Golf in the Canary Islands

Due to its clement year-round climate, the Canary Islands are a popular destination for golfing holidays. Usually annexed to luxury hotels and resorts, the courses range from relatively simple par-3 affairs to challenging 18-holers played on by some of the world’s best golfers.

Whilst contributing significantly to the island’s economy, golf courses are also controversial with ecological groups that question their sustainability due to the water shortage in the archipelago. Golf course owners retort that the greens are maintained using water from local desalination plants but the issue remains contentious.

Out of all the islands, Tenerife is the pick of the bunch in terms of choice. In its south, predominantly dotted around the Playa de las Américas, there are several courses where you can tee off in style surrounded by local indigenous flora and lush panoramas of green and blue. Tenerife's closest rival, Gran Canaria boats the oldest and the most prestiges golf club of the Canary island, whilst the newcomers in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are keeping up with the competition. There is one golf course in the La Gomera island, surrounded by lush and green.

Green fees can range from €40-80 depending on quality whilst most courses also offer club rental for around €25.