premium sector is witnessing a surge in long-distance bookings as travellers pivot from standard trips to “bucket list” experiences and aspirational holidays.  Glen Wilkes, Head of Golf for Elegant Golf Resorts, said: “We’re experiencing some big growth in long-haul travel and the market’s pretty buoyant. Places like South Africa, Mauritius, the Caribbean, Asia are all very popular at the moment.”   The Rise of the Female Traveler Women’s groups have emerged as the industry’s fastest-growing segment, with a distinct preference for structured, social itineraries. Mark Hatton, Founder and CEO of Golfing Days, highlights the demand for hosted experiences: “We’re seeing a significant increase in ladies’ groups, particularly for pro-led coaching trips. While UK-based trips remain popular, there is a clear and growing trend of these groups heading abroad.” Golfers are booking further in advance The lead time for golf travel has shifted dramatically. Neil Bird, Director at Hashtag Golf Travel, notes that the traditional three-to-six-month booking window has expanded.  “Now you’re looking at a year in advance – some are even enquiring for 2027. People know what they want and where they want to go. They want to get the preferred tee times and the preferred hotel, so they have to book very, very early these days.” Ready to adapt your 2026 strategy?  If you’re looking to capitalise on the rise of aspirational travel or the female golf traveller, we can help.  Get in touch: Ian Knox – iknox@europeantour.com.

INFINITUM, the 45-hole golf resort and real estate development on Spain’s Costa Dorada, has begun work on the front nine of the Hills course as the second stage of its multimillion-euro renovation project to further elevate the popular layout gets underway. Following extensive work on the back nine – work which received rave reviews during the recent hosting of DP World Tour Final Stage Qualifying School – the next stage of INFINITUM’s golf course investment project, led by Dave Sampson of European Golf Design, will see several changes made across the course’s front nine holes. Major work on the first hole will see the current shape of the hole altered. A current left to right dogleg, the layout will be changed to create a right to left dogleg. A new and improved short game area including a putting green and chipping area will be created by the first tee, with the first hole’s new layout meaning the current driving range and chipping area will disappear. Big changes will also be made to the ninth hole, with a new tee box extending the hole and a redesigned green complex being moved further right from its current position. Work will also take place to the rockface façade of the green on the eighth hole. In line with the resort’s commitment to sustainability, the current fairway grass on the back nine will be replaced with the highly drought-resistant Bermuda 419 to reduce demand for water throughout the year. Meanwhile, Zoysia grass will be implemented around each bunker to cut down on water and chemical consumption, following the model used in the renovation of the neighbouring Lakes course last year and on Hills front nine earlier this year. Joaquín Mora Bertrán, deputy general manager at INFINITUM, said: “This next phase of the Hills renovation represents our continued commitment to elevating the golfing experience at INFINITUM. “This project is about ensuring the Hills stands proudly alongside Europe’s best courses, matching the exceptional standard set by the Lakes following its recent transformation. By refining strategic elements of the layout and embracing sustainable solutions throughout, we are shaping a course that challenges and excites golfers.” Completed work on the back nine has delivered significant enhancements, highlighted by a dramatic new island green 18th hole set within the iconic quarry backdrop. Additional improvements include a lengthened par-three tenth with a redesigned green complex, a new water feature adding challenge to the 15th, and reversed playing directions on the 15th and 16th to further elevate strategy and overall player experience. Alongside its position in golf, INFINITUM is renowned as a high-end residential and real estate resort blessed with a picturesque location in the heart of the Costa Dorada, a stone’s throw from the glistening waters of the Mediterranean Sea. To learn more about INFINITUM and book, visit www.infinitumliving.com.

