Club Recovery and Leadership Transition

Carlota Sabaté assumed the presidency of Golf Vallromanes in 2025, stepping into a challenging period for the club. She anticipates serving for two more years. The club experienced losses and a decline in membership following a period of outsourcing, which led to deterioration of the course. Sabaté initially joined the club as treasurer, offering her services without pay and was later appointed president after a near-unanimous vote from the board.

“I arrived at the presidency of Golf Vallromanes in 2025 and theoretically I have two more years in office. I entered at a difficult time. The outsourcing cost us significant losses, of social mass, because the field deteriorated and created a problem in the social mass because the field was not in conditions.”

Carlota Sabaté

She acknowledges the possibility that her gender may have been a consideration when the previous president didn’t directly offer her the position, stating, “It could be. The truth is that he didn’t think about it at the time.” She emphasizes the importance of teamwork in overcoming the club’s difficulties.

The Need for Increased Female Participation

A key focus for Sabaté is increasing the number of female golfers. Currently, women comprise approximately 30% of the club’s membership, a figure she believes is low. She notes a trend of women pursuing other sports, such as paddle tennis and soccer, and highlights the benefits of golf as a lifelong, mentally stimulating activity.

“Without a doubt. You see that sedentary lifestyle is the first sport for women. Swimming is also liked. From 40 to 60, running is the first sport. By age, everyone is looking for a sustainable sport over time. And it’s strange that there aren’t more women in golf because it allows you to enjoy it throughout your life. If there are no women, there are no children, and there are no licenses. If women don’t play, it’s very difficult for golf to grow.”

Carlota Sabaté

She believes that attracting female players is crucial for the sport’s growth, noting that mothers often influence their children’s participation.

Golf as a Business and the Importance of a Public Course

Sabaté applies a business-like approach to managing the club, staying informed about all areas of operation. She believes a public golf course is needed to attract new players and make the sport more accessible. She also points out that golf is often unfairly perceived as an elitist sport, despite being relatively affordable, with monthly fees potentially costing around 200 euros.

“Yes. Every day I arrive at the club I grasp what has happened, in all areas of the club….”

Carlota Sabaté

Looking Ahead: Ryder Cup 2031 and Club Evolution

Sabaté acknowledges that the upcoming Ryder Cup in Girona in 2031 is generating excitement and potentially increasing prices. While the event could raise the profile of golf, she cautions against replicating the Andalusian model of tourism-driven pricing and emphasizes the need to maintain affordable options for players. She also expresses pride in the club’s recent resurgence in social activity and the influx of younger players.

“We have reach up and prices for playing are rising. It can benefit in the sense that It’s more visible, but the commercial fields are taking advantage of the occasion and want to recreate the Andalusian model, with tourism as a reference. I don’t know if the Ryder will lead to a significant increase in federated players. But these federated players must come to the clubs, and the costs are increasingly high.”

Carlota Sabaté

FAQ

What percentage of Golf Vallromanes members are women?

Approximately 30% of the club’s members are women.

What is Sabaté’s primary goal as president?

To increase female participation in golf and restore the club’s social atmosphere.

Is golf an expensive sport?

Sabaté believes golf is often unfairly perceived as elitist, but it can be affordable, with monthly fees around 200 euros.