North & South, there's something for everyone
Continuing our look at the ever expanding golfing facilities here in Tenerife, we turn our attention to some of the more established courses, and what they have to offer to the 80,000 golfers who visit this island every year.

To the North of the island is the Real Club de Golf de Tenerife which was founded way back in 1932. Not only is it the oldest established golf club here on the island, but the second oldest in all of Spain.

It is situated 15 kms from the capital Santa Cruz, and just 2 kms from Tenerife North Airport. To get there take the motorway towards Puerto de la Cruz and turn off by the airport to Guamasa and follow the signs.

This old 18 hole, par 71 course is set some 600m above sea level, and with the well-established trees found throughout the course it has a very distinct British air about it.

The rolling fairways can be a bit more challenging than some of the newer courses, and the spectacular views of Teide add to the fine surroundings.
The clubhouse is inviting with a bar and restaurant facilities, and there is also a pro shop and equipment hire available. Visitors are welcome, and the normal opening hours of 8am to 8pm are extended to 9.30pm in the summer months.

To the South of the island we have the newer courses, established around the ever expanding tourist areas, from the Tenerife South Airport along the south and west coasts.

The oldest of these is Golf del Sur, designed by Pepe Gancedo and inaugurated in 1987, with its breath-taking setting, wide fairways and characteristic bunkers of black volcanic sand.
It is situated very close to the Reina Sofia Airport and is accessed by leaving the TF 1 motorway at the next junction (exit 24). Heading south towards Los Abrigos, take the first right into the Golf del Sur area where the clubhouse is signed.

This 27 hole course has staged many international tournaments such as the European PGA Tenerife Open, won here in 1989 and 1992 by Jose Maria Olazabal, with victories by David Gilford and Mark James following on in ‘93 and ‘94.

In 1995, Golf del Sur also played host to a head-to-head battle between Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson in the Shell Wonderful World of Golf tournament. As recently as last year, the first Tenerife Ladies Open, a new international Tournament was played here with great success.