Located off the coast of Western Sahara, the Spanish archipelago of the Canaries has successfully relied on golf tourism for several years, like Mauritius, among others. It must be said that the charm of its volcanic islands, its proximity to the European continent and temperatures which oscillate most of the time between 20 and 30°C make it a destination of choice for all iron 4 addicts. Or more if affinities.

Gran Canaria, an oasis between dunes and hills

In the northeast of the island, le Royal Golf Club of Las Palmas is an obligatory pilgrimage since it is the oldest club in Spain. This dashing 128-year-old grandpa grew up near the crater of a volcano and kept all his teeth, like its narrow fairways, emaciated greens and welcoming ditches along the road. It offers some spectacular views of the highest peaks of the island and its cliffs overlooking the ocean a few drives away.

To know more : http://www.realclubdegolfdelaspalmas.com

However, most of the courses are located in the south of the island, in the region of Maspalomas. Very popular with German tourists, it is statistically one of the sunniest parts of the world in the year. Like a green oasis in the heart of the khaki hills, le Salobré Golf & Resort and its 36 holes are first of all a real visual shock. The striking contrast between its wide emerald-colored boulevards and the arid vegetation is reminiscent of certain Arizona courses. Inaugurated in 1999, the Old Course and its generous fairways is accessible to all types of players, especially since, protected by the relief, the wind often takes a nap. More technical, the New Course weaves its way through a wild and steep nature and offers some breathtaking holes, like the 5, which requires a driver over a cliff. Thrills guaranteed.

https://www.salobregolfresort.com

A few minutes away, the Lopesan Meloneras Golf has false airs of a small Peeble Beach with Iberian sauce. Nestled on a small cliff that runs along the Atlantic, the back holes offer a postcard decor that will sometimes encourage you to take your camera more often than your putter. Dotted with palm trees, the course has another particularity: conciliating at the start, it seems to grow in difficulty over the holes.

Along the natural dunes of Maspalomas, this amazing curled carpet of sand bordering the ocean, le Maspalomas Golf is a lovely walk in the sun, ideal for casual gamers. This forty-year-old par 73 with wide and flat fairways is located within the largest tourist complex on the island, with many luxury hotels.

http://melonerasgolf.es

A little further west finally, the Anfi Tauro Golf is one of the most beautiful courses in the Canaries. Carved in canyons, adorned with lakes and waterfalls, this 18-hole seems to take on the ocean from high. And he can afford it. Each hole is a delight, each time offering a different scene and challenge. The scorecard quickly becomes secondary and we come out of the golf course literally stunned, with bogeys and stars in full view.

https://anfi.com/en/anfi-resorts-golf

Where to stay?

Unique 5 * golf resort on the island, le Salobre Hotel & Resort is the ideal place to spend your holidays in peace with clubs in hand, the other three courses (Lopesan Meloneras, Maspalomas and Anfi Tauro) being less than a quarter of an hour away. Built on a hillside, this former Sheraton features 313 timelessly designed rooms, no less than 7 swimming pools and a modern spa.

https://www.salobregolfresort.com

Tenerife, at the foot of the volcano

Just half an hour by plane from Gran Canaria, Tenerife is the other golfing spot in the Canaries. Again, most of the best courses are concentrated in the south of the island. Masterfully hatched by Darley, the friendly marshall of Mauritian origin with whom you can chat in French, Amarilla Golf Club is a magical stroll of no less than 13 holes in the company of the ocean. Hole 5, a short par 3 of 115m that requires flying over the Atlantic, is one of the most spectacular in the world. For those who enjoy the sunset game, the golf course closes later than the others, at 21 p.m.

http://www.amarillagolf.es

Change of scenery with Las Americas, a charming 18 hole inland bordered by trees and brightened up by numerous water obstacles. This affordable course is distinguished by its beautiful colors and an overall picture variegated by beautiful flowers and exuberant gardens of palm trees or Canary Islands dragon trees.

http://www.golflasamericas.com

Still in the south of the island, Costa Adeje is a little gem hanging from the Atlantic. Designed taking into account the natural characteristics of the region, but also its small terraces and stone walls erected to delimit the old banana plantations, the course plunges from the breathtaking 3^e hole towards the sea. A few cliffs and water obstacles as well as a superb view towards the island of Gomera add spice to a golf course which has the particularity of offering an equivalent number of par 3, par 4 and par 5.

http://www.golfcostaadeje.com

Here again we save the best for the end with Abama Golf, a setting perched 315 m above sea level facing the Teide volcano (the high mountain where Christopher Froome and many cyclists train in winter). Beyond the enchanting setting, it's a real golf test winding between 25 palm trees, white sand bunkers and no less than 000 lakes connected by waterfalls. Magnificent but demanding, because if the greens are vast, they will give you a hard time.

https://www.abamagolf.com

Where to stay?

Ideally located near the various golf courses, le Hard Rock Hotel is an upscale and atypical establishment, with ultramodern rooms having a rock'n'roll theme. In addition to many activities, entertainment, concerts and a children's club, you will have the choice between 10 restaurants, including a varied buffet with ACDC, the Rolling Stones and Queen as background music. Ideal for family vacations or for young couples.

https://www.hardrockhoteltenerife.com

Frank Crudo