Local Communities Don’t Walk the Greens: The Case of Portugal and Spain (Andaluzia)

This research aims to understand why non-golfers in Portugal and Spain do not take advantage of golf, despite their popularity as golf tourist destinations. Given golf’s association with mental and physical health, the question arises: why aren’t residents playing more? The study is based on the three-dimensional leisure construct model - intraper sonal, interpersonal, and structural, comprises six in-depth interviews (with golf professionals and amateurs) and a questionnaire survey. The survey received 306 valid responses from non-golfers in Portugal and Spain, representing a diverse range of professions. The data was processed using thematic analysis for the interviews and descriptive statistics for the questionnaires. The results show that golf is perceived as elitist, expensive, and challenging, but as a good way to meet friends, beneficial for mental and physical health, and a means to enhance social status. Findings also reveal a lack of knowledge and participation among residents, as well as mostly self-perceived interpersonal and intrapersonal constraints. This suggests that public stakeholders should take action to change perceptions and mo tivate local residents to play regularly, thereby promoting social interaction and sustainability. Examining individuals’ perceptions of the game and identifying the relevant factors could inform guidelines to assist local governance and development.