PLAYING AWAY: TENERIFE

The Lowdown
SUCH is the widespread popularity and appeal of Tenerife it requires very little introduction. Quite simply put, it is an island of golf.
Here you have a choice of eight courses and, while Tenerife may not have the fame of the Algarve or the sheer numbers of mainland Spain, what it can offer is a great variety of challenges and a welcome like no other.
Add into the equation a world of accommodation and the possibilities here are endless. All manner of budgets are also catered for and you can make your trip as budget or high-class as you wish.

Where To Play
THE majority of Tenerife’s courses are to be found in the south of the Island with only the Seve Ballesteros-designed Buenavista (north west) and Real Club de Golf de Tenerife (north east) the exceptions.
Both these courses have their own unique attractions as Buenavista is one of the most original on the island, while Real Club de Golf is renowned for its distinctly British atmosphere.
However, with most courses in the south, this is the ideal area. And if you are staying in Playa de las Americas, Golf Las Americas (pictured) is the perfect starting point.
The 18 holes here provide a gentle introduction with a liberal sprinkling of water and generous fairways to boost the confidence in a beautiful setting.
Golf Costa Adeje stands out as one of the premier venues here and as such hosted this year’s Tenerife Ladies Open. Of its 27 holes, the 6th is possibly the most dramatic as its stepped fairways lead down to an undulating green that seems to disappear into the ocean. Golf del Sur is also one of the more popular destinations. If you can shut out the sound of planes landing at the nearby airport, then you’ll enjoy the big elevation changes and interesting holes that are thrown up here.

Where To Stay
IF it’s golf by day and partying by night you’re after, then Playa de las Americas is the most popular resort.
Here you’ll find a broad range of options from budget apartments to five-star hotels and everything in between. There literally is something for every taste and budget.
At the smaller end of the scale you will be spoilt for choice as Las Americas has budget hotels and self catering apartments by the bucketload.However, if you are looking for something a little more refined, the choice of five-star hotels is just as abundant.
In the heart of Las Americas you’ll find three extremely luxurious hotels in Hotel Gran Tacande, Hotel Sheraton La Caleta or Hotel Las Madrigueras, which is also attached to Golf Las Americas.
Other resorts such as Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Galletas and Costa del Silencio are easier on the ears and will cater more for families and those who prefer a quieter life while they’re away.
But, if it’s pure luxury, complete exclusivity and immaculate surroundings you’re used to, then the Abama Hotel is surely the only place to stay.
Without doubt it is one of the grandest hotels on the island and houses a tropical paradise where you can drink in the outstanding views of the Atlantic Ocean, or the Dave Thomas-designed golf course.
Quite simply, nothing here falls anywhere short of spectacular. To explore all options visit www.webtenerifeuk.co.uk or for individual hotels visit:
www.abamahotelresort.com
www.gran-tecande-hotel.com
www.sheratonlacaleta.com

After Sundown
THERE is certainly no shortage of places to eat and drink in Tenerife and, as a colony of Spain, you’ll find tapas high on the menu in most places.
However, Tenerife is extremely diverse mostly thanks to the influx of British tourists who have flocked here for many years.
Therefore, you’re just as likely to find somewhere that serves egg and chips as you are excellent seafood.
Again, whatever you want, you’re certain to find it in one of the many venues.

When To Go
Thanks to 300 days of sunshine a year and a temperate all-year-round climate, there is really no bad time to visit Tenerife.
The average daily temperatures range from 25˚C in the summer to around 20 in the winter.
High season for golf in Tenerife is during the cooler winter months, but if you can stand the heat during the summer, there are some fantastic discounts to be found.

Off-Course Attractions
AS you would expect from an island of this nature, the sea plays a big part in the attractions that take place away from the golf course.
Surfing, sailing, windsurfing, diving and deep-sea fishing are just some of the activities you can fill your time with as well as attempting to spot the colony of pilot whales and bottle-nose dolphins that have made the coastal waters of Tenerife their home.
However, there is also another world to be explored inland from its picturesque villages to the dramatic landscapes of the Teide National Park that is the home of the Teide volcano that, at 3,718 metres, is the highest peak in Spain.
You can even make the short ferry crossing to the small island of La Gomera and explore a lush island that also has its own Donald Steel-designed course.

How To Get There
LOW-FARES airline Monarch offers year-round flights to Tenerife from Birmingham, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £77.50 one way (£138.99 return).
www.monarch.co.uk

Courses Factfile

Abama
Holes: 18
www.abamahotelresort.com

Amarilla
Holes: 18
www.amarillagolf.es

Buenavista
Holes: 18
www.buenavistagolf.es

Centro de Golf Los Palos
Holes: 9
www.golflospalos.com

Costa Adeje
Holes: 18
www.golfcostaadeje.com

Golf Del Sur
Holes: 27
www.golfdelsur.es

Las Americas
Holes: 18
www.golf-tenerife.com

Real Club de Golf
Holes: 18
www.realclubgolftenerife.com