Spain is the leading golf destination for Finns particularly the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife.
The climate, the security of the destination, and the quality of the courses are the three key factors influencing the selection of golf destinations. Andalusia is the most frequented region by golf enthusiasts from Finland, followed by Valencia and Catalonia.
A recent study indicates that Finnish golfers are keen travellers, with their preferred destinations predominantly in Spain.
The seasons significantly affect the travel behaviour of Finns, and this is also evident in their golf excursions. The majority of golf trips (84%) occur between October and May, when conditions for golfing in Finland are less than ideal.
The most favoured destinations are in the sunny regions of southern Europe, with 79% of participants stating they had travelled there. Spain tops the list, with 94% of those travelling to southern Europe choosing it, followed by Portugal (54%) and Turkey (46%).
“Spain stands out as a preferred destination for Finns, offering numerous high-quality golf courses, all providing perfect playing conditions throughout the year,” explains Julio Jiménez, tourism advisor in Helsinki.
The weather and safety of the destination
According to the Golfpiste survey, the three most crucial factors in selecting a golf destination are climate (73%), safety (60%) and course quality (50%). Price is also an important consideration, impacting both the cost of playing (38%) and the general price level of the destination (37%).
Another notable factor from the survey is the cuisine. The culinary experience and the standard of restaurants are important to 34% of Finnish golfers when choosing their golf destination.
“Many golf enthusiasts also appreciate fine dining. The survey clearly illustrates why Spain is a preferred choice for Finns as a golf destination,” adds Jiménez.
The most sought-after golf destinations in Spain
The top choice among Finns for golf is Andalusia, followed by Valencia, Catalonia, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife. Other notable mentions in the list of the ten most popular golf destinations for Finns in Spain include Mallorca, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, Madrid, and Menorca.
In the Balearic Islands, the most frequented golf courses are located in Mallorca, while in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria and Tenerife are particularly popular.
The typical duration of a golf trip is 5 to 7 days, and Finnish travellers are prepared to invest more in their sporting excursions, according to the survey.
The average cost of trips has noticeably risen over the past two years. Data from autumn 2024 suggests that the average expense per person per trip is 2,073 euros, reflecting an increase of 313 euros in comparison to the 2022 period. This figure encompasses flights, accommodation, and game fees.
“Finns are budget-conscious travellers, yet increasing costs do not appear to hinder their enthusiasm for golfing trips,” states Jiménez.
Despite the rise in average spending, the number of individuals travelling for golf has remained stable. 89% of respondents intend to embark on at least one golf trip abroad in the forthcoming 12 months, with 53% planning to undertake two or more trips within that timeframe.
