Les Roches Leads Global Golf Management Education from Spain

Les Roches, one of the premier institutions for luxury hotel management education, has introduced a new course at its Spanish campus: the Postgraduate Diploma in Golf Management. Established in Switzerland in 1954, Les Roches has operated a campus in Marbella since 1995, a city renowned for its golf courses. This campus attracts thousands of students from over 100 countries each year, providing them with a comprehensive education to excel in the hospitality industry. The Marbella campus is now a top choice for students aiming for careers in the golf business.

The global golf industry is growing within the tourism sector, with Spain being a leading destination for golf travelers. Approximately 1.2 million tourists visit Spain annually for golf, contributing over 12 billion euros to the economy. The Costa del Sol, home to the highest number of golf courses in Spain (70), generates around 1.5 billion euros annually from golf tourism and supports over 17,000 jobs, according to the Costa del Sol Tourism Board.

Marbella: An Ideal Setting

Les Roches' new program, starting in September, will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the diverse aspects of the golf industry. The curriculum will cover course management, design, maintenance, and the organization and marketing of golf tournaments. Students will receive approximately 75 hours of practical instruction and have the opportunity for a field trip to Miami, a major golf hub.

Carlos Díez de La Lastra, CEO of Les Roches, highlights the significance of the golf industry in Málaga for its economic impact and job creation. The city recently hosted the prestigious Solheim Cup, which generated a return of 29.1 million euros. Díez de La Lastra emphasizes the importance of professionals in maintaining and developing Marbella's golf offerings.

Students will benefit from access to numerous golf-related contacts in Marbella, including local and international federations. The program's faculty will feature prominent industry figures such as Gonzalo Sánchez García, Javier Reviriego Boveda, Eugenio Rezola Murua, Emma García, and Alicia Garrido.

Gonzalo Sánchez, a professional golfer and current coach, notes the importance of understanding golf course management for aspiring hotel directors. He stresses the need for training and professionalization in the golf sector, which intersects with hospitality, catering, transport, and culture.

Leading-Edge Education

Les Roches boasts a global network of over 16,000 alumni in leadership roles across 140 countries. A significant portion (67%) secured their first job through the school's contacts, and 33% started their own businesses. Graduates typically receive an average of five job offers and see their salaries triple within 12 years of graduation.

Les Roches is a leader in hospitality sector innovation. Its students access job opportunities and internships at over 200 top companies each semester, including Louis Vuitton, Accor Hotels, IHG, The Ritz-Carlton, Soho House & Co, Mandarin Oriental, Marriott International, Silversea, Qatar Airways, and Hublot, as well as sports organizations like Formula 1, FIFA, Nike, Netflix, and the International Olympic Committee.