Fuerteventura, the second largest island in the Canary Islands, is home to four fun and varied courses, with the sea and the blue sky in the background for 365 days.

It is an island dried up by the rays of the sun, a hundred kilometers off the coast of southern Morocco, which is open to you all year round, 4 hours from Paris by plane. In this arid and craggy land, which attracts water sports enthusiasts but still remains untouched by mass tourism which is rampant on the neighboring islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife, golf does not just play the supporting roles. Four particularly fun courses, carved out on the east coast, await golf trotters in search of sun and tranquility.

Salinas, for fun

  • 20191016_Fuerteventura, wild and golfing at the same time_Salinas
    © Franck Crudo

A quarter of an hour south of Fuerteventura airport, Salinas is a flat par 70 and rather easy, as evidenced by the course record (61). On this short course (5 meters), which includes many doglegs, the blue sky, the birds, the sea and the bare hills serve as a backdrop, as indeed on all the golf courses of the island. "It's an 18 hole course which is suitable for all levels of play, everyone is having fun here", confirms Roberto Sampedro, the manager of a course that emerged from the ground in 2006.

Designed by Manolo Pineiro, the route includes various obstacles, ponds, bunkers of volcanic sand, mounds and various topographies of soil which make this course very fun to play. Between each shot, it's difficult not to be captivated by the Lego-style dwellings, nestled on the heights overlooking the region. The 19e hole is an excellent surprise: backing onto the club house, the Algo Mas restaurant offers quality cuisine. George, a young waiter who was born in France, will take care of you and even make you taste the local liqueur, made from honey, cacti and rum!

To know more : https://www.salinasgolf.com

Fuerteventura Golf Club, an XXL course

  • 20191016_Fuerteventura, wild and golfing at the same time_Fuerteventura Golf Club
    © Fuerteventura Golf Club

Within driving distance of Salinas, the Fuerteventura Golf Club hosted the Spanish Open in 2004. With a card of 63, the Frenchman Grégory Havret also holds the record for a par 72 which is distinguished by large, well-maintained greens and boulevards sometimes 50 meters wide as fairways.

The first holes face the sea and the astonishing green of 4 even runs alongside a… McDonald's and a gas station! Here again, the watchword is fun, like the 17, a par 5 that turns to the right and which will allow you to putter for an eagle if you dare to fly over the houses and manage to cut the dogleg thanks to a good putting into play. The last two holes, the most hilly, offer a nice panorama over the rest of the course and the Atlantic. Also note the gigantic practice (50 mats) and an 800 m putting green².

WHERE TO STAY? Located in the heart of the Fuerteventura Golf Club and five minutes from the Salinas course, Elba Palace Golf & Vital is a friendly 5 *, reserved for adults. Golfers will be able to appreciate a hotel on a human scale, the warm welcome from Pilar - the assistant manager who speaks French and will do everything to make your stay pleasant -, a private spa and the delicate hot stone massages by Clementina. Without forgetting dinner in the superb interior courtyard adorned with tall palm trees, with a singer capable of singing some of the greatest classics in the Spanish language, but also of putting himself in the shoes of Sting or Elton John.

To know more : https://www.fuerteventuragolfclub.com/

Playitas, the par 3 in the spotlight

  • 20191016_Fuerteventura, wild and golfing at the same time__Playitas
    © Franck Crudo

A 35-minute drive south of the two previous courses, the Playitas golf course is definitely not like the others. On this par 67, we start with a par 3 and end with a par 3, the golf course including eight in total. Set in the heart of a volcanic valley, this 18-hole nicely hugs the rugged curves of the relief, which gives it a certain cachet, in addition to the proximity to the sea.

Designed by Scotsman John Chilver Stainer, Playitas offers a different challenge to almost every hole. Special mention for the departure of hole n ° 10 (a par 5), at the top of which we can see the whole course, and the departure of 17 (a par 3) which blends elegantly with the nearby Atlantic.

To know more : https://www.playitas.net/en/sport/golf

Jandia, in peace

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    © Golf de Jandia

Finally, on the southern tip of the island, a 45-minute drive from Playitas, the Jandia golf course is undoubtedly the most emblematic of the island. No homes here, steep holes (the cart is recommended), the course quickly offers a feeling of calm and fullness, especially as this part of the island seems untouched by mass tourism. Reopened in 2014 after the bankruptcy of the previous owner, this 18-hole course has charm and offers quite a challenge from the second hole, a very long par 4 facing the sea in Peeble Beach mode, with a green strewn on a small cliff that seems difficult to reach in two shots. The 13, a drivable par 4, is also spectacular. Just like the 15, a par 3 as a postcard, unless it is the other way around, with its large palm tree watching the green and the sea in the background.

« It is the only course in the south of the island, emphasizes Braulio Uribe, the very friendly manager of golf.  The greens are of good quality and the strategic aspect is essential on this hilly 18 hole course, where there are few flat shots. " Four lakes and dry riverbeds - like most water hazards in Fuerteventura - spice up a par 72 where you never get bored.

To know more : http://jandiagolf.com/

WHERE TO STAY? Close to the Jandia golf course, the Royal Palm Resort & Spa was recently erected along a small cliff that borders the ocean and offers an exceptional panorama. Among the strengths of this 4 * reserved for adults who could almost deserve one more star, a tasty and varied buffet offered morning, noon and evening as well as a private spa full of charm (with hammam and jacuzzi) to be absolutely tested.

Frank Crudo