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Golf tourism is a growing sector of the travel market and people who pursue the sport around the world could soon see new options opening up in Cuba, according to reports.

Over the last 50 years, there have been only two golf courses operating in the country – Havana Golf Club and another course in Varadero, the Guardian reports.

Other locations were rendered redundant during the socialist revolution of the 1950s and the fact that Fidel Castro, leader of Cuba for nearly 50 years, once lost a round of golf to fellow revolutionary Che Guevara did not help the popularity of the sport.

However, Castro's recent handover of power to his brother Raul could lead to a resurgence of golf in Cuba and a boom in tourism.

Tourism minister Manuel Marrero said that up to ten courses may be built as Cuba sets out to reinvigorate its ailing travel industry, which is worth some £1bn a year.

There are fears that high prices and the mediocrity of tourist attractions contributed to a 4.3% drop in visitors in 2006.

A western diplomat told the Guardian: 'They [the government] know they need to get more money into here and they know golf may be able to do that.'

The plans could see Cuba following an example set by the Dominican Republic, which has enjoyed a boost in its tourism numbers as a result of golf developments.

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