Escape to Tenerife for Great Golf That Awakens Emotions
As the golf season winds down in many parts of Europe, you may be turning your attention toward a winter sun getaway. The Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife, with its perfect mix of stunning scenery, quality golf courses and all-year-round sunshine, is a must for your 2023 shortlist.
Located off the coast of Morocco, Tenerife is Spain's largest Canary Island and one of its most popular holiday destinations. More recently, and more interestingly for us golfers, it has rapidly developed a reputation as one of the best locations in the world for golfing sun-seekers.
And away from the course, whatever the needs of your group, Tenerife has it all. Whether you're looking to sample the famed nightlife of Las Americas or simply relax in the comfort of the many 5-star resorts, there's a vibe to suit every taste.
Quality golf, sun-drenched courses
Although extremely popular during late autumn through to early spring when the ambient temperature is perfect for a day on the course, the truth is that Tenerife is a golfing paradise 365 days a year.
The Canary Islands are blessed with some fantastic golf courses, and Tenerife stands as the jewel in its crown. With nine unique golf courses, each offering very different on-course challenges, there are endless golfing possibilities to explore during your stay here.
Very few golf destinations offer the same collection of varied layouts, from the championship golf courses in the south to some real hidden gems in the north.
Each track varies in location and design, but they share the same top-quality services, welcoming atmosphere and mythical views. Whatever you do, don't miss the picture-perfect sunsets - you'll wish they could last forever.
Abama Golf is arguably the best golf course on the island. This exceptional 18-hole course is a genuine work of art. Sculpted by the master golf course designer Dave Thomas, it offers fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island of La Gomera - the second smallest of the main Canary Islands.
Towards the island's north, the Seve Ballesteros-designed Buenavista Golf Club is a testament to the great man's genius. Offering stunning views over the Atlantic, the course is a challenging test spread out along the stunning coastline of Isla Baja. You actually feel like you're hitting balls into the ocean on a few holes.
Take a trip to Buenavista, and you'll find one of the most spectacular courses on the island. It shoots right to the top of our list of 'must play' tracks.
Costa Adeje is one of the most popular courses in Tenerife and even more so after it hosted two European Tour events back in 2021. Its 27 holes trace their way through an unusual landscape that respects the old farm terraces that slope down to the sea framed by the original dry stone walls. Regardless of your skill level, you're guaranteed a challenging and immensely scenic test of golf.
Visit www.webtenerife.co.uk/tenerifegolf/ for more information about the eight golf courses in Tenerife, as well as one additional offering in La Gomera.
Quality accommodation
As far as accommodation goes, you're spoilt for choice with endless options to lay your head. With one of Europe's most modern 4-star and 5-star hotel infrastructures, you can rest and recuperate between rounds in luxurious comfort.
Tenerife Golf is associated with 20 separate quality hotels, and they will each help you arrange your all-important tee times and green fees (at preferred rates), saving you both time and money.
You'll find more information about each of the hotels by visiting www.webtenerife.co.uk/tenerifegolf/.
Ready for a bite? You've earned it
After a morning knock, you might decide to head back to your resort for lunch to take advantage of the all-inclusive packages offered by many resorts. Chances are you'll be treated to some of the finest and freshest foods in the region and, of course, an ice-cold post-round beer in the sun.
Later in the evening, if you head to one of the many restaurants and cafes in the local area, you'll find a varied cuisine. From wholesome traditional dishes passed down through the years to the most cutting-edge recipes by chefs who take the best local flavours and give them a creative twist - there's plenty to tickle your tastebuds.
Top tip: if you venture further than the touristy south, you'll find more of the local cuisine to try.
At least once during your stay, check out one of the many Michelin-star restaurants and sample their award-winning dishes and wash it all down with some of the finest wines in Europe.
The culinary delights on offer serve as a reminder that there's much more to Tenerife than it simply being a sun-soaked holiday destination.
A night to remember
If you've been considering Tenerife as a golf holiday destination recently, you'll likely be well aware that Playas de Americas is famed for its wild nightlife. The truth is that the island has much more to offer than this infamous strip.
Sure, if you like the idea of a 24-hour partying scene, then Playas de Americas will be high on your list, but remember that early tee time when you're considering another round of shots!
Those golfers of a chilled disposition might be looking more towards sampling the rooftop hammocks of Santa Cruz, or heading to a beach, karaoke or traditional bar of their choice. The island's many mellow pavement cafes are a trendy alternative too.
Explore beyond the course
On a golf trip to Tenerife, you might want to take a day's break from the course (as crazy as that may sound) and explore this beautiful volcanic landscape.
The awesome peak of Mt. Tiede towers some 3,715 metres above sea level and is the true icon of Tenerife. The official World Heritage site is the highest peak in Spain and, when measured from its base, it's the third tallest mountain in the world.
Teide National Park lies right in the middle of the island, at an altitude of 2,000 m (6,500 ft) above sea level. These record-breaking figures add to the fact that it is the most visited national park in Europe, welcoming three million visitors annually.
Exploring Mt Tiede might not be to every golfer's taste. If you're a little more inclined towards spending your free time on the beach rather than trekking up an active volcano, you're in luck.
There are many spectacular beaches within a short distance from one another, all with blue flag status for cleanliness. You could choose a different one to explore each day if you wanted. It's guaranteed to have crystal blue waters and beachside restaurants, which offer the perfect vantage point for those dazzling 'see-it-to-believe it' sunsets in the evening.
We get the feeling you're going to spend most of your time on the course, though!
There are many charming towns in Tenerife too. The historic quarters of La Laguna has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. It's considered a "unique example of an unwalled colonial city" and was once the island's capital. The original 15th-century layout remains almost intact, just as Master Leonardo Torriani depicted it in his map of La Laguna.
The bottom line: When it comes to deciding upon your next winter sun getaway with your golfing buddies, look no further than Tenerife. When you take a break between holes to wonder at the beauty around you, you'll wish you could stay in this golfing paradise forever.
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