Tenerife is rapidly becoming one of the must-visit destinations for golfers.
Spain and Portugal have long held an edge because of their easy flight access, but while Tenerife takes a little longer to get there, it's worth the effort because of the growing number of quality courses and the fact Tenerife boasts an even all-year round temperature.
There are also many fine hotels to choose from but being based at the Mare Nostrum Resort, located on the Playa del Camison in the south of Tenerife, was perfect for the 10 courses on the island and within easy reach of the ferry for a trip to Gomera to play the wonderful Tecina lay-out.
There are five hotels, all five-star, on the Mare Nostrum Resort with more than 1,000 bedrooms, loads of pools, bars and restaurants inside the resort and there's more out there on the main street.
Pick of the courses is almost certainly the new Dave Thomas-designed Abama course, but there's really not much to choose between the likes of Abama, Seve Ballesteros's Buenavista lay-out, Adeje, Amarilla and Golf del Sur and all of the courses have their individual attractions and it is certainly worth taking the ferry trip to Gomera to play Tecina.
Tecina is unusual in that every hole is just about downhill! You're bussed up to the first hole and wind your way down to the 18th and clubhouse which makes the course fairly reasonable to walk although there are buggies available.
Designed by Donald Steel, it has incredible views, particularly on the second, fourth, 10th and 18th. The most difficult holes are probably the fifth and the 16th, but the 10th is also a cracker.
There is the astounding array of trees and plants - palms, mangoes, bananas, avocados, geraniums and bougainvillea and the clubhouse has a snack bar and pro shop.
Nearby is the Hotel Jardin Tecina and the work has started on the construction of luxury apartments.
Abama is winding and challenging, with several lakes and is typical Dave Thomas rolling greens. With a par of 72 and 6,237 metres in length, it has 10 par fours, four par threes and four par fives and magnificent views of Mount Teide volcano. Another nine holes are also being built.
The golf course is part of a luxury complex with a five-star hotel, conference centre and tennis club.
Adeje also has amazing views of the sea, the island of Gomera, Las Americas beach and the Adeje Mountains. It staged this year's European Ladies Tenerife Open and is a fair test of golf - take a buggy as there are some hills to negotiate.
A feature of the course is the stone walls, the legacy of the agricultural history of the site, which have been restored and come into play more than you would probably like.
Buenavista is on the North East corner of the island and is surrounded by the Teno mountain range. The 18 hole, par 72, has a length of 6,150 metre and on the outward nine, the most demanding holes are the par fours while on the inward route, the greatest precision is required by the par threes and above all at the 15th and 17th, as they are next to the sea.
On five holes, the greens are close to the rocky coastline and the waves break spectacularly framing the greens.
Within easy reach of Mare Nostrum is Las Americas, a fairly flat course which is ideal for holiday golf - that's not to imply it's easy because it is not but it is pleasant to walk with wide fairways through lakes, waterfalls, and trees and measures 6,039 metres, so it's not long and it also has a terrific clubhouse with very friendly staff.
Amarilla is located on the foreshore, with impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean. It has a spectacular fifth hole where you have to drive the ball over the sea.
Golf del Sur, the 27 hole complex, has been around for a while but it still surprises you with its wide fairways, flanked by palms and giant cacti and its black volcanic sand bunkers.
The Tenerife Open was held there for several years and has also hosted the Shell Wonderful World of Golf tournament. It has a tremendous clubhouse and is well worth a visit.
The island's oldest course Real Club de Golf de Tenerife has been there since 1932 and is very British in its feel and it's rolling terrain means you have to be fairly fit to walk it.
Los Palos is a nine hole course and is also worth a visit. It has water obstacles and lush vegetation, but is not punishing and is ideal for beginners, families, players wishing to improve their short play or those who need a quick game.
