Tenerife
GETTING THERE
British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from Gatwick to Tenerife South, while Monarch (www.flymonarch.com) also fly from Birmingham, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester.
WHERE TO PLAY
With amazing scenery, a reputation for hospitality and temperatures of 23°C all year round, it’s easy to see why Tenerife is such a popular holiday destination. Golf has become one of the island’s principal attractions and the British have been quick to recognise the quality and variety of courses on offer. Last year almost half those who played golf on the island came from the UK.
To the south-west, Abama Golf Resort will be recognisable to regular viewers of the European Tour as it hosted the 2005 Open de Canarias. It’s a Dave Thomas-designed layout constructed to a meticulously high standard. Some 25,000 palm trees, 22 lakes and views across the Atlantic Ocean towards the island of La Gomera make this a spectacular track. At nearly 7,000 yards, with six par 4s over 400 yards and a profusion of trouble, this is a tough but rewarding test.
To the north is Real Club de Golf de Tenerife, the island’s second-oldest course – founded in 1932. It offers great views of Teide peak, which rises some 3,718m above sea level. Thankfully Real is a shorter and more forgiving course than Abama. The fairways are lush and sprawling and the greens generous. This is the perfect venue for players of any standard to enjoy a supremely relaxing game in an uplifting landscape.
On the south-west coast, Costa Adeje’s sea views are mirrored perfectly by its undulating par-72 course. Don’t be fooled by the wide greens though – it’s a highly technical course which snakes around no less than six lakes.
WHERE TO STAY
A short drive from Real Club de Golf de Tenerife, Hotel Botanico is one of the most sumptuous on Tenerife. With superb tennis courts, a spa and gourmet restaurant it delivers the class and luxury you’d expect from a five-star hotel. There’s even an 18-hole putting green and a driving range to hone your skills before the next day’s play.
Back in the south of the island on the Costa Adeje, just a few minutes from Abama, the Hotel Colon Guanahani is a member of Tenerife’s Adrian Hotels Group. Compared to some of Tenerife’s monster complexes this is a relatively small hotel with just 154 rooms. There’s a cosy atmosphere, two pleasant swimming pools and a bar with live music most nights.
OFF COURSE
Tenerife is renowned for its water sports and is a haven for water skiers, yachtsmen, surfers and divers. Or you could just enjoy the many miles of volcanic beaches.
There’s also a great variety of cultural sites to visit. The Museo de Historia de Tenerife in La Laguna charts the island’s fascinating past, delving into the last five centuries with a series of excellent exhibits. The geology of Tenerife is incredible and it’s worth exploring further. A day trip to Granadilla to see the “lunar landscape” is a must as erosion of the volcanic geology has caused some hauntingly beautiful formations.
CONTACTS BOOK
Abama Golf Resort
T: 0034 922 126 000
W: www.abamahotelresort.com
Hotel Botanico
T: 0034 922 381 400
W: www.hotelbotanico.com
Hotel Colon Guanahani
T: 0034 922 712 046
W: www.adrianhoteles.com
Tenerife Golf
For information on all courses
T: 0034 922 636 607
W: www.tenerifegolf.es
More information
www.webtenerife.com, www.tenerifegolf.es
