The Les Roches postgraduate golf club management program is designed with the understanding that Spain is ranked among the leading global destinations for golf travelers.
It draws approximately 1.2 million tourists annually and contributes more than €12 billion to the economy.
Starting this September, students will have the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse golf industry in Marbella through Les Roches‘ newly launched program.
The study modules will focus on
- course management,
- design and maintenance, as well as
- organizing and marketing golf tournaments.
Throughout the course, students will have around 75 hours of practical classes and the opportunity to take a study field trip to Miami, another major hub for the sport that attracts more enthusiasts each year.
The faculty for the Postgraduate Diploma in Golf Management will include some of the most prominent names in the industry, including:
- Gonzalo Sánchez García,
- Javier Reviriego Boveda (CEO at Real Club Valderrama),
- Eugenio Rezola Murua,
- Emma García (Digital Marketing and Sales manager, Los Naranjos Golf Club) and
- Alicia Garrido.
This will not be the first attempt to establish a serious golf club management course in Spain.
For example, there have been initiatives such as the Cursos Gestion de Campos de Golf course and the CMAE management development program, although the latter is not specifically focused on Spain.
3 educational elements to add
In the year 2024 and beyond, I foresee three indispensable educational components for inclusion in golf club management courses:
- Embracing technology: Given the ongoing digital transformation across industries, educational programs in golf club management should incorporate coursework on digital marketing, e-commerce, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.
- Focus on soft skills: In today’s professional landscape, technical skills hold undeniable importance, yet the burgeoning significance of soft skills, particularly those pertaining to leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence, cannot be overstated. Employers increasingly prize individuals capable of navigating the intricate dynamics of the contemporary workplace, adeptly overseeing diverse teams, and exemplifying empathetic leadership.
- Sustainability & social responsibility (CSR): I see a growing demand for business leaders who can drive sustainable and ethical practices.