There are three loops of nine, that can be played in combinations to make up the round. They are the South, The North and The Links, but I would always recommend that the North course is included, if only for the spectacular 3rd hole. A long par five with a deep ochre coloured barranca running along the whole of right hand edge of the fairway, and rising to a green protected on the left with a huge gaping black bunker awaiting the wayward approach. Each loop returns to the clubhouse, and each has a distinct flavour.

The south course has it's memory jerker, the 193 meter second hole is dominated by an immense bunker of black sand, an incentive to find the green with the tee shot.

The Links always appears to be the most generous in yielding pars, especially if you can avoid the numerous water hazards, which come into play in the middle holes of the nine, where the changes in elevation have been used to create each individual hole. Cascading waterfalls link the lakes and make for impressive backdrop. The views out to sea and along the coast to the Red Rock are a constant reminder of the proximity of the sea.

For those not wishing to drive far, the Golf Del Sur village is an ideal place to be based, there is a choice of hotel accommodation and numerous well appoint villas and apartments close at hand. There is a selection of quality restaurants, such that it was necessary for us to make reservations for the ones that we had chosen, a good sign indeed.

The Fairway Village and the Par Cafe/Restaurant is English owned and offers excellent fayre, particularly if you need a taste of home cooking or a traditional fish and chip supper, we were tempted back on more than one occasion.

In addition to the three loops at Del Sur, there is another eighteen hole course, Amarilla Golf close by within walking distance from some of the hotels.

There are now eight courses on the island, including real Club de Golf way up in the north, plus the Tecina Golf on the island of La Gomera. Six of the clubs are located within easy travelling distance from the prime resorts in the south of the island, all contributing to the concept of year round golf in a perfect climate. Despite the reduction in the euro, golf in Tenerife is still good value for money if planned and booked in advance.

Michael Rees

Contact websites:

Abama www.abamahotelresort.com

Buenavista www.buenavistagolf.es

Golf del Sur www.golfdelsur.es