Gran Canaria – a sub-tropical golf haven

The sub-tropical climate of Gran Canaria makes it the perfect place for a golfing getaway. The third largest of the Canary Islands enjoys a wonderful annual average temperature of between 20 and 24°C – simply ideal to head out onto the golf course. And what’s more, this Spanish island has many great golfing venues where you can really make the most of the wonderful weather. 

If you’re looking for a club that illustrates the island’s golfing pedigree, then look no further than Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas – Spain’s oldest golf club. Established in 1891, the par-71 course designed by Mackenzie Ross sits in the shadow of an extinct volcano – a stunning backdrop. Though relatively short in length, the layout plays over treacherous ravines – typical of Gran Canaria’s landscape – ensuring an enjoyable white-knuckle round for all who tee up.

Located in the South of the island, Maspalomas Golf is home to another superb Mackenzie Ross design. Surrounded by majestic natural sand dunes just inland from the coast, it presents generous fairways that are protected by many well-positioned bunkers.

With a course this enjoyable, we doubt you’ll ever get tired of teeing up, but just in case you do, there’s the added attraction that Maspalomas is set within the island’s largest tourist complex, meaning there’s fun to be had both on and off the course.

Blake Stirling and Marco Martin conceived the wonderful test that is the course at El Cortijo Club de Campo. Situated on the outskirts of Gran Canaria’s largest city, Las Palmas, it is one of the longest courses in Spain – perhaps why it was chosen to host the Spanish Open. However, though it is long from the backs, Cortijo has many different tee options, making it a course players of all ages and abilities can enjoy. And while challenging, it is also idyllic. Woven through palm trees and lakes, it is sure to test and delight in equal measure.

Lopesan Meloneras Golf is another top golfing venue in the South of Gran Canaria. Though it may be a brief challenge at nine holes, it is one that we’re sure you’re going to want to take time and time again. That is in no small part down to the epic sea and mountain views that are a constant companion throughout your round. Like its mountain backdrop, the test of golf at Meloneras grows harder as the round reaches its conclusion, but four tee options mean it is a fun proposition for all.

It should come as no surprise that Gran Canaria’s wealth of top courses are also complemented by many top hotels.

The only complex in the entire Canary Islands with 36 holes, Salobre Golf & Resort, prides itself on offering the best in service, value, and, of course, golf. The elder of the two 18-hole layouts at Salobre is Campo Sur, a charming challenge that showcases what’s best about golf in Gran Canaria. There’s a wonderful variety to the holes, which makes it a new and refreshing test every time you choose to tee up here.

Opened in 2008, Campo Norte is the newer of the two courses at Salobre. Modelled on the best desert courses of the United States, the lush green grass of Norte contrasts with the surrounding brick-red landscape – a striking setting for golf. That makes this an immediately memorable experience from the moment you step onto the first tee.

The trio of Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril firmly forged their reputations as world-renowned golf course designers at Anfi Tauro Golf in Gran Canaria, pictured above. Set among sheer cliff faces, lakes and waterfalls, it is a dramatic test of golf that can be taken on by all. If you want to record a decent score at Anfi, though, then the many vast bunkers are to be avoided when teeing up.

It should come as no surprise that Gran Canaria’s wealth of top courses are also complemented by many top hotels. From budget retreats to luxury accommodation, this island idyll has it all. And with a well-established reputation as a holiday hotspot, you can be sure of superb service wherever it is you decide to lay your head.

If you’re revisiting Gran Canaria then look out for the island’s latest five-star addition: the Radisson Blu Gran Canaria. It’s also soon to be complemented by another opulent hotel, the eagerly anticipated Bohemia Suites and Spa.

An abundance of cracking courses and a wide choice of places to stay, all set amidst a sub-tropical climate: Gran Canaria has everything you’ll ever need for a great golfing getaway.