Ever since its 1987 inaugural event, a competition for professionals, the 27 greens and fairways of Golf del Sur on Tenerife have provided the backdrop for various top international tournaments. In 1989 they bore witness to José Maria Olazábal’s victory in the Open de Tenerife, a feat he repeated in 1992. The following year they watched as David Gilford won the event, as did Mark James in ’94. In 1995, Golf del Sur (Tenerife) hosted the Shell Wonderful World of Golf tournament and its head-to-head battle between Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson.
The North and South combination, a par 72 with 5,870 metres in length, is the professional’s route. It is flat and in typical American style has wide fairways and imposing bunkers which are strategically placed to protect the raised greens. Birdies must be earned, so precision play is the order of the day.
This is a test of accuracy and course management rather than length. The 3rd hole of the North course is outstanding. Its wide fairway is bordered to the right by water which protects the golfer from what is known as “malpaís” or bad country, and from an incredible white rock ravine.
The aridity of the desert combined with lush greens and fairways are united by an immense, black-sanded bunker stretching the length of the fairway to the left. It is a formidable test. The Links course presents fewer difficulties and less experienced golfers may feel more at home there but precision is still required. Here the par three (137 metres) ninth hole stands out. The sandy rough to the left of the fairway planted with palm trees suggests a distinctly tropical air.
The club also has a golf school,excellent practice facilities, tennis, bowls, a bar and restaurant, pro shop and tennis courts, and there is a wide choice of accommodation available nearby. Reina Sofía international airport is just two kilometres away.