One of the most recent hurdles that course developers had to get past was water usage; more specifically, water conservation. Since golf courses are notorious for vast amounts water consumption, the Confederacion Hidrografica del Segura, which is the governing body that manages water consumption in the region, naturally had concerns about the potential environmental impact on the river and surrounding areas.

According to the Minister of the Environment, it appears that some type of agreement has been reached. The Confederacion is satisfied with the efforts made by potential developers to build courses which will be adapted to the natural environment. The vast majority of the new golf courses in the region will recycle their own water. This will greatly reduce chances of a negative impact upon the river and the areas around it.

The result of this announcement is predicted to be a strong upward surge in the number of new golf courses that will be cropping up in the region. In fact, the Minister of Environment projects an increase to a factor of three in the next few years. In an area already marked on the map for its stunning courses and options for golfing holidays, the possibilities for the tourism industry are virtually limitless.

Currently, there are 25 courses approved for construction, with an astounding 46 more in various stages of the approval process. This means a possible total of 71 world-class golf courses could be opening up in the next several years. As it stands presently, the city of Murcia will receive the lion's share of the fairways; where a total of eighteen courses are being developed.

So if you're hoping to book that golf holiday, Murcia should definitely be part of your itinerary. Other stops you may want to include: Alicante, destined to reap the benefits of four new courses and Almeria, where three courses are in the works.

Of course, you need not wait for the Segura courses; the region of Costa del Sol, which is known primarily for its abundant sunshine and dazzling beaches, already boasts more than 60 golf courses.

If island travel is more your style, consider the tropical paradise of Menorca. It is home to the championship-quality Son Parc golf course. When you pause to putt, you will breathe in the beauty of the natural surroundings, which include gently rolling hills covered by a protected wet zone, home to a variety of tropical species of birds.

If you prefer to watch golf rather than play, (or watch and play), the island of Tenerife will once again host the Ladies Open Golf Championship in 2008.

And as always, the PGA Mallorca Classic makes a hot ticket for any golfer's vacation. There is simply no shortage of ways to fill your time if golf ranks high on your list of passions, meaning that Spain is truly a golfer's paradise.