Costa Navarino, the sustainably driven destination with a wide and diverse golf offering, continues to earn international acclaim after celebrating another year of achievements for 2025. Over the past 12 months, the destination has been recognised with key distinctions across the global golf stage, including major accolades at the 2025 World Golf Awards. Situated in the region of Messinia in Greece’s southwest Peloponnese, Costa Navarino features four signature 18-hole courses – The Dunes Course, The Bay Course, the International Olympic Academy Golf Course and The Hills Course – as well as four five-star hotels, luxury private residences and many year-round activities. After winning six top accolades at this year’s 59club Europe Service Excellence Awards and being selected for 59club’s prestigious new Signature Collection – one of just 25 worldwide golf venues to receive the accolade in recognition of its long-term commitment to service excellence, outstanding guest experiences and world-class golf facilities – Costa Navarino added to its list of achievements by emerging as one of the leading winners at the annual World Golf Awards. In addition to retaining its title of ‘World’s Best Golf Venue’, the destination received the coveted honours of ‘Europe’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue’. The destination also retained its no.1 spot in National Club Golfer’s updated list of the ‘Top 100 Resorts in Continental Europe’, with further acclaim coming with US magazine Golf Inc. ranking the Navarino Hills golf courses fourth in its list of the ‘Best New Golf Course Developments 2016-2025’ and The Bay Course receiving The ‘Excellence in Golf Experience’ award at the recent “Your Golf Travel Awards”. David Ashington, General Manager at Costa Navarino Golf, said: “It’s been an incredible year for golf at Costa Navarino, and the wide variety of accolades that we have received reflects both the high standard of golf facilities that we offer and Costa Navarino’s commitment to delivering a world-class guest experience. I’m really excited at the prospect of what lies ahead in 2026 as we launch a series of new golf events.” Costa Navarino is host to a number of annual tournaments including the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy, which was won this year by England’s Peter Baker, and the Aegean Messinia Pro-Am. Both tournaments will return in June 2026, with the Aegean Messinia Pro-Am set to celebrate its landmark 20th anniversary with a record 75-team field. Next year is shaping up to be the busiest yet as the destination launches an expanded golf events calendar. Players of all generations and abilities will be able to enjoy a wide and varied tournament schedule, while increased connectivity from the UK and Europe to Kalamata International Airport is set to make Costa Navarino more accessible than ever.

INFINITUM has cemented its association with The European Tour group after becoming the latest venue to join the European Tour Destinations network. Located on Spain’s Costa Dorada, INFINITUM is one of Europe’s premier golf, lifestyle and real-estate resorts, presenting championship golf facilities, modern gastronomy and a multi-award-winning beach club. Home to 45 holes of championship golf, the venue has long been closely associated with The European Tour group, successfully hosting the DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage for a seventh time this November as part of a new extended three-year partnership. INFINITUM also played host for the DP World Tour’s ISPS Handa Championship in 2022. With a close relationship already in place, joining European Tour Destinations was a natural step for INFINITUM as the resort joins a global network of world-class golf venues across 21 countries on three continents. Ian Knox, Head of European Tour Destinations, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming INFINITUM into the European Tour Destinations family. “Having hosted DP World Tour Qualifying School Final Stage on seven occasions, and with at least the next two iterations of the tournament being held here, the resort has already built up a close association with The European Tour group. We look forward to this new partnership, working with the team on the ground and showcasing the outstanding experience at INFINITUM to our wider network.” The network includes some of the most prestigious golf and lifestyle resorts in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean, with many of the venues home to courses, which consistently feature prominently in international rankings. By joining, venues create a unique partnership which ensures that all guests can enjoy the outstanding experience to be expected from the family of one of the game’s foremost organisations. Joaquín Mora Bertrán, deputy general manager at INFINITUM, said: “Becoming part of the European Tour Destinations network is an important milestone for our resort. It recognises the quality of our courses, our facilities and the hard work of our entire team. We look forward to welcoming players and guests from around the world and continuing to showcase INFINITUM as one of Europe’s premier golfing destinations.” Joining the European Tour Destinations network is not only a sign of the quality of INFINITUM’s golf facilities, but also a reflection on the overall quality of the venue. Xavier Lozano, director of Real Estate Development at INFINITUM, said: “Joining European Tour Destinations reinforces our commitment to creating a best-in-class lifestyle environment for current and future homeowners. For prospective property buyers, it provides an additional layer of trust and international recognition, an assurance that they are investing in a community aligned with one of the most prestigious organisations in world golf.”