DESTINATION GOLF GLOBAL GUIDE 2026
INTERVIEW Q & A: DOMINGO GAVIRA- CHAPARRAL GOLF CLUB In this edition, Destination Golf sits down with General Manager Domingo Gavira of Chaparral Golf Club to discuss his journey in the game, the evolution of one of the Costa del Sol’ s most distinctive courses, and the challenges and triumphs behind running a leading golf destination. From course investment and guest experience to the future of golf tourism in southern Spain, Gavira shares an inside look at what it takes to keep Chaparral thriving in a highly competitive market.
On February 28, 2006, Chaparral Golf was ready for its reopening. It was then that Antonio Rubio and his family saw the final result for the first time. Their reaction reflected satisfaction with the work accomplished and facilities that exceeded all expectations. A new challenge then began: putting it into operation. The people behind the project were key in this new stage. For this reason, Antonio chose to surround himself with experienced golf management professionals, including Domingo Gavira, the current General Manager, who recalls his arrival:“ The first time I came to Chaparral was a striking experience. I was impressed by the surroundings, the atmosphere, and that pine forest by the sea. I felt an immediate connection, as if it were my life project.” Domingo and the Chaparral team have maximized the course’ s potential, placing it among the top 25 in Spain and strengthening its international projection.
“ We have consolidated a demanding yet accessible course, capable of challenging experienced players while remaining enjoyable for all levels. This balance, built on a long-term strategic vision, has been key to positioning Chaparral Golf as a benchmark of quality and excellence.”
A commitment to innovation and development has also been essential. With services such as a clubmaker, fitting center, and advanced technology like TrackMan and Toptracer, the club continues to grow without losing its essence.
“ We want to offer golf at all levels and remain a meeting point,” Gavira emphasizes.
Twenty years later, Antonio Rubio reflects on the journey:“ It is probably the most beautiful project of my life and the one I am most proud of, having achieved it alongside my family.”
Located in a privileged natural setting, Chaparral Golf is now much more than a course. Its landscape, climate, and tranquility make playing golf a unique experience. At its heart stands a clubhouse that was once an abandoned farmhouse and is now a meeting place for golf lovers.
Looking ahead, Chaparral Golf enters a new phase defined by investment, sustainability, and continuous improvement. The club is developing several projects aimed at further raising standards of quality and course maintenance, as well as enhancing the player experience. Infrastructure modernization, optimization of irrigation and energy efficiency systems, expansion of practice areas, and the incorporation of new technologies for game analysis and enjoyment are all part of a strategic plan already underway. As General Manager Domingo Gavira explains:“ We are implementing improvements that will ensure players enjoy an even more refined, modern, and excellence-driven Chaparral.” With this vision, the club moves forward with determination to consolidate its position as a benchmark for contemporary golf on the Costa del Sol.
Domingo Gavira, General Manager
DG: Every golf person has a starting point, where did your journey in golf begin, and what first sparked your passion for the game? Domingo: Like many people in Spain, my introduction to golf came through working life rather than childhood. I started in the industry at a young age, and what struck me immediately was the unique combination of nature, sport, and human connection. Golf is not just a game— it’ s an environment. That’ s what drew me in and kept me here.
DG: Did you always see yourself working in golf management, or did your career take a few unexpected turns along the way? Domingo: It was definitely a journey rather than a straight line. You start by learning operations, understanding the customer, the course, the team. Over time, you realise that managing a golf club is about bringing all of those elements together. I didn’ t begin with the idea of becoming a General Manager, but the industry gives you opportunities if you are willing to grow with it.
DG: Running a golf club is equal parts hospitality, agronomy, business and people management. What have been the biggest lessons the role has taught you? Domingo: Balance is everything. You can have a beautiful course, but if the service is not right, the experience is incomplete. Equally, great service cannot compensate for poor conditioning. The biggest lesson is that consistency across all areas is what builds a reputation. And of course, your team is at the centre of everything.
DG: What has been the toughest challenge you’ ve faced at Chaparral, and what did that experience teach you about leadership? Domingo: The most challenging periods are always those that involve change— whether that’ s investment, restructuring, or external factors affecting tourism. Leadership in those moments is about clarity and communication. People need to understand the direction and feel confident in it. Transparency builds trust.
DG: Looking back, is there a defining moment in your time here, perhaps a difficult one or a breakthrough, that helped shape the club’ s direction? Domingo: The period around COVID was certainly a defining moment for us. The restrictions forced us to close and then gradually reopen under very challenging conditions. It wasn’ t just
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