Some people head to the sun-kissed beaches of the Canary Islands for a relaxing break that features very little in the way of activity; their idea of the perfect vacation is to lie on the beach, soak up the sun’s rays and saunter into a local bar or restaurant every once in a while for some refreshment. For them, a holiday provides the perfect environment for regaining a little of life’s equilibrium by forgetting all about the pressures of work and family.
This is all perfectly fine, of course, but it doesn’t suit everyone. There are some tourists who like to be a little more active when they’re away, and for them the game of golf gives them a chance to enjoy the fresh air, to savour the views and to take part in a little exercise at the same time. Thankfully for them, the Canary Islands are home to a number of courses which give the dedicated golfers a wonderful chance to indulge their favourite hobby.
One of the biggest advantages of teeing off on the islands is obviously the weather, especially when compared to locations such as the UK and Ireland. With wonderfully high temperatures in the summer and relatively warm days even in the winter, the destination has become something of a favourite with golfing tourists. Needless to say, the infrastructure of hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues also helps.
A number of courses to choose from
On Gran Canaria, you’ll find one of the most popular golf resorts of all. The Salobre Golf complex features two very impressive courses – North and South – which many players feel are more American than Spanish in layout and style. Because of the rather undulating landscape on which both courses were created, players must use a buggy; a good option anyway, because it helps to speed up play.
Tenerife has, of course, been welcoming tourists for many decades, and during that time the creation of several golf courses has made it one of the most popular destinations for lovers of the game. One of the most pleasant venues, Golf Las Americas, is pleasing on the eye and gentle on the feet. The views across to the coastline and the mountains suggest players should bring cameras as well as golf clubs.
Fuerteventura is home to several picturesque courses, each of which has its own unique characteristics. The daddy of them all, Fuerteventura Golf Club, has hosted the Spanish Open, and it has a number of spectacular holes. The finest is left till last – the 18th is an extremely tough par four which features a dog-leg layout and a high tee box that looks down onto a waiting fairway.
Whichever island you plan to visit, the chances are the courses you play will feature lush fairways and large, speedy greens. A significant number of holes will play host to water features and sand traps which are waiting for errant tee shots, so placement is often more important than distance. As always, you’ll find a welcoming bar and restaurant waiting for you when you have finished your round.
