Why is Tenerife the preferred island for international golfers?
Those who play golf already know this, and those who have no idea what a par, a birdie or a bunker is can imagine it: Tenerife is a paradise for the lovers of greens. A must see destination, one of the meccas of this sport, a dream place to strike the ball. That is why it has been chosen as one of the 15 best golf destinations in the world for 2020 in the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) awards, given during the last edition of the International Golf Travel Market, the largest professional fair of destinations, agencies, tour operators and companies related to golf. And the reasons are as multitudinous (or more) than the number of fields on this Canary Island. In this article, we have noted five of the many reasons.
The quality of the courses
First things first, and if a course is not a challenge for the player, no matter what his/her handicap is, he/she will not be interested. This is not the case in the courses of Tenerife, whose attraction is precisely the challenge posed by each hit. That is why many of them carry the signature of legends such as Severiano Ballesteros, Donald Steel and Dave Thomas. The quality of the courses makes the fun more than guaranteed.
The beauty of the landscape
Without a doubt, one of the lures of playing golf in Tenerife is the surroundings. It is an authentic spectacle, whether for the views over the ocean or for the majesty of Mount Teide, the imposing volcano that serves as an unforgettable stage on many of the holes. It is difficult to concentrate on the ball and not succumb to Stendhal syndrome, because the beauty of the landscape surrounding the streets and greens of the Tenerife courses is unforgettable.
The bounty of the climate...and of its people
Where in the world can you play at an average annual temperature of 24 degrees Celsius? Where can golf fans practice their favorite sport in short sleeves and Bermuda shorts without being afraid of rain one day after another? Such a friendly climate is the great asset of Tenerife (and all the Canary Islands), to convince the laziest and most homebody greens lover. Spring, summer, autumn, winter? No: the climate of Tenerife. As affable, we say, as the character of its people, always positive and with a smile on their face. It will make you want to play!
The tourist attractions
Playing golf takes a lot of time, it’s true. It is difficult to complete any 18-hole course in less than four hours. But what do you do the rest of the day before or after you put on your spiked shoes and wield your driver? In any other destination, boredom would be the usual fate because there is not much to see or do beyond the 18th hole. The opposite of what happens in Tenerife, where there are countless tourist attractions: spectacular beaches to enjoy the sun and water, boat trips to watch the whales swimming in freedom, shopping malls, modern cities and interesting historical centers that are well preserved, World Heritage Sites such as Teide and the historic center of San Cristobal de La Laguna...all ready for the enjoyment of visitors.
The varied hotel offer
Tenerife is one of the world’s major tourist destinations (two international airports connected to some 150 European cities), so it is not surprising that the island has an excellent and varied hotel offer, with establishments for all tastes and pockets. Not only that, but many of the hotels are located on the golf courses. A fan’s dream: from the room to the first tee and from the 18th green to the room. And all this on foot.
