Tenerife, a golfers paradise
Just how many golf courses can you fit onto one island? If it’s Tenerife then the answer is eight, and all with their own different characters and challenges.
One of the many qualities that attracts people to buy investment property in Tenerife, is the diversity of landscape and climate. From the lush green vegetation of the north through the hills and valleys of the Mount Teide national park to the bustling modern beach resorts of the south, the golf courses reflect the charm of the surrounding areas.
The island government have a helpful website with all the contact points and basic info for all their courses but here is a potted guide to the green miles.
Let’s start our tour with the oldest course on the island, the Real Club de Golf de Tenerife, which is also the second oldest course in Spain. Built in 1932 in Tacaronte, the course is near the north airport but visitors can only play weekdays from 9am till 1pm, the rest of the time is set aside for members. The par 71 is full of gentle slopes lined with pine trees and has an air of history and tradition.
Staying in the north, near Puerto de la Cruz is Golf de Rosaleda. Although only a 9 hole course, it has stunning views of Mount Teide and the La Orotava valley and has full hire facilities.
Severiano Ballesteros designed the Buenavista del Norte course in the far north east but even his technical knowledge is eclipsed by the sheer natural beauty of the Teno montains that form the backdrop. A lot of effort was put into preserving the natural features of this course and that can be appreciated on the coastal walks around the holes or from the restaurant with it’s awesome sea view.
If it’s luxury you are after, you can’t do better than Abama Hotel Resort near Playa San Juan on the west coast. Self contained on a cliff top setting with restaurants, spa’s, swimming pools, it’s own beach and a golf course that Bill Clinton enjoyed on his visit to Tenerife. Everything is 5 star and although big names like Zinadine Zidane have stayed there, they pride themselves on making everyone feel special. The Times newspaper sent a family along and they gave it a glowing report.
Golf Costa Adeje is another example of blending the course in with nature. This 27 hole course, towards the south coast, is built around old terraced plantations and still has the stone walls, plateaus and lots of shady palms. The 2003 Spanish Open was held here and it is one of the most popular courses.
Once you get into the southern half of Tenerife, you are close to the major holiday resorts and bathing beaches, but you wouldn’t guess from the tranquillity of the golf course. A prime example is Golf Las Americas, barely a long drive from the nightlife hub of the island but this course and it’s surrounding property is shielded by the amphitheatre design of the gently sloping course.
San Miguel de Abona, just near the south airport, is blessed with two fine courses, both nestled in purpose built resorts that offer everything the visiting or property buying golfer and family could need. Golf del Sur features ravines, volcanic sand traps and many natural obstacles to give the mind and body a good workout. Amarilla Golf also gives you a chance to pit your wits against the environment. At the 5th hole you have to drive across the open ocean as the coast cuts in, not something you will see every day.
Property buyers have two big nightmares, noisy neighbours and future building blocking their highly prized view. Developments near golf courses have no worries on either of those scores and can concentrate on chipping away at their handicap.