The Mayor of Benahavis, José Antonio Mena, extended a warm welcome to the Benahavis Senior Masters on Friday, saying he hopes to host the tournament for years to come while also explaining one novel way of growing the game in the area.
Mena said that all school kids in Benahavis can play all 12 of the golf courses in the area for free as they look to build a culture of golf in the picturesque area on the South coast of Spain.
The Mayor was speaking at a clinic where former Ryder Cup star and designer of the La Quinta Golf and Country Club course which plays host to this week’s Benahavis Senior Masters, Manuel Piñero, was giving lessons to some local children.
Mena said: “Around 90% of the business in Benahavis is golf, there are 12 courses in the area and all of the villages live around golf, that’s why we are so keen to support this kind of tournament – to promote the beautiful Benahavis area.
“We really hope to keep this tournament at Benahavis for years to come. For the people here it is a unique opportunity to have such a big event in the area.”
The Spaniard went on to describe one measure that the area of Benahavis is taking in building a foundation of golf in the area.
“All the school children can play golf for free on any of the 12 courses in Benahavis and it is also the only town where there is a public golf course,” he continued.
